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John A. Pierce, 94, a 55 year resident of Bethany Center, who most recently resided at The Manor House in Batavia, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, and the love of his life, Millie (Kilby) Pierce who passed away in October 1999; two sisters Emma and Violet; and brothers Eugene, Richard, Robert and Victor Bisig.

Mr. Pierce proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II as a B-25 pilot. He worked for Franklin Mills Whole Wheat Flour which was demolished with the Batavia Urban Renewal Project. He later owned and operated FM Mills in Bergen with his partners George (Red) Vincent and Bruce Ireland. When they closed that business, Mr. Pierce, at age 50, was appointed by Genesee County to the position of Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Commission and subsequently was appointed as the first Genesee County Personnel Officer from which he retired in April 1983. He often said how much he loved his job.

He is survived by his son, James (Brenda) Pierce; daughter Cheryl (Lance) Glover; grandchildren Holly (James) Piljay, Troy Glover, Nicole Gaiser, Amy (Christopher) Stahl, Tracy Pierce, and Kelly Pierce. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. He has one surviving brother, James (Katy) Bisig of Columbia, MO., and many surviving nieces and nephews.

To honor his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Private Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Cemetery Association, C/O Lyle Embt, Treasurer, 10720 Bethany Center Road East Bethany, New York 14054 or to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department 5253 Old Telephone Road East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

THOMAS S. MITCHELL, SR.

Age 89, of Elba, died Wednesday evening April 6, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was born June 6, 1926 in Astoria, Queens. An only child, he was raised by his mother, the late Emma (Rhind), also preceded in death by dear cousins, Charlotte (Ray) Buckhaults. 

Mr. Mitchell served our country as a member of the U.S. Army in the 94th Infantry during World War II, and as a member of the Constabulary, which was a post-war security force in the U.S. Occupation Zone of West Germany and Austria. He had a lifelong passion for learning, and to that end he pursued numerous hobbies. In his thirties he learned to fly. He held both single engine land and glider ratings. He was a member of the Long Island Soaring Society. A lifelong member of the EAA and a founding member of Gaines Valley Aviation/Airport in Gaines, NY. In years past he spent most Sundays at the East Bethany Airport visiting and flying with other local pilots. He also played guitar and his family has fond memories of Mom serenading the family with old country standards by Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams while Dad played guitar. A passionate Buffalo Bills fan he followed the team closely and never missed a game. His other interests included being a licensed ham radio operator, call sign K2PUL and even taking piano lessons later in life. Professionally he installed and serviced printing presses for Heidelberg Eastern, Inc. for over 40 years as a member of IAM machinists union local #434. However, most importantly, he was the beloved patriarch of his family who will be remembered as a caring and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Surviving is his partner in marriage for 48 years, Grace (Furman) Mitchell of Elba; his children, Anna (David Lee) Fenton of Batavia, Thomas Mitchell, MD (Cynthia Mitchell, PA) of NC and Elaine (Scott) Say of Oakfield; grandchildren, Monique, Matthew, Tayler, Madison, Lukas, Isaac, Zachary and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Alaska-Vela; sister-in-law, Lavina (Joseph) Elek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The family will be present on Sunday April 10, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 1:00pm Monday April 11. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery with full military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. 

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

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