Obituaries

Helen W. Laird, 100 of Batavia, NY passed away peacefully on Friday (February 24, 2023) at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia, NY. 

She was born June 6, 1922 in Palmerton, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Helen Stigura Wargo. 

Helen was employed at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, NY for over 20 years until her retirement in 1981. During her employment she held many positions including seamstress, in which she made bedding and curtains for the residing students. 

Helen was a skilled knitter and crocheter. She enjoyed making doilies, tablecloths, sweaters, baby blankets and afghans for family and friends. Helen also enjoyed baking and looked forward to baking 20+ varieties of Christmas cookies every holiday season. 

Helen lost her son PFC Richard F. Laird during the Vietnam War, 6 days before his 21st birthday, in November 1967 making her a “Gold Star” mother and the last remaining in Genesee County. 

Helen was the wife of the late Vernon D. Laird, who passed away October 3, 1999 and mother to the late PFC Richard F. Laird (1967), Patricia A. Eaton (2014) and Nancy E. Curtis (2021). Helen was also the last remaining Wargo sibling. Her brothers and sisters were Mary, Charles, Anna, George, Andrew and Johnny. 

Survivors include a son, Larry (Ellen) Laird of Lancaster, NY and a daughter, Susan (Terry) Zilenski of Oakfield, NY.  Grandchildren include Kathleen (Todd) Bender, Bradley (Michele) Rodon, Tersa (Dan) Lane, Kelly Kabel, Melissa (Rick) Pendleton and David Zilenski. Helen is also survived by six great-grandchildren. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (March 3^rd) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11:00am at St. Padre Pio Parish, 55 Maple Ave., Oakfield, NY. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Batavia.

Memorial contributions in her name may be offered to a charity of the donors preference. Expressions of sympathy 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- Constance Boundy, 78 of Batavia  passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility, Inc. in LeRoy, New York.

Constance was born Thursday, May 11th, 1944 in Buffalo, NY.

She Graduated from Attica central school and later when on to marry the love of her life Kenneth Boundy Sr.. Together they raised 3 wonderful sons in Alexander, NY, until Kenneth's passing in 2014. Constance worked as a cashier for Sugar Creek, in Attica, NY, until her retirement

Surviving are her sons, Kenneth Boundy Jr., of Batavia, Mike (Paula) Boundy, of Bethany, and Steve Boundy, of Batavia; grandchildren, Alexis Boundy, Jake Boundy, and Lyle Boundy, all of Bethany.  

In death Constance is reunited with her husband, Kenneth Boundy Sr.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. funeral home. As per the families wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Volunteers for animals of Batavia, 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020 .  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bonnie L. Bowen, 79 of Rochester, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Leo Center at St. Ann’s Home in Rochester. She was born January 4, 1944 in Kankakee, IL to the late Fred and Ruby Heil. Bonnie is predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Bowen.

Bonnie retired from ADP in California. She was a very outdoorsy woman that enjoyed camping, fishing, her flower beds, card games, NASCAR, baseball, friends and family. Bonnie was an independent woman with a great sense of humor. She will lovingly be remembered as a devoted wife and mother.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (David) Giambrone of Byron, Robert (Toni) Bowen of Chino Hills, CA, Jim (Debra) Bowen of Huntington Beach, CA; a brother Barry (Marylou) Heil; 5 grandchildren, Brian (Abbey) Giambrone, Brandi Giambrone, Kaitlyn, Madison and Tye Bowen, great-grandson Camden Giambrone, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers for Animals at www.vol4animals.org. To leave messages 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.

Michael W. Trauscht, 85, of Attica passed away on February 20, 2023. Michael was born on January 9, 1938 to Paul and Emma Trauscht. He was predeceased by his brother David Trauscht and sister Donna Wickins.

A lifelong resident of Attica, Michael graduated from Attica High School in 1956, where he excelled in wrestling. He continued his interest in the sport, becoming a high school and college wrestling official. Upon graduation, Michael served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. After being discharged, Michael provided for his family with a long career at UPS. In retirement, Michael volunteered many years at Hospice and the VA. Some of his favorite hobbies were cheering for the Buffalo Bills, golfing, tending to his wife Judy’s gardens, golfing, being Papa to his grandchildren, and golfing. He will be remembered for making people smile and always having time for everyone.

Michael is survived by his wife, Judith Trauscht; sons, Scott (Jovanna) Trauscht and Rick (Sharon) Trauscht; grandchildren, Corey (Tai) Trauscht, Tanya Trauscht, and Melissa Trauscht; great-grandchildren, Malachi Trauscht and Abrielle Trauscht; nieces, Vicki MacLane, Debra (David) Best, Patti (Mark) Haniford, Pam (Doug) Eigenbrod; nephew, James (Tina) Wickins. Michael also leaves behind many step-grandchildren.

