Obituaries

CARMELLA "LARUSSA" DELVECCHIO, 93, of Batavia died Thursday (June 30, 2011) at Genesee County Nursing Home. 

She was born in Batavia on November 7, 1917 and was the wife of the late Albert DelVecchio who died in WWII. 

She was known to her friends and family as "Minnie" or "Carm". For many years she was a secretary at Notre Dame High School prior to her retirement.  Carmella was a great cook and baker, she also loved to draw and paint. 

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her nine siblings: Frances Rotondo, Vonnie Rotondo, Gus LaRussa, Mary LaRussa, Tony LaRussa, Margaret Oleson, Laura Tabone, Josephine LaRussa and Jennie Gervase.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 - 10:30 AM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, where prayers will begin 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Ascension Parish, (St. Anthony's Church) where she was a life member. 

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Foundation.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Douglas G. Simmons, 55 of Batavia died June 25, 2011 at the United Memorial Medical Center. Born February 11, 1956 in Buffalo, New York to the late Howard (Mary McGavern)  Simmons. He is preceded in death by his brothers Howard Jr.; Richard and Thomas Simmons. 
                                                                                                                        
He is survived by his sister Mary Lou (David) Shannonhouse of Marietta, GA; a niece Megan and Nephew Matthew Shannonhouse.     

There will be no prior calling hours and funeral services will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Robert was born in Perry August 9, 1925. Son of the late Lawrence and Vinnie Streming Lewis. Robert was drafted out of high school and served with the US Army during WWII, after the war he was a self-employed electrician, and had also worked as an electrician for Bausch and Lomb Inc. in Rochester. After retiring he and his wife moved to Florida, where they currently live. He was a member of Perry Baptist Church in Perry, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Bessie and his children,and watching John Wayne movies. 

His wife of 64 years Bessie Workman Lewis who he married in 1946, a daughter: Nancy (Jeffer) Mahmot of Ashburn, Va. a son: Robert (Ilene) Lewis Jr.of Perry, 5 grandchildren: Jeremy and Sean Lewis, Kevin, Carey, and Lori Mahmot, along with 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews He is preceded in death by a sister: Helena Altmeyer, and two brothers: Ernest and David Lewis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 2, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Perry VFW Washington Blvd. Perry, New York 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com or call 237-2626. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Linda Anne Engelhardt, 42 of Batavia, NY. Died June 29, 2011 peacefully at her home. Born August 6, 1968 in Batavia, NY to Anthony “Britt” (Providence Gullo) DiMartino of Batavia. Mrs. Engelhardt was a graduate of Canisius College and was formerly employed as a manger of Barbara Moss and Jeans West in Buffalo. She was also a manager for over 7 years of the Family Dollar Store in Batavia and was last employed by the Batavia Daily News.  She was a former secretary of Cub Scout Pack # 69 and a committee chair for Boy Scout Troop # 332.  She enjoyed cake decorating and crocheting.  Mrs. Engelhardt was a member of Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church in Batavia. She is preceded in death by her grandson Andrew Cianfrini.

She is survived her husband G. Bill Engelhardt of Batavia, her children George Engelhardt of Oakfield, Ronnie Engelhardt, Brandon Hines-Engelhardt, Ricky Engelhardt, Jessica Engelhardt, and Mary Noel Engelhardt all of Batavia;  brothers Phillip (Susan) DiMartino, Frank (Maria) DiMartino both of Batavia and Anthony (Helen) DiMartino of Oswego, NY; 6 grandchildren survive along with many Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Friday July 1, 2011 from 4 to 7 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday July 2, 2011 at Ascension Parish-St. Anthony’s Church 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

     Age 59, of Batavia, an LPN with Batavia Family Care, died suddenly Monday June 27, 2011 at her home. She was born April 10, 1952 in Batavia daughter of the late William & Frances (Gilliatt) Ellingham, also preceded in death by her sons Brian Hillabush on March 2, 2011 and Kevin Hillabush who died at birth. A graduate of Batavia High School and the McAulley School of Nursing where she earned her LPN Degree, she loved to cook and bake. She was a wonderful mother and fantastic grandmother to Aden and Alexander.

     Surviving is her husband of 40 years Robert Hillabush and loving son Devin Hillabush both of Batavia; a brother Thomas Ellingham of Rochester; two sisters Ann Ellingham of Batavia and Patty (Thomas) Kent of S. Alabama; 2 grandchildren Aden William Hillabush & Alexander Heatherman along with many nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends are invited to visitation from 6-8 PM Thursday June 30, 2011 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC at 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Burial will be private in Grand View Cemetery and memorials in Barbara's memory are asked to be made to the family. For more information, send flowers or a sympathy meal please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC AT 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Carl F. Colantonio, 84 of Batavia, NY. Died June 24, 2011 peacefully at his home. He was born February 11, 1927, in Batavia, NY to the late Louis (Mary Meleca) Colantonio. Mr. Colantonio owned and operated Tri-County Tractor in Batavia. He was a WWII Army Veteran. Mr. Colantonio loved to help his children by running errands; mowing their lawns and landscaping. He is preceded in death by his wife Janet E. Colantonio; brothers Joseph, Anthony and John Colantonio along with a sister Angeline Colantonio.

