Obituaries

LE ROY — Donald W. “Ben” Wright died peacefully Friday morning (May 13, 2016) at the Le Roy Village Green, after a long battle with COPD and chronic heart failure.

He was a well-known and respected self-employed local contractor for many years. A Le Roy native and lifelong resident, he will be missed by friends and family including his loving wife, Shari (Soccio) Wright.

Ben was a longtime member of the Le Roy Moose Family Center (Lodge 1132), which he served as Membership Chairman for 20 years and as Treasurer for two terms. He served on several committees including membership for two years and sponsored 225 new and former members — the second-highest total in the history of the Lodge. Mr. Wright received a Fellowship Degree of Honor in 1992.

He also served as President and Vice President of the Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA), and was for many years a columnist for “ORCA Reel News” magazine. He was the author of five books on antique spinning reels, and was known as the spinning-reel “guru” by many collectors worldwide.

Ben was a starting guard for the 1962-63 Le Roy varsity basketball team — ranked among the greatest in the school’s history — and was one of five players named to the 1963 Class A All-Tournament team. The team was inducted into the Le Roy Oatka Knights Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ben enjoyed all sports, including fishing.

He was the son of the late Bernard Wright and Helen Docking; and half-brother of the late James Uhly.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are his brothers Larry (Pam) Wright of Le Roy and Bernard (Deb) Wright of Alexandria, Va.; half-brother, Dave Uhly; half-sister, Barb Uhly; children, Marcey (Charles) Fox of Livonia, Kory (Sarah) Wright of Geneseo; and Kelly (Ray) Coniglio of Le Roy; sister-in-law, Laurie (Pattie) Soccio of Grant, Fla.; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

There will no calling hours or funeral service. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life from 1 to 4 p.m. June 25 at the Moose Family Center, Bank Street, Le Roy. Memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org)

Mr. Wright and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral  & Cremation Service Inc. Your memories and condolences may be shared with Ben's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

KENNETH B. BARLOW

Age 78, of Batavia, died peacefully Tuesday evening May 10, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 10, 1938 in Warsaw, NY. 

Mr. Barlow was an electrician at the former Dohler-Jarvis and was retired from the Eastman Kodak, Co. and a longtime member of Resurrection Parish. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara (Dombrowski) Barlow of Batavia; loving daughters, Robyn (late Jeffry) Falcone and Lisa Gray both of Batavia; 5 grandchildren, Casey Gray, Brooke (Kevin) Kuszlyk, Benji Gray, Ashley Falcone and Tessa Cerefin. 

Please join the Barlow family 10:00am Saturday May 14 at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site) to celebrate Ken's Mass of Christian Burial, he will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Joseph's Church 303 East Main Street or Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020. 

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

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

 

Barbara Jean Priest Shreder, 87, of Attica, went to her heavenly reward on Monday May 9, 2016. She was born in Dannemora, NY on May 29, 1928 to the late Charles and Jean (Stewart) Priest and is the sister of the late Robert Priest. “Babe” was the loving wife of Robert “Peanuts” Shreder for 63 years.

She was the devoted mother of Paula (late Norman) Jones of Java Center, Raymond (Marianne) Shreder of Henderson, NV, Patricia (John) Ryan of Bennington, Joanne (Walter) Robinson of Attica and special godson Joseph Reynolds of Buffalo.  Also surviving are beloved grandchildren; Robert “Bo” Shreder, Denley and Lewis Ryan, Ruth Robinson and step grandsons John and Joey Lanuti, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Shreder was a First grade teacher for 25 years at St. Vincent De Paul School in Attica where she was presented with the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo “Teacher of the Year” Award in 1990 by Bishop Head. A published author, she was recognized as a ‘Poet of the Year’ in 1987 and received the US Golden Poet Award in 1989. Aside from her love for Shakespeare, Poe and all things Sinatra, she enjoyed animals, especially cats and dogs and in particular her Dachshund “Worm”.  Her hobbies included baking, gardening, needlework, shopping and decorating for the Holidays.   

