Obituaries

 

LeRoy ~ James G. Calmes Sr., age 89, of E. Bethany-LeRoy Road, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday (Sept. 7, 2017).

    

He was born December 24, 1927 in Warsaw, a son of the late Arthur and Gladys Niles Calmes.

     Jim was a very proud veteran of the U.S. Army and an equally proud member of the first undefeated varsity football team at LeRoy High School.  He was a long time, diehard fan of the Oakland Raiders and an avid golfer and hunter.  He was also an active member and officer with the Jaycees.

     He is survived by his children, Mark (Lori) Calmes of Pavilion, Beth Hawn (Mike Urckfitz) of Churchville, Jamie Calmes Jr. of LeRoy, Sharon Wickson (Joe Miceli) of LeRoy, Tracey (David) Perry of Hilton, Gary Kiefer Jr. (Christel Gayhart) of LeRoy and Sherry (Daniel) Constantino of Churchville; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews and close friends.  He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Calmes and seven siblings.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 2 ~ 3 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the National Parkinson Foundation or LeRoy Ambulance Service.

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

JOSEPH M. FURST, JR. ~ Batavia

Age 57, died unexpectedly Thursday. September 7, 2017, at his home. He was born April 20, 1960, in Batavia, NY to the late Joseph M. Furst, Sr. and Pricilla (Bona) O'Neil of Batavia. 

Joe was a 1978 graduate of Batavia High School, studied Engineering Science at GCC and graduated in 1988 from the Institute of Audio Research. At an early age Joe had an interest in music and from there was his lifelong passion, his greatest joy was playing the guitar along with writing and teaching music. He had a love of animals, attending concerts with his sister, Lisa and no matter the time or place, was always available for a "Jam." 

Surviving along with his mother is his beloved sisters, Eva (Peter) Reynolds of Attica and Lisa (Tim) Johnson of Batavia; nieces and nephews, Kristina(Andrew), Elle, Ashley & Nicholas along with many close friends and local musicians. 

The Furst family will be present from 4-8pm on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will take place 11 a.m., Friday, September 15. He will be laid to in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory can be made to his family. 

Please share your memories of Joe with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

 

Marjory Tyler Rounds, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed from this life surrounded by caring family on Saturday September 2, 2017 in Cleveland at age 56 following a struggle with complications due to cancer.

She was a daughter of the late Marion “Toby” Tyler and the late Burnice D. Tyler, of South Byron, NY, where Marjory spent her childhood.

A musical prodigy, she took early preparatory music classes at the Eastman School of Music, graduated from Byron-Bergen Central School and later the Boston University School of Music. She taught music in the Cortland, NY, school system and later served as adjunct faculty at Kent State University School of Music in Kent, Ohio.

She also performed professionally with her husband as the duo “Tyler Rounds,” singing and playing a variety of percussion instruments including her favorite, Trinidadian steel drums.

Mrs. Rounds was predeceased by her husband, percussion virtuoso Theodore P. (Ted) Rounds, also of Ravenna. Survivors include: two sisters, Lenora (John) Sands of Stafford, NY, and Carol Fox of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; a brother, Charles (Jeanne Hablanian) Tyler of Sherborn, Mass.; three nieces, Jennifer (Dan) VanValkenburg of Bergen, NY, Rebecca (Ted) Stone of Hingham, Mass., and Melissa (Aaron Gee-Clough) Fox of Bethesda, MD; a nephew, Matthew (Celeste Ng) Fox of Cambridge, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Rebecca (Mark) Fegan of Bellevue, Neb.; a brother-in-law, Joseph (Sarah) Rounds of Pittsburgh, Pa.;  several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, numerous cousins, and hundreds of friends, colleagues, and students.

Memorial arrangements by the family will be announced at a future time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kent State University Foundation Inc., noting the Ted and Tyler Rounds Memorial Scholarship, and mailed to: Kent State University, College of the Arts, Attn: Pam Hutson, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242

STEPHEN V. RYNKOWSKI ~ Batavia

Left this world unexpectedly on Saturday September 2, 2017 at home at the age of 60. He was born December 22, 1956 in Warsaw, NY a son of the late Alfred and Jacquelyn (VanSickle) Rynkowski. 