He is survived by his children Paula (Han) Bakker of Bethany; Carl J. (Debra) of Alabama, NY; Lawrence (Cheryl) of FL; Jack J. Colantonio of MA; Joyce (Frank) Bartholomew of Batavia; brother Raymond (Marilyn) of Batavia; sisters-in-law Antoinette of FL; Stephanie of Bethany and Catherine Colantonio of Batavia; 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, one great grandchild along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday June 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020. 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday June 28, 2011 at Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church 303 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment at Grand View Cemetery in Batavia. 

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army 529 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

     Age 83, of LeRoy, a WWII Army Veteran died peacefully Tuesday morning June 21, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis "Nonnie" Thiele and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

     He is survived by his loving children Richard Jr. (Gail), Gary (Ginny), Laurie (Gene) Dries, Gail (Lou) Alexander, Diane (Seth) Bagley & Kristine (Joe) Compton; 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildre survive along with special family friend Darlene Beherns.

     There is no prior visitation, family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass 11:00 AM Thursday June 23 at Our Lady of Mercy 44 Lake Street LeRoy, NY 14482 with Father Michael Rock, Officiating. Burial will private and in lieu of flowers donations in Richard's memory can be made to Veterans Western New York Healthcare System @ Batavia, Our Lady of Mercy or the American Heart Association.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC AT 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

Edward "Ted" Eves, 84, of Batavia died Monday (June 20, 2011) at Buffalo General Hopital after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Milton Ontario, Canada on February 25, 1927, a son of the late Walter Cameron and Verna Dunham Eves.

Mr. Eves was a horse owner and trainer at Batavia Downs for many years.  He had also worked for horse owner Levi Harner. His hobbies included golfing and watching his grandchildren play sports.  He was a member of the Harness Horsemens Assoc. and Terry Hills Golf Course.

Surviving is his wife of over 45 years, Kathleen McFadden Eves whom he married on September 29, 1965.  A daughter and son in law, Kelly and Michael McDonald of Batavia.  Two grandsons, Cameron and Aaron McDonald.  Three sisters, Bernice Eves, Donna Buck and Linda Eves all of Canada.  A brother, Ronald (Myrna) Eves of Canada.

He was the brother of the late, Howard, Walter, John and Doris Eves and Marilyn Whitnell.

Visitation will be Tuesday (June 28, 2011) from 9AM to 10AM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE.,  BATAVIA, NY  where services will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School Football Program.

Expressions of condolence may be made at:www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC.,  2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY .  RONALD P. KONIECZNY DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Lavern Lewis Williams, 57, of LeRoy, died Saturday (June 18, 2011) at United Memorial Medical Center after a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Pavilion.

He was born in Batavia on August 22, 1953, a son of Stella Kowva Williams of Clarendon and the late Lavern L. Williams.  Mr. Williams was a retiree of Graham Manufacturing in Batavia and had formerly worked for Orcon Industries in LeRoy. 

He served in tour in Okinawa while with the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973 achieving the rank of Spec. 4.   He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Vaness-Strollo Post 1602 VFW.  Doing yard work, hunting, fishing, auto repair and being with his four dogs were his enjoyment. 

Surviving besides his mother is his wife of over 29 years, Janet Mikolajczyk Williams whom he married on June 27, 1981. Two sisters, Kathy (Paul) Carpenter and Lodema (Daniel) Jones all of Clarendon.  Two brothers, Richard Williams and James (Missy) Palmer all of Clarendon.  Sisters in law, Gail Gerritz Petrucelli and Kathy Mikolajczyk both of Batavia.  Several nieces, nephews great nieces and nephews also survive.

He was the step son of the late Burton Palmer.

Visitation will be Thursday from 2 - 7 PM at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA.  Services will be Friday at Noon with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to Mercy Flight, Disabled American Veterans or Pavilion Ambulance.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 2 BOGUE AVE., BATVIA.  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Joseph R. Bucci Jr., 75 of Oakfield, NY. Died June 16, 2011 at his home in Oakfield. Born April 24, 1936 in Westchester, PA to the late Joseph R. (Mildred F. Pearson) Bucci Sr.. Mr. Bucci was retired from Shur Cast in Batavia. He was a past member of the Indian Falls Fire Department and he enjoyed working on old televisions. He is preceded in death by His brother Louis Bucci and his sister Rose Bucci in 2011.

