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Marilyn W. Dills, age 84 of East Bethany, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 20th 2020 at
Crossroads House in Batavia. Born November 6th 1935 in Olean, NY the daughter of the late Harold L. and Elsie Brinker Weaver. Marilyn was a 1954 graduate of Pavilion Central School and worked as the bookkeeper for the family farm, Dills Bros. Inc. She was a longtime member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church and more recently Warsaw's Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church. Marilyn was a terrific homemaker always putting her family first in all she did. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, and socializing with her friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edwin H. Dills; a son Andrew W. Dills; two brothers Dean Weaver and Dana Weaver.
Survivors include three sons, Timothy (Tena) Dills of Clymer, NY; Thomas (Michelle) Dills of East Bethany; Daniel Dills of Wright, WY; sisters, Sonia (Bill) Whaley of Pavilion; Nancy Weaver of Farmington, NY; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn's family would like to thank the volunteers and staff at Crossroads for the excellent care that she received. We also want to thank all of her friends that took the time to visit mom at Crossroads.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date at the Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church in Warsaw. Burial will follow in the East Bethany Rural Cemetery. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences, send cards. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads House at PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021. Crossroads House has been operating for 22 years, providing no cost service to the residents and their families. They rely entirely on donations and volunteers.

BATAVIA - Janet L. Murray, 64, of Batavia, passed away Friday, (March 27, 2020), at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo.

Ms. Murray was born July 8, 1955, in Adrian, Michigan, a daughter of Joanne (Peavey) Dart of Batavia and the late Donald Dart.

Janet was a member of Cornerstone Church in East Pembroke and enjoyed reading, crocheting, and playing card and board games.  She cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Thomas (Amanda) Murray of Bethany; grandchildren, Nora and Jack Murray; brothers,  James Dart of Batavia, Dale (Katherine) Dart of Homer, Darrell (late Jennifer) Dart of Holley; a sister Kayleen (Vinny Pastore) Dart of LeRoy.  Serveral nieces and nephews also survive.

Private services will be held for immediate family.  A video of the service will be posted to the funeral home's website. A public service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janet's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14020.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

EAST BETHANY - Richard G. Rung, 92, of East Bethany, passed away Tuesday, (May 5, 2020), at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Mr. Rung was born July 9, 1927, in Buffalo, a son of the late Raymond and Louisa (McMahon) Rung.

Richard served his country honorably with the Coast Guard and earned an Associates Degree from the University of Buffalo.  He worked for many years at M & T Bank in Batavia.  Mr. Rung was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.  He was also a member of Kiwanis Club where he was a Past President and Past Lieutenant Governor.  Additionally, Richard was a member of the Olive Branch #39 Free and Accepted Masons in Le Roy and was a dedicated advisor for the International Order of Rainbow Girls.  During his banking career, he served on many boards and committies of community organizations. 

He is the husband of Bette (Lubs) Rung of East Bethany.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Mary (Joseph) Fox of Blasdell, Jeanne (late Craig) Shore of Kansas, Barbara (Tom) Garrett of Colorado, Richard (Cindra) Rung of Ohio, William Rung of Iowa, and Deborah Graff of Conesus.  Several grandchildren including a special grandson, Spencer Graff; great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings, Raymond and Robert Rung, and Mary Lou Peoples.

Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date and will be announced.  A private graveside service will be held in Grand View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

DIANNA L. RUMBLE ~ of Batavia, age 55, died unexpectedly Saturday January 18, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. She was born in Batavia, NY on October 11, 1964, to the late Roland and Elizabeth (Andrews) Sprague.

Dianna worked at Walmart in Batavia and was a member of Godfrey’s Pond. She had a love for the outdoors especially hunting, fishing, camping always with her dog, Tundra in tow.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Randy Rumble of Batavia; loving children, Randy (Amanda) Rumble of E. Bethany, Jeffrey Sprague of MA, Heather Gawlik of E. Amherst, Patrick Rumble of Oakfield, 6 grandchildren, siblings, Pamela (Scott) Milner of MA, Douglas Sprague of Batavia, Ronald (Michelle) Sprague of E. Bethany, Rebecca (Gene) Day of Alexander, Penny Sprague of Lockport, Jackie (Larry) Long of FL, John Sprague of Oakfield along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held later and memorials in her memory can be made to the family.