Sunset and Evening Star

One Clear Call for Me

Let There Be No Moaning at the Bar

When I Push Out to Sea

             By Barbara Priest Shreder

There will be no prior calling hours. A 1:00PM Memorial Mass will be held on Sunday May 29, 2016 at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave. Attica, New York 14011. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Wyoming County SPCA http://www.wyomingcountyspca.org/info/donate 808 Creek Road, Attica or the Attica Fire Dept. 11 Water St. Attica in her honor.  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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

 

Nancy R. Ficarella, 91, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 11, 2016 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.  She was born on April 10, 1925 in Batavia to the late Louis and Rosalie (Cardinelli) Columbo.  In addition to her parents, Nancy is predeceased by 10 siblings.

Nancy was very active in local organizations. She was a member of the PTA in the Batavia School District, the Band Boosters, City Charter Committee and City Youth Bureau in Batavia. She loved to read, made amazing Christmas cookies and above all else, loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Samuel J. Ficarella of Batavia; sons William (Erin) Ficarella and James (Kimberly) Ficarella both of Batavia; step daughter Cherie (Raymond) Myers of GA; 5 grandchildren, Amanda (Thomas) Coggiola, Michael (Natalie) Ficarella, Samantha (Zachary) Alwardt, Nicole (fiancé Shawn Easton) Ficarella and Jason (Elise) Myers; 7 great grandchildren, Benjamin and Lily Coggiola, Vincent Ficarella, Bryson Alwardt, Jacob Coggiola, Anthony Ficarella and Collins Myers, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday May 13, 2016 from 5:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home at 11:30AM on Saturday the 14th prior to a 12:00PM Mass of Christian Burial that will be held at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Memory Unit Activities Fund at the Genesee County Nursing Home 278 Bank St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave 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.

A Celebration of Life for the late Carla J. Wright will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Alexander Recreation Hall. It is located on Route 98 in Alexander (ZIP 14005).

Memorials may be made to the family.

East Bethany - Mary Frances Pietrzykowski, 85, of East Bethany, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Wyoming County Community Hospital, in Warsaw.

Mrs. Pietrzykowski was born January 19, 1931 in Batavia, a daughter of the late James and Mary Jane Sullivan Tibbs.

A member of Mary Immaculate Parish, she was a member of the altar and rosary society of the church. A member of the Lioness Club, the Falconettes, the Cookie Cutter Collectible Club, the Gadabouts and she was one of the original members of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She volunteered many hours at the Richmond Memorial Library and was honored as the volunteer of the year.

Above all else, she loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Edward F.  Pietrzykowski, Sr., passed away on May 1, 1988.

She is survived by her children, Patrick (Barbara) Pietrzykowski of East Bethany,  Patricia (Stephen P. Milinovich) St. Louis of Gambrills, Maryland,  Margaret "Peg" (Robert) Gorecki of Batavia, Edward "Chico" (Mary) Pietrzykowski, Jr. of East Bethany, the late Daniel (Lori) Pietrzykowski of Churchville, Dennis Pietrzykowski of East Bethany and Francis "Bummer" (Gretchen) Pietrzykowski of East Bethany; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law,  Elaine Tibbs of Batavia and  Millie Annis of West Virginia;  and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is the sister of the late Margaret, Joseph and James Tibbs, Katherine Davis and Mary Jane Annis.

Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at Mary Immaculate Parish - Immaculate Conception Site, 5865 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, 5253 Old Telephone Road, East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Winter Haven, FL ~ Ann E. Pursel, age 76, formerly of LeRoy, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida, after an extended illness.

    

 She was born August 16, 1939 in Batavia, N.Y., a daughter of the late Vernon Pursel and Josephine DeMars.

     Ann worked many years for the Bank of LeRoy and R G & E prior to her retirement.  She loved to bake and was an avid animal lover.

     She is survived by her sister; Arlene (late Raymond) Mancuso of LeRoy; brother, Donald (Marilyn) Pursel of LeRoy; along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends and her feline companion, Elle.  Special thanks to her "Florida family", Gloria and Joe Avino and Eldora Lyttle for all their love, friendship and care that they provided to Ann.

     She was predeceased by her sister, Margaret (Walter) Churchfield and her brothers, Joseph (Joan) Garrow, Robert (Betty) Pursel and Richard (Barbara) Pursel.