At this time, only a private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY, 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - Vincent A.  Sanfratello, 57 of Batavia passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia, New York.

Mr. Sanfratello was born Friday, January 7th, 1966 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Angelo and Rita (Rivers) Sanfratello. 

He enjoyed playing guitar, listening to music, spending time with friends, hunting and fishing.  

Vincent is survived by his daughter, Rachel Sanfratello; a brother, Randy Sanfratello; aunts, Lori Forsyth, Bev Corcoran, Cheryl Barber, Eleanor Rivers, and many cousins. 

In death Vincent is reunited with his parents Angelo and Rita Sanfratello.  

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home. As per the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the family’s convenience at St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes association online at https://diabetes.org/.

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

LeRoy ~ Virginia (Jean) M. Bennetti, age 97, formerly of Union St, passed away Tuesday evening (February 21, 2023) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

Jean was born on April 17, 1925, in Wheatland, NY to the late Salvatore and Pasqualina (Syracuse) Sinacore.  She grew up in Mumford, NY, along with her predeceased siblings.  She soon started her beautiful life with her late husband, Leo J. Bennetti, of almost 50 years, in LeRoy, NY.

     Jean lived her last years at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, where she was kept young.  She was able to enjoy many of her favorite things like bingo, euchre, listening to live music, and spending time with her late roommate, Rose.  She also enjoyed trying new things like painting, crafting, and even dressing up in costumes for holidays.  Jean made many good friends and received excellent care from everyone at the nursing home.

     Generous, nurturing, loving, and kind would be just a few words to describe Jean. She was the matriarch of the family.  If you were at her home, she made sure you had plenty to eat or had a good time playing cards (she was always winning, of course).  Jean was thrilled to see her family grow and was always ready to share pictures or a story about them.  One of her greatest joys was to spend time with her great grandchildren.

     Jean will truly be missed, and her memories cherished by all who knew her but especially by her sons, Tom (Karen) Bennetti and Robert (Phyllis) Bennetti; grandchildren, Kelli (Ron) Pol, Kristi (Jordan) Oliver, Matthew (Katlyn) Bennetti, Mark Bennetti and Michael (Sarah) Bennetti and her great grandchildren; Joseph and Leo Oliver, Mackenzie and Lucas Bennetti, Olivia Bennetti and Lucy Pol.

     Family and friends may call on Monday, Feb. 27 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy. Jean’s Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment is private in St. Francis Cemetery.

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

Batavia – Paul I. Randall, age 92, of Batavia, a longtime resident of Elba, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born February 26, 1930 in Attica, a son of the late Wesley Randall and Mary Bell Roth Randall.

He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Ames Randall; sons, David P. (Laura) Randall and Todd M. Randall; grandchildren, Wesley F. Randall, Emily M. (Joe) DeSantis and Collin M. Randall; great-grandchildren, Vito and Wilam DeSantis and Abigail Randall; his sister, Pat Spring along with nieces and nephews.

Paul graduated from Elba Central School, Class of 1947, where he was president of the Student Council and played football and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce on June 17, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elba. He was a lifetime member of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department, member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba where he served as a trustee and was a member of the Fourfold Class. He was a volunteer Master Gardner at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia for over 20 years.

Paul was employed at Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester where he retired in 1991 as a sheet metal supervisor.

Calling hours and services will be held at a date and time to be announced. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or the First Presbyterian Church of Elba, 23 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Paul’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Steven J. Mancuso Haitz, 38 of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

He was born April 8, 1984, a son of Mary Haitz Konarski.

Steven graduated from SUNY Canton and then graduated from SUNY Geneseo. He loved to cook and enjoyed hunting, fishing and nature. His favorite times were spending it with family who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his father Steven Mancuso and brother Marc Mancuso Haitz.

He is survived by his mother, Mary (John) Konarski of Batavia and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to share in his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (Feb. 25th), 11:00am at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, NY.

Expressions of sympathy 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.

 

 

Kate (Kathleen) A. Goodman of Alexander, NY was born on September 4, 1956 and passed away on February 20, 2023.  A loving wife and mother, she is survived by her husband of 43 years John Hanobik, her children Nicholas (Laura) Hanobik of Attica, NY and Elizabeth Hanobik of Alexander, NY.  She is also survived by her sister Debra (Craig) Lund of Lima, NY and brother James Goodman of Alexander NY, her niece and nephews Rebecca (Fred) Gregio of Jacksonville, NC, Brendan Jacob Lund of Henrietta, NY, Michael (Fiorda) Lund of Grapevine, TX, and Zachary Goodman of Alexander, NY.  She is survived by several aunts, an uncle and many cousins and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Susan (Green) Goodman, her brother Leslie Goodman, and her sister-in-law Mary Goodman.