Please share your words of comfort with Dianna’s family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF DIANNA L. RUMBLE IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Joan D. (Waclawski) Torcello, 96, beloved wife of the late Ralph F. “Rick” Torcello, died June 1, 2020 at Crest Manor Nursing Home in Fairport, NY.  Mrs. Torcello was born February 8, 1924, a daughter of the late Anthony and Anna Waclawski of Bethany Center & Buffalo, NY.  She was a Business Major graduate in 1941 from Riverside High School in Buffalo and upon graduation, worked first as an aircraft riveter and then as account clerk at Bell Aircraft Corporation. 

During WWII Joan moved to Washington, D.C. to work as an account clerk with the Navy Department and later for the Veteran’s Administration in D.C. and in Buffalo after the war.   She and Rick were married on October 19, 1946 after his discharge from the Naval Armed Guard that year.

Joan continued to be employed over the years in accounting and office management for Roy Porter Produce & Brokerage in Elba for over 12 years.  She retired from the Batavia Holiday Inn in 1986 after 14 years as their bookkeeper and accountant.  Over her lifetime she was a member of the Stafford Planning Board, the Republican Stafford and County Committees, the Byron-Bergen PTA, serving as president, and the Byron Bergen Advisory and Educational Study Committees.

She enjoyed volunteering at the St. Jerome Hospital Gift Shop and the Batavia Senior Center.  She also participated as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Glenn S. Loomis Post #332, Batavia American Legion.  With her husband, she was an avid summer Silver Lake camper and loved showing their antique automobiles at area car shows.  A devout Catholic, she was a member of Ascension Parish/Sacred Heart Church and former member of the Altar & Rosary Society.

She is survived by her four children, Patricia A. (Joseph) Catalina of Valatie, NY; Marcia A. (Joseph) Rice of Pittsburgh, PA; Ronald R. (Mary Cain) Torcello of Churchville, NY; and Robin J. (Stephen) Hodownes of Honeoye Falls, NY; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by sisters Mary Dombrowski, Sophie Adolf, Stella Kawacz, Frances Polec, Julia Slusar, Helen Hunt and Josephine Mager, and by brothers Joseph Waclawski, John Waclawski and Walter Waclawski.

Private services and funeral mass will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mass cards or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 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, NY14020. RONALD KONIEZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Batavia - Edwin W. Schoenthal, 89 of Batavia passed away on Friday, (December 25, 2020) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. Schoenthal was born June 4, 1931 in Alabama, a son of the late Walter and Mabel (Scharlau) Schoenthal.

Edwin graduated from Medina High School in 1949 and worked for many years at the former Genesee County Farm in Bethany. Upon the farm's closure, he began working as a Drill Press Operator at Batavia Metal Products.  A fireman for nearly 70 years, Mr. Schoenthal joined the Bethany Fire Department in 1951 where he was a life member and past chief; he was a life member and past president of the Stafford Fire Department; and a life member, former board member, and past vice president of the Alabama Fire Department where he worked bingo weekly. He received numerous awards over 7 decades in fire service including the Genesee County Fireman of the Year Award in 1968.  He was a member and past president of the Genesee County Chiefs Association; a past member of both the NYS and WNY Volunteer Firemans Associations.