     Family and friends may call on Saturday, May 14 from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where services will be held at 4 PM.

     Memorials are suggested to either Volunteers for Animals or Genesee Cancer Assistance.

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

     Ms. Pursel and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.  585-768-2400

GERALD J. TOMASZEWSKI, SR.

Age 76, of Batavia, died peacefully Friday May 6, 2016 at the Genesee County Nursing Home. He was born September 16, 1939 in Batavia, a son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Wozniak) Tomaszewski; also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemary (Stack) Tomaszewski and sister, Dorothy Argulski. 

Gerry was an owner/operator for many years with his partners of R.R. Gamble in Batavia which was the Budweiser distributorship in the area and was a longtime member of Resurrection Parish. He was always a "farmer at heart", he enjoyed gardening, raising sheep and being on his tractors. Gerry enjoyed the family cottage on Moon Lake and spending time with his children, grandchildren and his dogs. 

Surviving are his children, Sharon (John) Newton of Batavia, Gerald J. (Alfred McGugin) Tomaszewski, Jr. of Washington, DC and Robert Tomaszewski of Batavia; sister, Carol (Harry) McCurn of Chili; sister-in-law, Eleanor Breen of Webster; brother-in-law, Robert (Kris) Stack of Pembroke; grandchildren, Nicholas and Alex Newton, Benjamin Tomaszewski along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present from 5-9PM on Tuesday May 10 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020, where prayers will be recited Wednesday May 11 at 10:30AM followed by a 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph's Site). He will be laid to rest alongside his wife in St. Joseph's Cemetery and memorials in his memory are suggested to St. Joseph's School 2 Summit Street Batavia. 

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

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

Oakfield - William J. Boland, Jr., 81, of Oakfield, a music teacher at Oakfield - Alabama School, for 33 years prior to his retirement in 1992, died Saturday, May 7, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Boland was born May 22, 1934 in Rochester, a son of the late William J. (Sr.) and Gladys (Monk) Boland.

He served in Korea with the US Army from 1957 through 1958.  He is described as a "Loving Family Man", and enjoyed playing golf and traveling. 

He was a lover of history and spoke on the Civil War on many occasions.  He participated in the Folk Mass at St. Mary's Church, judged at the All County Music Festival, was a NYSSMA Judge and member of the Genesee County Judging Association.  He received the "Band Director of the Year” award by the Rochester Philharmonic.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Meerholz) Boland, whom he married on January 19, 1957; 4 daughters, Susan Boland of LeRoy, Kathleen (Todd) Swigert of Victor, Donna Boland Christman of LeRoy, and Amy (Dean) Joslyn of Oakfield; 6 grandchildren, Ronald Christman, Jr., William J. Christman, Gerald Christman, Katrina (John) Joslyn Gerber , Kaley Swigert and Kyle Swigert; a sister-in-law, Margaret Boland of Rochester; a niece, Pat Banks of SC and a great-nephew, Steven Banks of SC;

He was the brother of the late Joseph William Boland and Arthur James Boland.  

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Ave., Oakfield, where services will be at 11 am Thursday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

 

GERALD D. "BEAR" KEENE

Age 72, of Batavia, died Thursday May 5, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born February 12, 1944 in Corfu, NY a son of the late John and Josephine (Kurkowiak) Keene, also preceded in death by a daughter, Claudia Mohr-Klein; siblings, James and Edward Keene, Pauline "Nina" Lawrence and Elizabeth "Molly" Minick. 

Bear attended Alexander Central School, he was a horse trainer at many of the area Harness tracks namely Batavia and Buffalo, he enjoyed farming and was always there for his children. 

Surviving is his loving wife of 40 years, Sharon (Mast) Keene of Batavia; children, Jennifer Mohr, Clifford Keene and Stacy Keene all of Batavia; brother, Daniel (Pat) Keene of Attica; sister-in-law, Molly Keene of Cowlesville along with many nieces and nephews. 

The family will be present from 1-3pm Tuesday May 10 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where funeral services will immediately follow, memorials in his memory are suggested to the family. 