Kate was a jack of all trades and enjoyed a wide variety of activities.  She loved being outdoors and being active but also loved curling up with a good book when the weather was too bad out.  She loved her cows and raised beef cattle with her brother for many years.  She spent most of her life working on the family farm and helping with the sawmill.  With wood from the sawmill, she completed a variety of woodworking projects, even making custom trim work for the doors and windows of her house.  She enjoyed over a decade of running her Port Huron Steam Engine with her family and was a lifetime member of the WNY Gas& Steam Engine Association.  She attended every Rally since the beginning in 1967.

Katy was a nearly lifelong member of the Alexander Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary and helped out even a child before she was old enough to be a member.  She ran the Auxiliary’s chicken BBQ each summer for many years.   She was the President of the Alexander Cemetery Association in the Village of Alexander.

Kate was the Town and Village of Alexander Historian for over 30 years compiling, researching and sharing the history with everyone.  She was an avid genealogist researching not only her own family, but also the genealogy of her extended family and friends.  She spent countless hours adding details to the branches of each family tree she worked on.  In 2011 Kate took the trip of a lifetime to Scotland with her daughter spending two weeks driving around the country where her mother’s ancestors were born.

Kate always kept a garden and fed her family from it each year through canning and freezing.  She was a good cook and baker, and always received compliments for her raspberry pie made with her home grown and picked raspberries.

When the weather kept her indoors, she enjoyed many of the fiber arts, crocheting, knitting, spinning fiber into yarn and weaving among other things.  She made afghans for family and friends on a special double ended crochet hook using a technique learned from her grandmother.

After a private family service, she will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alexander Fire Dept., PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005.  Condolences may be sent to the family at 10290 Goodman Rd, Alexander, NY 14005. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Cheryl L St. Pierre Passed Away unexpectedly Feb 16 2023, at home with battle of cancer. She was born on June 7, 1963 in Buffalo to the late Fred and Elaine (Fronzack) Wozniak.

She enjoyed life by camping with all of our friends and family. Also, by teaching people how to make jams, jellies, canning and gardening.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years Michael R St. Pierre, Sr., their son Michael St. Pierre, Jr., family, friends and the best neighbors.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Michael St. Pierre, Sr. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

South Byron- Doris A. Barber, 86, an employee at Kodak Park, Elmgrove and Barclay Elementary School, Brockport prior to her retirement, died Friday, (February 17, 2023) at  Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Batavia.

Doris was born August 17, 1936, in Albion, a daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret Lang. She married the love of her life, Dominic J. Barber on May 16, 1981 at St. Luke’s Church in Brockport. They celebrated 25 years of marriage before Dominic’s death February 1, 2007.

Doris was well known for her sweet disposition but even more so for her famously, delicious pies. Those pies would be baked for every special occasion as a show of love for her family. She was also a fabulous seamstress in her younger years. Never a day passed without Doris reading a good book or playing Sudoko. She also loved old westerns, NCIS, and George Jones. But more importantly, family was her number one love.

Survivors include five children, Penny (Richard) Menzie, of Bergen, June (Bill Kissel) Myers of Corfu, Peggy Rose ( Cyrus deceased) Levia of Olean, John (Dawn) Irvine of Palm Beach Gardens, Fl, Robert ( Holly Konish) Irvine of South Byron; Nineteen grandchildren, Jason (Megan) Menzie, Jennalee (Andrew) Ashley, Cary (Maritza) Alexyn, Jessica (Eric Woodward) Alexyn, Melissa (Jeff) Gardner, Kelly ( David) Baker, Stephanie Morrow, Emily (Chris Clancy) Fanara, Jacob (Holly) Abramski, Richard (Jess Cramer) Abramski, David Fischer, Violette Fischer, Joli Irvine (Mathew DiManno), Alexi Irvine, Antonio Seucharan, Dominick Seucharan, Jennifer Irvine, Robert Irvine Jr, Matthew Irvine. Also many, many beautiful great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Doris was the sister of several deceased brothers and sisters.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Sunday (July 30, 2023) at 1:00 p.m. in North Byron Cemetery, Route 237 in Byron. Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Austin Lee Wester, 28, of Dansville, passed away on February 7, 2023.

Austin was born June 9, 1994 in Rochester, son of Patrick & Traci Wester.