Steve was a 1975 graduate of Keshequa High School in Nunda and upon graduation served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He was retired from New York State Correctional Services/Wyoming Correctional. He enjoyed working around his home, gardening and listening to music, he had a well known admiration of Elvis especially when he would sing a tune. Steve had a soft spot for his cat, Elsie but his joy in life, his pride was his son, Ryan who currently serves in the US Air Force.           

Surviving is his son, Ryan Rynkowski who resides in North Carolina; brothers, Timothy Rynkowski of Batavia, Randy Rynkowski of Tennessee, Ron-Scott Biondolillo of Oakland, NY, Gary Rynkowski of Batavia and sister, Cathe Rynkowski serving in the military in Colorado along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The Rynkowski family will be present from 5-7pm on Friday September 8, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATON CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a reception will follow at the Dibble Family Center. He will be laid to rest in the future veterans cemetery in Pembroke. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) 820 67th Ave. North #7508 Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Steve with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

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

 

John Lake Greenman, an outdoors man who loved being on and in the water and was a husband and father extraordinaire left this Earth for his final destination on August 29, 2017 at the Jupiter Medical Center Pavilion Hospice following a short illness.

His family includes his wife, Jennifer (Podelicki) Greenman and their children, Jackson Lake Greenman (age 10), Teaghan Reilly Greenman (age 8) and Bowen Lake Greenman (age 6) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Mr. Greenman’s family also includes his mother Liz (Fritz) Rowsick of Bergen and the late Clinton R. Greenman. He was the brother and uncle of Ron (Dawn) Greenman of Ellicott City, Maryland and their children, Brandon Hart, Brittany Jones, Colin Marshall, Cooper Greenman and Jack Greenman all of Maryland; Dave (Pat) VanValkenburg of Saugerites, New York and their daughters, Erica and Jordan, Donna (Garth) Howard of Caledonia and their sons, Adam and Nathan; Dan (Jenn) VanValkenburg of Bergen and their daughters, Dana and Ella and the late Matthew Greenman and his children, Jacob, Joshua and Moriah Greenman of Brockport. He was also the stepbrother of the late Mark Rowsick.

John was a 1988 graduate of Byron Bergen Central School and attended both SUNY Morrisville and Genesee Community College. He was a Construction Executive in Florida. In his brief lifetime (born April 25, 1970), he lived in both Portugal and Venezuela before settling with his family in Palm Beach Gardens.

A Service of Remembrance was held on August 31, 2017 at St. Patrick Church, Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Horizon Health Services, 314 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020 in his name to help others to recognize and take ownership of their addictions.

While he lived in Bergen, Mr. Greenman brought Mike Fleming and Mike Downs into our family. Since his move to Florida, John Lesh and his children Jack and Malory have become "family" to us.

John was probably one of the only Floridians to faithfully support both the Buffalo Bills and the Toronto Blue Jays win or lose.

John Greenman walked to the beat of his own drummer.

He is in our hearts forever.

Alice M. Taggart, 93, of Salamanca, formally of Alexander passed away peacefully on Monday September 4, 2017 at Absolute Care of Salamanca. She was born on June 1, 1924 in Ohio to the late Charles and Clella (Alcorn) Swift. In addition to her parents, Alice is predeceased by her husband; John Taggart; 3 daughters Catherine, Donna and Charlotte Stalker; brother William “Bill” Swift.

Alice worked for many years as a Registered Nurse at the VA Medical Center in Batavia prior to her retirement. She was a long time member and very active in the Trinity Methodist Church in Attica. She loved the outdoors, flowers and gardening and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Alice remained very active helping other people and volunteering her time until she was in her 80’s.

She is survived by her children; Allen (Joanie) Stalker of Dale, Keith Stalker of Attica, Gerald Stalker of Alexander, George Stiles Jr. of Alexander, Betty (Dennis) Drew of Webster, Leona Stalker of Attica, Janice (Barney) Lee of Salamanca and Linda Weber of IN.; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends that will miss her dearly.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the activities fund at the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

Oakfield - Kenneth C. Motts, 90, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday (September 2, 2017) at the New York State Veteran's Home in Batavia.

Ken was born December 24, 1926 in Silver Springs, a son of the late Louis and Edith (Gill) Motts and raised by his grandmother Katherine Gill in Wyoming, NY, who was the inspiration and champion for his musical talents.

