Obituaries

Thomas Edward Dwyer, 79, passed away on March 13, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on October 5, 1937 in Rochester, New York to Edward Dennis Dwyer and Margaret Mary (Murphy) Dwyer. 

He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955. After high school, he attended John Carroll University where he studied History, was a "lifetime" member of the Thursday Night Study Club and completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Thomas enliste

d in the US Army in 1960 as a Private (E-1) and was promoted to Private First Class (E-2) after completion of basic training. Following basic training he was accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS) as a Sergeant (E-5) at Camp Smith, NY. In 1963 he joined the NYS National Guard as a 2nd Lieutenant and served for 8 years. He was honorably discharged in 1968, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Thomas joined his father and brother in the family business, Thomas and Dwyer Shoes.  Along with the business, he enjoyed giving back to his community by serving on multiple community organizations.  Highlights of his community service work include; Past President of the Batavia Area Jaycees, where he was awarded a JCI Senatorship and participated in the establishment of Genesee Community College, Chairman of the United Fund, served on the YMCA Board of Directors, Past President of the Batavia Library Board and St. Joseph’s Home School Association, member and Past president of the Batavia Rotary Club where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Thomas loved and was most proud of his time as an active supporter of the Notre Dame Sports Boosters and Batavia Youth Football.

Thomas was happily married to Janet Doris Dwyer for the past 55 years.  Together they have supported and loved eight children.  Thomas enjoyed playing tennis, golf and watching his children and grandchildren grow up.  Thomas was a member of St. Joseph’s church where he also was an usher and served on many Catholic Charities drives.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Margaret Dwyer; daughter-in-law, Tracey Dwyer; granddaughter, Molly Shannon Dwyer; niece, Anne Dwyer and nephew, Michael Dwyer. 

He is survived by his wife, Janet (George); his children, Dennis Dwyer, Colleen (Patrick) Donegan, Lisa (Todd) Lenhart, Susan (Christopher) Schukin, Margaret (Scott) Niedzwiecki, Kathleen Dwyer, Carolyn (Stephen) Babcock, Brian Dwyer, his brother, John (Jacquelyn) Dwyer; his grandchildren Sean, Meghan, Abygail, Tomasz, Matthew, Mark, Claudia, Elise, Nicholas, Zachary, Anna, Luke, Jordan, Michal, Connor; great-granddaughter Charlotte Mae; sisters-in-law, Julieanne George, Patricia (John Colagrande) Matla and Teresa George; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Drs. Ramsdale, Rauh and Snyder, the staff at Wilmot Cancer Center/WCC 7, Laura and the VNA of WNY for their care during this time. 

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial, with full military honors, will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Tom’s name to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Michael Napoleone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Catherine “Catchie” Skye, 94 of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (March 12, 2017) at her residence.

She was born June 28, 1922 in Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late Simon and Melinda Skye.

Catherine was a member of the Tonawanda Indian Presbyterian Church and enjoyed watching movies and listening to country music. She was a member of the Snipe Clan and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include a niece, Kathy Melissa (Malcom Hill) Smith of Basom. 

She was the sister of the late Clarinda Skye Stevens.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (March 16th) from 3-7pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY. A memorial service will be Friday, 1:00pm at the Tonawanda Indian Presbyterian Church, 6798 Meadville Rd., Basom, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tonawanda Reservation Historical Society, P.O. Box 516, Basom, NY 14013.Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

 

Robert F. Dagen, 79 of Simpsonville, South Carolina, formerly of South Byron, NY.  He passed away Thursday March 2, 2017 and is survived by his Wife Roberta (Bobbi) Dagen, his sons Mark (Donna) Dagen of Lititz, PA, Mike (Lou) Willwerth of Simpsonville, SC, daughter Vicki Dagen (Buddy) Pieroni of FL.  Also surviving are 6 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, 3 Sisters, 1 brother, and several Nieces and Nephews.

Robert was a longtime member of the Batavia Masonic Lodge, a Veteran of the United States Air Force, and the New York Army National Guard, also a Life Member of the South Byron Vol. Fire Co., along with the South Byron United Methodist Church.

An intimate gathering of family and friends along with a Masonic Service was held Wednesday March 8, 2017 in Celebration of his life. Arrangements were made through Heritage Funeral Home 313 N Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681 (864) 757-1771

Carolyn Gajewski, 84 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 12, 2017 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born August 12, 1932 in Harrisburg, PA to her late parents. Mrs. Gajewski is preceded in death by a son Daniel and three siblings.

Mrs. Gajewski was formerly a member of the Eastern Star. She loved animals, raised Boxers and ran Caradans Kennel.

She is survived by her children Deborah (Douglas) Hendershott of Oakfield; Robert (Cathey) Gajewski of Texas; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Thursday March 16, 2017 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. She will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank St. or Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.  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.