Surviving along with his wife, Sally (Meisner) Schoenthal whom he married March 3, 1955 are his daughter, Judy Sanders of Batavia; grandchildren, Jeremy, Todd, Andy, Jason, and Jessie; brothers, Alan (Leticia) Schoenthal of Texas, and Lester (Janet) Schoenthal of Ontario; a sister, Gloria Lewis of Maryland. Numerous great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Ed is preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Ann Long; and a grandson, Eric Fairbanks.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Edwin's Funeral Service will be held privately for his family, however will be live-streamed via the funeral home's website beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alabama Fire Department, PO Box 798, Basom, NY 14013.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the funeral home will be limited to 25 people throughout the course of visitation. Please be prepared to wait outside. Face coverings and social distancing are required. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

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

Batavia - Sally Ann Neider, 76, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Sally was born March 24, 1944, in Galveston, TX, the daughter of the late Samuel and Ruby Dan (Ezzell) Bridges.

Sally was a founding member of Volunteers for Animals and took in strays, whether cats or humans.  She loved to read and was known for sharing her collection of books while home and also at the nursing home.  Sally grew up in a military family and lived around the world.

Survivors include her daughters, Danielle (Thomas) King of Oakfield and Diane Lapp of LeRoy; grandchildren, Angela King of East Bethany, Kyle King of Oakfield, Elizabeth Lapp of LeRoy and Killian Lapp of LeRoy.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Services will be at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Sally's memory may be made to Volunteers for Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, http://www.vol4animals.org/donate or to Crossroads House, P.O. 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.

Arrangements for Sally were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

James M. Gartz, 67 of Darien Center, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia. He was born January 22, 1953 in Rochester, to the late Eugene (Rose Schwann) Gartz. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years Jennifer M. (Schwarz) Gartz in 2019; brother William Gartz, sister Susan Gartz Bewley; sister-in-law Cheryl Gartz.   

Mr. Gartz worked for many years as a Mason, Cement Mason’s Local 111 of WNY in Buffalo. He was a “Jack of all trades” and had a passion for woodworking. James was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time poolside. His family was everything to him, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Gina Napierski of Attica; Annette Smith of Rochester; Joseph (Michelle) Auricchio of East Bethany; Anthony (Cindy) Bykowski of Alexander; Michael (Tanya) Bykowski of Darien; siblings, Steve (Diane) Gartz, Eugene (Bonnie) Gartz, Michael (Wendy) Gartz, Martin Gartz, sister-in-law Melissa Gartz; 13 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home, Inc. 167 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Ralph M. Torcello, 89, of Batavia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2020 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia after a brief illness.

Born on Sept. 29, 1930 and raised in Batavia, Mr. Torcello was the son of Michael C. Torcello, Sr. and Mary Torcello (Feniello). He grew up on the family farm on Creek Road in Batavia and lived there until his death.

Mr. Torcello graduated from Batavia High School in the late 1940s and was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Buffalo State College with his B.A. in education. He served in the Army following his graduation and after his duty was completed, taught Industrial Arts to high school students in the Letchworth Central School District until his retirement.

Mr. Torcello’s passion was harness racing. During college he worked part time as a security guard at Batavia Downs and that began a lifetime of involvement in the sport that would last almost 70 years. He was an owner, trainer and driver and raced almost entirely in Western New York. 

Mr. Torcello trained and often drove his small stable of horses after getting his license in 1962. During that time he raced campaigners like Gypsy Flash, Gold Piece, Outlaw Collins and Bait The Trap. His last driving win came in 1993 in a lifetime best effort with a trotting mare named Spell Rosie followed by his last training win in 1999 with one of his better horses, What About Bob. His love of the sport spread to many in his family who later owned, trained and drove horses themselves.  

Mr. Torcello was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Anna Strollo (Michael), Marie Perry (Samuel), Frances, Lawrence (Madeline), Rose, Angeline, Genevieve, Michael Jr. (Patricia) and Marcella, as well as by his nephew, Anthony M. Strollo.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Marie Caste (Paul), of New Jersey, Michael C. Torcello (Lynn) of Delaware and Lawrence Torcello (Katie), of East Bethany, Mary Jo Dumuhosky and Ross Perry, both of Batavia, Michael L. Torcello (Deborah), of Hamburg, Ralph P. Torcello (Diane), of Pavilion and Marirose Ethington (Larry), of East Bethany. He is also survived by numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as his longtime friend, Hiland Clark. 