Ken served honorably in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, and was a proud graduate of Wyoming Central School, Houghton College and Breadloaf School of English in Middlebury, VT.

Ken taught English at Letchworth Central, Endwell Central and finished his 35-year career at Oakfield-Alabama Central School, where he was known as a fashion icon and shared his passion for literature and the arts with generations of admiring students.  He was a member of Saint Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield.

To know Ken, was to love Ken.  His intellect, sharp wit and command of the English language combined with his sense of humor endeared Ken to most.  He shared his musical talents generously by playing the organ for hundreds of religious services, weddings, funerals and various community events.  He was a Hospice volunteer, supported the local library and performed with the Batavia Players, The Genesee Symphony and The Barbershop Chorus.  After moving to The Manor House in 2011, at the age of 84, Ken performed a piano concert every Saturday night for friends and residents.   

Survivors include his sister-in-law, Thelma Dumbleton of Canandaigua; cousin, dear friend and loyal caretaker, Janet (late John) Paine of Batavia; cousin, Lawrence Alexander of Ft. Erie, Ontario; adoring and dedicated cousin, Linda Paine Hughes of Batavia; two loving goddaughters, Sandra Fenton Baubie and Abigail English Neely; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of friends.

Ken is predeceased by his beloved wife Jeane B. Motts, brother, Louis Motts Jr., sister-in-law, Lois Motts and his treasured feline children Maude, Flossie, George and Barnaby.

Ken’s family would like to thank the caring staff of The Manor House, LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home and the New York State Veteran’s Home for the compassionate and respectful care provided Ken during his final days.

There are no prior calling hours.  Ken’s Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Saint Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia's Site, 56 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  Private burial with full military honors will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Silver Springs.

Memorials may be made to the New York State Veteran's Home, attention Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Arrangements were completed by the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield,(585) 948-5325. 

Elba - Mrs. Debra C. Higgins, age 64, longtime resident of Oakfield, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at her home in Elba.

Mrs. Higgins was born August 17, 1953 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Robert "Dutch" and Corrine Campbell Falker.

She was a lifetime member of Alabama Methodist Church.  She had been in fire service since 1976 and was a Past President of the Alabama Fire Department and first woman President of a volunteer fire department in New York State.  She was an active firefighter and EMT in Alabama and was a social member of the Elba Fire Department and Oakfield Fire Department where she served as the Financial Secretary. 

The top fundraiser in Genesee County for the past three years for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, she was an avid bowler and ran the Junior Bowling League in Oakfield. She enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Her husband, E. LeRoy Higgins, passed away on November 11, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Jonathan (Jen) Higgins of Waterport, Trisha (Steven) Werth of Elba and Chad (Julie) Higgins of Batavia; eight grandchildren, Miah and Mason Werth, Rori and Shayla Higgins, Eric and Ethan DiLaura and Ava and Jenna Higgins; two sisters, Kay Ciurzynski of Alabama and Victoria Falker of Oakfield; her brothers-in-law, Charlie (Diane) Higgins of Florida and Al (Bev) Higgins of Oakfield; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Douglas Falker and sister-in-law of the late Ronald Higgins.  

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where members of the fire service community will meet at 7 p.m. for services. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield.  She will be laid to rest in Cary Cemetery.

To honor Debbie, please consider memorials for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380. In the memo, please specify to Debbie’s Dream Team.

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

Anna Susan (Zimmer) Zauner, 99, of Batavia passed away peacefully at home on Sunday September 3, 2017 while surrounded by her family. She was born on March 4, 1918 in Buffalo, NY. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph of 67 years; brother Frank, sisters Julie, Barbara, and Wilma.

She is survived by her children; Raymond (Theresa) Zauner of Corfu and Susan Murphy of Batavia; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Service.

For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Cowlesville – Mrs. Nancy J. Settle, 80, of Cowlesville, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph's Campus, in Cheektowaga while under hospice care.

Mrs. Settle was born June 22, 1937 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Clifford Davis, Sr. and Pearl Grant Davis.