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

THE FAMILY OF GERALD D. "BEAR" KEENE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Joyce Reed Woika, 80, of Bennington passed away on Monday May 2, 2016 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born in Plattsburgh, NY on March 15, 1936 to the late Richard and Florence (Monroe) Reed.

In addition to her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her daughter Cherylynn Van Nostrand Lounsberry; sisters Geraldine (Douglas) Palmer, Marilyn (Emil) Johnson, Phyllis (Raymond) Slater; brothers Ronald (Dorothy) Reed and Ralph Reed.

Joyce retired from the Wyoming Correctional Facility where she was the Head Account Clerk for many years.

She is survived by her life partner, Roger Hyman; sons Jackson (Kathleen) Woika of East Bethany, Richard Woika of Attica; step daughter Kristina (Keith) Erickson of Tonawanda and son in law Kenneth Lounsberry of Attica. Also surviving are her grandchildren Haley Jo Woika, Jackson and Clayton Lounsberry and Josh Woika along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral Services and Internment will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association www.heart.org. 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 Street Attica, New York 14011.

Ione Elaine Omans, a long time resident of Portageville, NY passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Noyes Hospital in Dansville, NY at the age of 72. Mrs. Omans was predeceased by her husband James.

She is survived by her children George (Earline) Omans, Larry Omans, Bonnie Omans, Sheldon (Melissa) Omans , and Kevin (Michelle) Omans, sister, Sharon Preston of Madisonville,KY  and her brother Brian McRae of Kutawaher; grandchildren Alicia, Samantha, Brieanna, Charissa, Kalista, and Austin, and her great-granddaughter Melina.

Mrs. Omans was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1945. She was a long time employee of Champion Products in Perry, NY and retired from the Red Cross, in Warsaw, NY.

There will be a small grave side service on Friday, May 13th at 2pm at the Quakerhill Settlement Cemetery in Weathersfield, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send a small donation to the Pike Volunteer Ambulance Company. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or for more information please call (585) 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Batavia – Mr. Roger K. Rada, 62, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 6, 2016 at United Memorial Medical Center.

Mr. Rada was born March 1, 1954 in Batavia, a son of Isabelle Tretter Rada of Batavia and the late Raymond Rada.

A 1973 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia, he was a member of Resurrection Parish. An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the Coon Club in East Pembroke and the Batavia Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, camping, cooking and barbecuing.

He had a deep love for his children and grandchildren and was very devoted to this faith.

Surviving along with his mother are his wife,  Jolynne  Dickinson Rada, whom  he married November 18, 1976; his children, Amy (Jeff) Rozler of Hamburg, Ryan (Jamie) Rada of Oakfield and Jessica Rada of Pavilion; five grandchildren, Thomas Rada, Rennee, Andrew and  Zachary Rozler and Cameron Maxwell; brothers and sisters, Patricia (Donald) Hayles of Arizona,  Richard (Cindy) Rada and Helen (Mark) Weibel of Batavia and Donald (Christy) Rada of Byron; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Roger’s name to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the American Heart Association, 20 North Pointe, Suite #130, Amherst, New York 14228. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Roger’s name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Onnolee D. Risley, 95 of Clarence Center, NY and formerly of Akron, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (May 3, 3016) at her residence.

She was born July 7, 1920 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late B.F. and Ada Harmon Hitchcock.

Onnolee and her late husband were the owners of the former C&E Furniture and Floor Covering Co. in Akron for several years prior to retirement. She enjoyed gardening and square dancing. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Akron and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Claude M. Risley, who died August 12, 2006 and brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Claudia (Joseph) Twist of Maryland. Grandchildren, Trevor Twist, Kelsey (James Lee Schroeder) Twist Schroeder and Mallory (Michael Patrick Dunn) Twist Dunn. Also survived by two great-grandchildren, Hazel Twist Schroeder and Lillian Joy Schroeder; cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are cordially invited to her Memorial Service on Friday (May 6th), 12:00pm at the Vinecroft Retirement Community, 5945 Vinecroft Dr., Clarence Center, NY 14032. Interment will be held privately in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY or to a charity of the donor’s preference. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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