Mr. Torcello was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Batavia and a former member of the New York State Teachers’ Association and the United States Trotting Association.

There will be a mass in celebration of Mr. Torcello’s life at the Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St. in Batavia on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to United Memorial Hospital Foundation.

  Nancy A. Boss, 84 of Attica, passed away peacefully June 1, 2020 at Friendly Home in Rochester.  She was born in Batavia, on September 29, 1935 to the late Burton (Dorothy Waite) Lewis. She is preceded in death by a sister Patricia Treat and brother-in-law Clarence Rich.

Mrs. Boss worked for many years at George King Boss Insurance Agency. She was a member of Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Attica and the Attica Golf Club. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband Ivan “Ike” Boss of Attica; children Brenda (Thomas) Parkes of Victor; Richard (Cheryl) Norton of Murphy, NC; Randall (Tilma) Norton of Palm Bay, FL; step-children Michelle (Michael) Perkins of Pavilion; Philip Boss of East Bethany; Luanne (Neil) Jacobs of Batavia; sister Sara Rich of Sebastian, FL; brother-in-law Norman Treat of Auburndale, FL; 15 grandchildren, 18 grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours, a Graveside Service will be held for the immediate family. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Friendly Senior Living for the amazing care they gave Nancy over the years.

The family requests that donations be made to Friendly Home (in memo line Lee Place in memory of Nancy Boss), 3156 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Batavia - LaVerne E. "Turk" Francis, age 87, of Batavia, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Turk was born May 8, 1932, in Cuba, son of the late Norman Francis, Sr. and the late Marjorie Banker Francis.

A member of the Genesee Country Church, Turk faithfully served as a greeter of the church and as head usher for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy, was proud of his antique tractor collection and loved to wash and detail his car. He proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Manhardt Francis. The two were married August 23, 1952. Also surviving are his daughter, Lynda (Daniel) Lyons of Oakfield; three grandchildren, Jessica (late Derrick) Baity of New York City, Colleen (Paul) Kowtun of North Tonawanda and Kyle Lyons of Oakfield; three great-grandchildren, Elijiah Jones, Mason Baity and Parker Kowtun; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Francis of South Carolina, Irene Francis of Texas and Barb (late Dave) Conn of East Bethany along with several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Sharon L. Francis who passed away on August 31, 2009 and his brothers, Herbert Francis, Norman Francis, Jr., Walter Francis and Melvin Francis.

Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Genesee Country Church, 3268 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Turk's name to the Al Sigl Foundation, Inc., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, New York 14620 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Batavia. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia.

Batavia - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church at a later date. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Massena: James C. Murphy, age 99 passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020 at the Massena Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. Funeral services for James will be held at the convenience of the family with a graveside service held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, in Batavia, NY at a later date.

James was born on June 6, 1920, in Buffalo, NY. He is the first of two children born to the late James E. and Anna (Scheur) Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Viola (Neth, Wahls) Murphy formerly of Batavia, NY. James is also survived by his children: Sheilah Murphy of Seattle, WA; Kevin and Deborah Murphy, of Gloversville, NY; Arline Murphy, of Massena, NY; Nora and Bruce Murphy-Kotteman, of Princess Anne, MD; Deborah and Brian White-Sallee of Reno, NV; Arthur and Carla Wahls of Batavia, NY; and David and Robin Wahls, of Doswells, VA. James is also survived by seven grandchildren: Seana Murphy, of Salem, OR; Christopher and Noelle Murphy of Bennington, VT; Cassandra Murphy of Cromwell, CT; Kelly Conners of Massena, NY; Andrea and Robert Falkowski of East Bethany, NY; James and Tessali Wahls of Owego, NY; and Hillary Wahls, of Doswell, VA. He has 11 great-grandchildren: Dylan Murphy, Meghan Mills, William Murphy, James Murphy, Olivia Murray, Owynn Conners, Logan Wahls, Calayla Sacdalan, Wesley Falkowski, Emmaline Falkowski, and James J.A. Wahls. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Edward; and a grandson, Drew Wahls.