He is survived by his children Robert (Cynthia) Bucci, William (Shelly) Bucci, Charles Bucci, Sandra (Dewey) Knapp, and Bonnie Bucci all of Oakfield, Peggy (Herbert) Scroger of Bethany, Deanna Bucci of Batavia and Debbie (Mark) Pierce of Lockport. Brother Ralph (Beth) Bucci of Batavia, Sister Alice Harlach of Darien, NY and sister in law Donna Bucci of Akron who survives along with 25 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday from 2 to 4 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020. Funeral services will take place on Saturday following calling hours at 4PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Family.  For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
 

Ronald C. Peio, 67 of Batavia. Died June 15, 2011 at United Memorial Medical Center. Born April 23, 1944 in Batavia, New York to the late Roger L. (Gladys Smigelski) Peio. Mr. Peio was a computer Engineer. 
                                                                                                                        
He is survived by a multitude of co-workers and friends along with his faithful companion Ranger.    

There will be no prior calling hours and funeral services will be private. 

Memorials can be made to The United Memorial Medical Center Intensive Care Unit 127 North Street Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Batavia Animal Hospital 3699 W. Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com  or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

     Age 23, of Byron, died early Tuesday morning at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester from injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She is the daughter of James Thorman and Catherine Kurzdorfer of Byron. A complete obituary and service announcement will be available at a later time.

ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING COMPLETED BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC AT 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MICHAEL AT (585)343-7500.

Edward M. Sheridan,  82 of Getzville, NY formerly of Batavia, died June 10, 2011 at  Hospice of Buffalo. He was born October 12, 1928 in Schenectady, NY. to the late Edward F.  and Margaret (Connolly) Sheridan.  Mr. Sheridan was a retired Senior Parole Officer at Albion and Attica Correctional Facilities where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 1985. Previously he taught history and science in the Worcester Central School System. He earned his bachelor’s degree at SUNY Albany and his masters at the University of Buffalo. He was an Army Veteran being stationed in Korea from 1946 to 1947. A member of Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332, an avid outdoorsman who loved animals, American history, antiques, and the Rollins Pond in the Adirondack’s. He was also a member of the Adirondack Council. He was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Batavia for over 44 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Dorothy R. (Boisvert) Sheridan of Getzville, two sons Edward D. (Cathy) Sheridan of the state of Washington, Daniel P. Sheridan of Colorado, two daughters Nancy (Steve) Siegel of Buffalo, and Patricia Vargo of Batavia. One sister Margaret Goggins of Delaware, 9 grandchildren, one great grandchild survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday June 14, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday at 9:30 AM in Resurrection Parish-St. Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York 14020.  Interment will take place in Grand View Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials  be made to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Road, Batavia, NY 14020 or Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.   
For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260.

Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Batavia - Mr. Billy Joe Wendt, 81, retired president of R. A. Haitz Roofing, died Friday, June 10, 2011 at home.

Mr. Wendt was born February 14, 1930 in Witchita, Kansas, the son of the late William and Lena Troupe Wendt.

Mr. Wendt has been associated with the R. A. Haitz Roofing Company since 1958. He purchased the company and became President in 1983. His son, Rick, became President in 1996 and Mr. Wendt continued to work with the company up until his death. He was the town of Batavia Zoning Officer from 1976 to 1993 and served with the Army from 1955 to 1957.

His wife of 46 years, Peggy Philipps Wendt died in 1996. He was the brother of the late LeRoy Wendt and Anna Mae McKinney and grandfather of the late Ann Elizabeth Severino.

He was the father of Rick (Lori) Wendt and Sheri (Joseph) Severino, both of Batavia; Grandfather of Philip (Tricia) Severino, Michelle (Antonino) Falleti and Christopher Wendt and Great-grandfather of Joseph & Angelina Severino. Also survived by his faithful dog, Rudy.

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St. Batavia, where services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 14, 2011 with Patti Rowbottom officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice, 550 E. Main St. or the Genesee County Animal Shelter, W. Main St. Rd., both Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

R. A. Haitz Roofing Co. will be open on Monday, closed on Tuesday and will re-open on Wednesday. 

Batavia - Mr. William J. “Bill” Seifert, 56, of Batavia, died Thursday, (June 2, 2011) at his home.

Mr. Seifert was born November 21, 1954 in Batavia, the son of the late Glenn and Mary (Brooks) Seifert.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, Godfrey's Pond, Board of Directors for the Genesee Baseball Club and was a former member of the Batavia Jaycees. 

Mr. Seifert was a NASCAR, Philadelphia Phillies, Buffalo Bills and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing. Mr. Seifert was a loss mitigation relationship manager at Chase in Albion.

For 12 years he was the message board operator and programmer for the Batavia Muckdogs. Mr. Seifert also operated the 30 second shot clock for the Batavia High School boys and girls basketball teams. 

Survivors include his three sisters, Kathleen (Kerry) Ball of Elba, Deborah (William Berry) Seifert of Buffalo and Marjorie (Carlos) Aguilar of San Diego, California; five nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Calling hours are Tuesday (June 14th) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (June 15th) also at the Church. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, NY 14020 or Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021.  

Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.