 

Byron - Jerry A. Henry, 72, of Byron, passed away Thursday, (March 9, 2017) at his home, in Byron under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mr. Henry was born May 3, 1944 in Cortland, a son of the late Nelson and Alice (Coffin) Henry.

Mr. Henry enjoyed classic cars, camping, boating, his Harley Davidson, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is the husband of Audrey (Graff) Henry.  The two were married on July 4, 1998.

Surviving along with his wife is his daughter, Tina (Jesse) Spaulding of Tully; step-children, Paul Burch of Byron, and Amy (Artie) Snell of Elba; granddaughters, Mandie and Morgan Spaulding; step-grandchildren, Tristan, Delilah, Violete, and Seth Snell.

Preceded in death by his siblings, John (late Judy) Henry, James Henry, and Joyce Henry.

Family and Friends may call on Saturday from 11 to 12 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where Jerry’s Funeral Service will immediately follow calling at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will be in Byron Cemetery, Byron.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., c/o UMMC, 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

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

Karen M. Mann, 56, of Batavia passed away on Monday March 6, 2017 in Alabama, NY as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was born on January 10, 1961 in Batavia to the late Donald E. Mann and Virginia (Zietvogel) Mann of LeRoy. In addition to her father, she is predeceased by her husband Charles Smith.

Karen worked for Cooper Vision in Scottsville. She loved to cook and bake, listening to music, drinking her coffee and crocheting most of her grandchildren’s blankets. She was always doing for everyone else and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and especially her grandkids.

She is survived by her children; Heather (Paul) Crowley of Batavia, Hollie (Alan) Ellis of Batavia, Jessica Rivera-Mann of Batavia, Rebecca Rivera-Mann of Louisville, KY and Eric Smith of Lockport; siblings Donald (Joanne) Mann of Dansville, David (Karen) Mann of Dansville, Laura Gonzales of Oakfield, Barbara (Rod) Bouchard of Pavilion and Charles Mann of Messa, AZ; 14 grandchildren Tyler, Zachary, Alexandrea, Cooper, Olivia, Nataleigh, Andrew, Melaina, Antonio, Antjuan, Jahmyah, Jaynadia, Jaxon and Jayda along with many nieces of nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday March 13, 2017 from 2-4PM & 7-9PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday the 14^th at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to in St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.

In lieu of flowers, 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.

Gene E. Schafer ~ Indian Falls 

Gene Earl Schafer, age 65, passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House, Bradenton, Florida on Monday, March 6, 2017.  He was born March 31, 1951 in Batavia, NY, son of the late June (Wright) and John Schafer of Indian Falls also preceded in death by a brother, Carl Schafer and brother-in-law, Jerry Deusenbery.

He graduated from Pembroke High School in 1969 and married his wife Rita (Deusenbery) Schafer in 1971.  His passion in life was truck driving, crossing the country numerous times and visiting almost all of the continental states. He also sold fuel and energy products for Griffith Oil, Burnwell Oil, and NOCO in Western New York. 

He belonged to the Indian Falls Volunteer Fire Department and was an avid NASCAR fan. His favorite driver was retired, #45, Kyle Petty.  For the last four winters, he and his wife enjoyed spending time in Bradenton, FL at Westwinds Village.  He loved doing puzzles and kept up with the news.  

In addition to his wife, Rita,  he is survived by his two children, Colleen Schafer (Kevin Sommer) of Alden and Wendy Schafer- Colvin (Bradford Colvin) of Broadlands, VA,  two grandchildren Emilia and Erik Colvin; brothers; Paul (Carol) Schafer and Lynn (Patti) Schafer; sisters-in law, Donna Schafer, Carol Robinson, Geraldine Deusenbery, Jacqueline (Deusenbery) Thompson, and Cindy (Deusenbery) Wilkinson; brother-in-law, Anthony Deusenbery along with many nieces and nephews.  

The family will be present on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Michael Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC, 4120 West Main Street, Batavia, NY where a celebration of life service will take place 11 am Saturday, March 11, 2017, he will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery Corfu, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s name may be made to the NASCAR-themed camp in honor of Adam Petty- Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way Randleman, NC 27317 (victoryjunction.org) or Mary Parkes Center Pulmonary Care, 400 Red Creek Dr Ste 110, Rochester, NY 14623 (www.urmc.rochester.edu/mary-parkes.aspx).