A member of Wales Center Community Baptist Church, she was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the former Rebekah Lodge in Cowlesville. Nancy's family was the focal point of her life as she enjoyed spending with them; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved sitting on her front porch with her husband watching the birds and deer on their property. Nancy loved watching sunsets and all the beauty that living in the country provided. She babysat many of the neighborhood children as well as her own grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith, she prayed daily and was grateful to God for everyday of life she was given. She loved listening to Elvis Presley music, especially during the Christmas season and would proclaim that Christmas didn't "officially" begin until she heard Blue Christmas. Nancy enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday throughout the year. She enjoyed word search puzzles and visiting with friends.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald W.  Settle, Sr., whom she married September 21, 1956; her children, Ronald W. Settle, Jr. of Cowlesville and Lori (Charles, Jr.) Pautler of Corfu; her grandchildren, Jenae (Jason) Wescott of Attica and Joshua (Marian) Pautler of Caledonia; her great-grandchildren,  Lauryn and Dean Wescott of Attica;  two sisters, Gussie (late Gerald) Taylor of Pennsylvania and Charlotte (late John) Wilson of Florida; her sister-in-law, Ginger Davis of Cowlesville and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Welcome (Effie) Davis, Harry (Velma) Davis, Alvin Davis, Clifford (Phyllis) Davis, Jr., Gladys (Sam) Lloyd, Agnes (Peter) Lanzendorfer, Betty (Donald) Forman and her twin sister, Rosie Davis and Garnet Davis

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday. She will be laid to rest in Cowlesville Cemetery. Memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to Wales Center Community Baptist Church, 12150 Big Tree Road, East Aurora, New York 14052,  Calvary Baptist Church, 3515 Galloway Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or Cowlesville Fire Company, 351 Clinton Street, Cowlesville, New York 14037.  Please leave a condolence or share a story at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Arrangements for Nancy have been entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral  Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

 

David L. Valder, age 76, of Batavia, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 15, 1941 in LeRoy, to the late Vern (Mabel Fisher) Valder. He is predeceased by his sisters Doris Ridley & Louise Gill.

David was employed at Bell & Howell and 3M in Rochester for many years, until their closing. He then became caregiver to his wife of 56 years, Barbara. He was known as Dave at Pete’s Deli in the 1970’s & 80’s, and also his favorite coffee spots, the Pok A Dot & Denny’s. David was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army.

Dave is survived by his wife Barbara (Beckwith) Valder, his two daughters, Jacquelyn (Daniel) Phillips & Jodi (David) Dedman all of Batavia; grandchildren, Sydney Phillips of Rochester, Samantha Phillips of Batavia, Aiden & Mackenzie Dedman of Batavia. A sister, Audrey (Robert) Dial of Arizona.

There will be no prior calling hours or funeral service.

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

Alvina E. Pigula, 96 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (August 31, 2017) at the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, NY.

She was born June 22, 1921 in South Bend, Indiana, a daughter of the late Ladislaus and Josephine Paczesny Borkowski.

Mrs. Pigula was employed by Max Pies Furniture and Angelica Laundry Service prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and a parishioner of Ascension Parish in Batavia.

She was the wife of the late William J. Pigula Sr. and sister of the late Eulalia Jean McGee and Walter Borkowski.

Survivors include her son, William J. (Susan) Pigula of Lawrenceville, NJ. Daughters, Emily K. Pigula of Sunrise, FL, Annette (Mark) Warren of Pompei, NY and Margaret E. Pigula (Allen Kalka) of Mt. Dora, FL. Granddaughters, Claire (Steven Zacharski) Pigula of Somerville, MA and Anne (Lt. Andrew Tresansky) Pigula of Cambridge, MA.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (September 6th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, 10:00am at Ascension Parish (corner of S. Swan and Sumner Streets). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Mass Offerings. Expressions of condolence 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 – Mrs. Josephine R. “Jay” Carter, age 93, of Batavia, longtime clerk at the former Marchese Bell Supermarket in Batavia, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Carter was born June 26, 1924 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Nicholas LaFarnara and Josephine Di Maio LaFarnara.

A member of Ascension Parish, she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and was an avid bingo player.

Her husband, Ronald A.  Carter, passed away in1994.

She is survived by her children, Nicholas (Sharon) Carter of Batavia and Carol (Donald) Shephard of Farmington; her brother, John LaFarnara of Batavia; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Pasquale, Anthony, Carmen, Vito, Columba and Mary LaFarnara.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where members of the Altar and Rosary Society will meet at 3:45 p.m. to recite the rosary. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 900 Rochester, New York 14620. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.