Austin had a great sense of humor and the ability to make anyone smile. He was very adventurous and always had to stay busy. He loved spending time with his daughters, bowling, skiing and basketball. He was an avid Boston Celtic basketball fan.   

Surviving along with his parents are his fiancé, Maria Rasmussen, daughters Hailee Wester & Ava Wester, brothers, Zachary Wester, Nickolas Wood & Ryan Consiglio, a sister, Chelsey Sanders, grandmothers, Shirley Wright & Rosemary Swede, aunts, uncles and cousins.   

Austin is preceded in death by his mother Kerri Swede. His grandparents Jim Wright, Richard Wester, Bonnie Dvoroznak & Porter (Wayne) Swede. 

Calling hours are February 26 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Austin's funeral will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.

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

Shirley J. Platt, 92, of Batavia passed away on Sunday February 19, 2023 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born on October 20, 1930 in Elba to the late Clarence and Loretta Johns. In addition to her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her husband; Richard D. Platt, along with several siblings.

Shirley worked for many years at Union Steel Chest in LeRoy. She was a proud member of the Moose Club, American Legion and the United Methodist Church all in LeRoy. Shirley loved to travel and spend time with family.

She is survived by her sons; Dana Platt, Douglas (Laura) Platt, Randy Platt and Terry Platt; along with many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. She will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LeRoy United Methodist Church 10 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY 14482.  To leave messages 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.

Batavia – Mrs. Concetta M. “Connie” DiAntonio, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center.

She was born on November 8, 1928, in Batavia, a daughter of the late John J. Gravanda and Marion Gentile Gravanda.

A member of St. Joseph’s Church, Connie was a fan of the New York Yankees, loved trips going to the casino and will be remembered as an amazing cook.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Ronald) Robbins of Batavia, Mary Jo (Rick) Thomas of Batavia, Georgina (Bob Lawton) Buck of Oakfield and Debra (late Robert J.) Barnard of Batavia; grandchildren, Ronald (Kelly) Robbins, II, Renee Robbins-Yonkin, Rick Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Shannon Smith, Dale A. (Brittany) Buck, Jr., Nicole Chamberlain, Amy (Dave) Tabbi and Robert J. Barnard, II; great-grandchildren, Katherine, Melissa, Madison, Gaberian, Mia, Rikki, Taylor, Jordan, Jaiden, Luca, Dominic and Nicholas; her sister, Irene Lillis of Batavia; brother-in-law, Merle Adams of Batavia; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Gavanda of Batavia and Rose Pastecki of Batavia; along with several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, George A. DiAntonio, her son, Frank J. DiAntonio who passed away on September 17, 2016; her siblings, Catherine Zaccarella, Mary Eckelberger, Ida Spiotta, Philamena Gravanda, Barbara Adams, Nicholas, Fred, Anthony and Vincent Gravanda and John J. Gravante.

There are no prior calling hours. Connie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

UPDATED: Regina Abdella of Batavia, NY, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on February 13, 2023 at 79 years old. She lived a remarkably full life. She was known for her beautiful smile, large family, and generous spirit. A dedicated care-giver, she received her nursing degree from Catherine McAuley School of Practical Nursing at St. Jerome Hospital, in Batavia NY. She continued as an LPN at St. Jerome’s Hospital until its close and then worked and retired at United Memorial Medical Center after more than 45 years of nursing. 

Throughout her life she volunteered and was a part of many organizations including Crossroads House, Stafford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Aglow, Lion’s Club, The Salvation Army, and a CCD teacher and eucharistic minister at St Peter’s Church in LeRoy, NY and Immaculate Conception in East Bethany, NY.

She was known to call and sing ‘Happy Birthday' to all she met, hand deliver Christmas cookies, sing to her patients, and nurse many homebound elderly. She spent much of her free time with her large Lebanese family, always particularly close with her identical twin sister Mary.

She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Madeline Abdella, twin sister Mary Abdella, sister Anne Teresa Feltham and brother-in-law David Saleh.

She is survived by: Her children—Joseph Palaszynski (Flavia), John Palaszynski, Julie Behlok, and Karen Padron (Lisa); siblings—Raymond Abdella (Jan), brother-in-law Tom Feltham, Larry Abdella, Gerry Abdella (Elaine), Liz Saleh, Tony Abdella (Sheri) and Cathy Hatoum (Sami); eight grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Gina donated her body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday March 19th from 1:00-2:00pm at The Stafford Firehall, 6153 Main St Stafford NY, 14143. A celebration of life and meal will follow. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 20th at 10:30am at St Mary’s Church, 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads House at Batavia NY. https://www.crossroadshouse.com