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

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

 

WARREN G. KINGSLEY ~ Batavia

Age 92, died peacefully Sunday February 26, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was Born April 12, 1924 in Middlebury, NY to the late George & Elsie (Payne) Kingsley, also preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Shull) Kingsley; special friend, Ramona Jenkins Rowe; brothers, Edgar (Eleanor) Kingsley, Howard (Ethel) Kingsley; sisters, Muriel (Victor) Phelps, Marian (Herman) Berkmeier; great-nephew, Kurt Kingsley and great-niece, Denise Kingsley

Warren was a veteran of WWII where he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corp. He flew B26 Mid-Range Bombers with his 21st mission over France on his 21st birthday. He then went on to graduate from Syracuse University with an engineering degree. Warren worked as a mechanical engineer for several companies, his "specialty" was carburetors and fuel injection engines. He retired from EVINRUDE in Stuart, FL where he lived until 2012, when he moved to Victorian Manor in Batavia to be closer to his nieces and nephews, always remaining very active, enjoying golf and playing cards.

He is survived by 21 nieces, nephews, 44 great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held privately and Warren will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens, Ocala, FL. Memorials in his memory are suggested to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc. PO Box 23581 Rochester, New York 14692. 

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

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

 

Phillip David Chappel passed away at the age of 33 on March 2, 2017 in Spencerport, reaching peace after a valiant fight against cancer.

He is survived by his wife Kristen (Pietraszewski) Chappel; mother Cathy (Ed) Koziel; father Phillip Chappel; furry companion Walker; siblings Lianne (Michael) Cox; Melissa Skinner; Dillon (Christine) Chappel; Colton Clark; step-siblings Michael Holden and Eddy Koziel. Grandparents Mary Chappel; Harvey (Sheila) Jaggard; and was preceded in death by grandfather Keith Chappel and brother Sean Jaggard. Also survived by his father and mother in-law Mark and Julie Pietraszewski; Brother-in-law Michael (Melissa) Pietraszewski; and by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.

Phill grew up in Perry, boasting that Letchworth State Park was his backyard. He is fondly remembered for his bravery and belief in love, life, and God until the very end. While a fighter through and through, his kind heart reigned supreme. He focused on joyous thoughts of living a full life by enjoying time with his wife, family, and friends. Telling the stories that never got old, being a super fan of all things Marvel and DC, training and teaching muay thai, gaming on his Xbox, sampling the latest craft beer, and fishing on French River.

Phill would like to be remembered with laughter, love, and a good pint. Please join us for a Remembrance Gathering on Sunday, March 12th from 12-3pm at The Silver Lake Brewing Project, 14 Borden Ave, Perry, NY 14530. 

Memorial donations may be made to Camp Good Days & Special Times, Inc. or Grasp, Inc. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Marquis J. Holmes, 18, of Batavia passed away on Sunday February 26, 2017 with this family by his side at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born on June 19, 1998 in Batavia to the late Alonzo Holmes who passed away in 2015 and Frances Campo of Batavia.

Marquis was a student and a part of the ARC Genesee & Orleans County Chapter. He loved watching Barney and going to school. Marquis enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and going to the park.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his step-father Darrell Holloway of Batavia; sister Jazmine Holmes of Batavia; Aunt Cleo Taylor of Detroit, MI., Aunt Kristin Taylor of Medina and Uncle Richard Holmes of Miami, FL.; grandmother Claudette Wright of Rochester along with a host of Aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday March 10, 2017 from 11:00AM-12:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. A 12:00PM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. Marquis will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, 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.

Dominic F. Valle Jr., 63 of Batavia, passed away on Friday March 3, 2017 at his home. He was born October 12, 1953 in Batavia; to the late Dominic F. (Ann Sika) Valle Sr. Dom is preceded in death by a sister Nicoletta Valle.

Dom owned and operated Valle Jewelers for many years. He had the power to instantly connect with anyone he crossed paths with and treated everyone with the same respect. His kind nature made everyone feel comfortable. To know him was to love him. Dom’s loyalty and his integrity shined through in all he did especially in his love for his wife Mary and his family. He had a passion for restoring his classic car, his animals, music, Bonanza, and the outdoors.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Rider) Valle of Batavia; loving children Kristin E. (Mark) Valle-Berman of Williamsville; Stephen D. Valle, CarrieAnn V. (John) Lawrence both of Batavia; sisters Caryn A. (John) DeWitt of Williamsville; Lisa M. (Michael Seliskar) Valle, Maria F. Valle both of Naples, FL; Alexandra Valle-Wagner of Clifton Park; four grandchildren Owen, Frederic, Sophia, Jack; number one companion and best friend “Jakey”, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday March 7, 2017 from 3:00 - 7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday March 8, 2017 at St. Anthony’s 114 Liberty St. Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.  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.

Richard D. Schleif, 90 of Perry passed away on March 2, 2017 at the Wyoming County Nursing Facility in Warsaw. He was born on April 5, 1926 in Perry New York where he lived his entire life to the late Murray and Grace (Norton) Schleif. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by siblings; Maxine Kennedy, Dorothy Chase, Elaine Parker and Marvin Schleif along with 2 nieces

Dick served with the US Navy from 1944-1946 during World War II. He was employed by the Foote Company in Nunda, Winsmith in Springville and retired in 1986 from Pfaudler Company in Rochester after 23 years of service as a cost accountant. He was a lifelong member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry where was an usher for over 30 years.