As a teenager he attended Fosdick-Masten Park High School in Buffalo until starting work for Western Union in 1936. Beginning in 1938 he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, stationed in Nevada and Idaho, in part as a forest fire fighter. He often remarked that the years spent with the C.C.C. were among his most formative and even 80 years later was moved by the memory of those who were lost. Following his time with the C.C.C. he entered the United States Army in February 7, 1942 to serve his country proudly during World War II.

During the war, he served with the 88th Infantry Division in North Africa and Italy. In Italy he was transferred to 5th Army City Command Section, under the 5th Army Headquarters, where he served establishing provisional governments in liberated cities. He was honorably discharged from the service on December 12, 1945. 

In 1948 he began his career with General Motors at the gear and axle plant in Buffalo. He transferred to the engine plant in Tonawanda four years later. Then in 1959 he and his then-wife Joan, and their four children moved to Massena where he began work at the Chevrolet aluminum foundry. He worked continuously until his retirement in 1987. The following year he was brought on as a consultant in the creation of the Saturn Corporation in Detroit, MI. James later returned to consult for GM from 1993-1996, and 1998-2004.

James loved all sports, but had a particular affinity for horse racing, basketball, and football. He was an avid bowler, serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday night mixed doubles league at the Seaway Bowl for 15 years. He enjoyed bicycle racing and table tennis, and went on to compete in the New York State Senior Games in 1990 and 1991, where he won gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races, and a bronze medal in table tennis. In 1992 he competed in the National Senior Games in Syracuse. Throughout his life James loved singing, story-telling, and jokes and he loved sharing these with his family and friends. Whether in the barracks, at the bowling alley, at the GM Retirees’ luncheons, on several cruises with his wife Viola, during Friday nights at the Village Inn, as a member of the Sacred Heart Choir, or when he was surrounded by family, James could always be relied on for laughter and song. It’s hard to imagine a finer bequest than that.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be acknowledged with St. Vincent de Paul; 128 Main St, Massena, NY 13662 or Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com

James W. Wright, age 84, of Perry, NY passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Perry, NY on July 19, 1935 a son to the late Leslie H. and Doris E. (Watrous) Wright. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife: Joyce E. (Farley) Wright second wife: Marguerite T. (Hauslauer) Wright, sisters Betty Farley and Mary Kohring

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Perry High School. He went to work on the family farm raising corn, wheat, oats and alfalfa, He did custom planting, spraying, combining and silo filling for area farmers throughout Wyoming and Livingston County. In 1958 he purchased his own farm and continued to work with his father. He worked part time plowing snow for the Town of Perry and later became the Highway Superintendent for the Town of Perry in 1977. He retired from the town in 1997. He returned back to work working for Suit Kote in Buffalo where he was a lab technician and retired from there in 2013. He was very active in the community. He was a life member of the Perry Center Fire Department for over 50 years, he volunteered for the Perry Emergency Ambulance, appointed to the Town of Perry Zoning Board of Appeals, was a instructor for the hunter safety courses, and was a member of the Wyoming County Republican Committee, Wyoming County Highway Superintendents Association and Constellation Lodge #404 of the Free and Accepted Masons. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, playing cards, making wine and especially enjoyed his family.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley (Litteer) Wright whom he married on July 9, 1994, 2 daughters: Linda (Michael) Palucki of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Colleen (Michael) Bradley of Dansville, 2 sons: Harold (Cindy) Wright and Chuck (Teresa) Wright both of Perry, 3 step-sons: Patrick (Traci) Wester of Pembroke, Jason (Becky) Bump of Pavilion, Derek (Karrie) Bump of Bethany, a sister: Lois Sliker of Leicester, brother: Lawrence (Linda) Wright of Albuquerque , New Mexico, 13 grandchildren: Jennifer (Todd) Shoemake, Kristi (Annie Giangrosso) Bradley, James Bradley, Eric Wright, Sara (Mark) Eberstein, Alex Wright, Elizabeth Wright, Austin Wester, Nick Wester, Nick Wood, Zach Wester, Maverick Bump, Mason Bump and Melanie Bump., 2 great grandchildren: Raeha Eberstein and Hailee Wester along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Thursday January 23, 2020 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry New York 14530.  A Fireman’s Service will be held at 6:45pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 24th at 11:00am at the Funeral Home.