He is survived by 4 nieces and 6 nephews along with many great nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. An 11:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 11, 2017 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Perry.

Memorials may be made to St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish 9 Park St. Perry, New York 14530 or to the donor’s choice. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visitwww.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.comArrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Batavia - Dewey E. Towner, Sr., 82, of Batavia, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at his home under the care of HomeCare & Hospice.

Mr. Towner was born March 12, 1934 in Wayland, a son of the late Dewey H. and Eva (Weber) Towner.

A 1954 graduate from the New York State School for the Blind, Mr. Towner dedicated 38 years to being the proprietor of Towner TV in Batavia.

He is survived by his children, Rhonda (Mike) Schlenker of Cheektowaga, Linda (Chris Merrell) Towner of Batavia and Dewey E. (Lisa) Towner, Jr. of East Bethany; two grandsons, Kevin (Jordan) Mikula of South Wales and Brian (Marisa) Mikula of Austin, Texas, two great-grandchildren, Lyla and Lucky Mikula of South Wales; his sister, Edith (Kenneth) Deault of Tuscon, Arizona; two brothers, William D. (Georgia) Towner of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and  Harlo (Jeannette) Towner of Batavia; his longtime companion, Cheryl Barber, four nieces and three nephews also survive.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, where services will immediately follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HomeCare & Hospice, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020.  He will be laid to rest in Maplelawn Cemetery, Elba. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Eleanor L. (nee Button, Kreutter) Barber, 92 of Cowlesville, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 2, 2017 at Seneca Health Care Center in West Seneca. She was born February 11, 1925 in Franklinville, NY to the late Leon (Lavina Wheeler) Button. Mrs. Barber is preceded in death by her beloved husbands James A. Kreutter and George F. Barber; brothers Donald, Bruce Button; sisters Katharine Nordland, Evelyn DiBari, Jane Button; half-sister Lavina Patrickus, brother-in-law Edward Jaworski, sister-in-law Shirley Button.  

Eleanor was a member of Folsomdale Baptist Church and Gideons International Auxiliary. She worked for many years at Fisher Price in East Aurora.  

She is survived by her children Lavina (Allen) Schuessler, Caroline (Joseph) DiPardo of Cowlesville; Betty (David) Clark of Alpharetta, GA; Barbara (Michael) Wantuck, MaryJane (Randall) Heller of Cowlesville; Fred (Debra) Kreutter of Alden; step-children Ray, David (Mary) Barber; sister Shirley Jaworski; brother Peter Button; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday March 6, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Folsomdale Baptist Church, 1366 Folsomdale Rd. Cowlesville, NY 14037. Funeral Services will immediately follow 12:00 Noon at the church. She will be laid to rest in Cowlesville Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined, memorials may be made to the Folsomdale Baptist Church or Gideons International C/O David Bradley, 103 Linwood Ave. Warsaw, NY 14569. 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.

Oakfield - Daniel R. Gilbert, age 47, of Oakfield, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Gilbert was born July 12, 1969 in Batavia, the son of Ronald E. and Wanda L. (Sage) Gilbert of Oakfield.

A 1987 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School, Dan received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Cortland and his masters degree from Canisius College. A member of Padre Pio Parish, he was the longtime coach of the varsity baseball program at Oakfield where he also coached jayvee football, modified basketball and varsity football. Dan also coached his son's little league baseball team and youth football; the Oakfield-Elba Titans.

Dan taught Health and Physical Education in the Oakfield-Alabama School District for 20 years. He loved sports, teaching kids and developed a passion for adaptive physical education for children with special needs. He truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of those he taught and coached.

Above all else, Dan's family mattered most and was the most important thing to him.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Susan M. (Szadek) Gilbert, whom he married July 28, 2000; his children, Matthew and Jenna Gilbert, both at home; two sisters, Dawn (Kevin) Fisher and Denise (Darrin) Bull, both of Oakfield; his grandmother, Myrtle Gilbert of Batavia; his mother-in-law, Marion (late Frank) Szadek of Corfu; three nieces;  Erika (Jason) Ranlett, Jessica (Dale) Brumsted and Colleen Fisher; a great-niece, Penelope Ranlett and great-nephew Hunter Brumsted.

There are no prior visiting hours. Dan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  Father Thaddeus Bocianowski, rector of Padre Pio Parish and Pastor Dan Schmidt, lead pastor from Batavia Assembly of God will co-officiate Dan’s Mass. Private burial will be in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield-Alabama Central School, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, New York 14125. In memo, please designate for baseball program.  To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Dan’s memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

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