(In lieu of flowers) Memorial contributions can be made to Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry and First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530.  For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.

DENNIS J. WITTMAN ~ Age 77, of Batavia, passed peacefully at Charlotte House in N. Java, NY. He was born to the late Jerome and Evelyn (Hamilton) Wittman on June 2, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Allan Wittman and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Bangs and Dolores Clark.

Dennis was a graduate of Cleveland Hill High School, his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Wadham’s Hall Seminary, Ogdensburg, NY and earned his master’s degree from the University of Rochester.

He was employed for 36 years with Genesee County as a Probation Officer and in 1980 was asked by the late Sheriff, W. Douglas Call to head up a new program, Alternatives to Incarceration, which was a first in the United States with law enforcement and third such program in the United States. He began the first rural and fourth in New York State Child Advocacy Center and Multi-Disciplinary Teams serving Genesee County, as well as neighboring counties. He started the Driving While Intoxicated Conditional Discharge Program, Justice for Women Program and Team, the Western New York State Victims Coalition, he was President of the New York State Crime Victims Board Advisory Council and, Vice President of the New York State Association for Alternative Sentencing. Former Governor George Pataki appointed Dennis to the Western New York Citizens Review Panel (abused children), First Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program in New York State dealing specifically with serious/violent cases, National Institution of Corrections consultants, Office of Victims of Crime consultants, Chairman of Criminal Justice Advisory Council. Dennis represented the United States in a Bi-Lateral Summit in Japan, addressed the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, addressed the Canadian Parliament on Restorative Justice and traveled to forty states and the Canadian Provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

Dennis recently served on the Diocese of Buffalo Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Policy Task Force. He was an Adjunct Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College and served as Town Supervisor for the Town of Bethany from 1978 to 1990. He was a faithful member of Ascension Parish in Batavia where he served as Vice President and President of the Holy Name Society, President of the Parish Council and Usher under the former Sacred Heart Parish.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol (Chmielowiec) Wittman of Batavia whom he married in 1971; loving daughters, Holly (Michael) Stoddard of Honeoye and Jennifer of San Antonio, TX; faithful Husky companion, Kodah; sister, Kathie (Paul) Beaulieu of Cheektowaga, NY and brother, Philip (Nancy) Wittman of Akron, NY; brother-in-law, Dr. A Steven Bangs of Long Island; sister in law, Marsha Deman of Defiance, Ohio along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great niece and nephew.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic a Mass of Christian Burial will be announced later. Memorials in his memory may be made to Charlotte House, P.O. Box 123, 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113: Ascension Parish, 17 Sumner Street, Batavia, NY 14020, or MUSH Rescue Inc, 12820 Wyngate Trail, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Thank you to our Wednesday morning library friend, Roger Richardson. Tuesday lunch time prayer group: Marg Miller, Leta Sackett, Pastor Ken Cromer and Elder Ron. Emilie, Board of Directors, the many volunteers, weekly communion from Holy Family Polish National Church and the community at Charlotte House for the excellent care provided, to the many doctors at University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional that provided such excellent care, for their prayers and visits Rev. Father David Glassmire, Deacon Mark Kehl, Rev. Father Matthew Kawiak, Deacon Corey Foegen and especially Sue Hatrick for giving a part of herself to Dennis.

The family kindly asks people consider signing to be an organ donor. Two special people gave Dennis thirteen extra years with his family.

Please share your words of comfort with the Wittman family at www.tomaszewskifh.com

THE FAMILY OF DENNIS J. WITTMAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 – (585)343-7500