Obituaries | The Batavian (2024)

Batavia – Jeanne L. Stefaniak, age 80, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 15, 1943 in Batavia, daughter of the late Harry “Pepper” DiMartino and Josephine Barbagallo DiMartino.

She loved her spending time outdoors and baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jeanne enjoyed playing solitaire and trips to Lickity Splits for ice cream.

She was the loving wife to Richard J. Stefaniak, who passed away on May 18, 2004.

Surviving are her children, Sue (Thomas) Shultz of Batavia, Rich (Anne) Stefaniak of Batavia, Sandra (Kris) Kessler of Batavia and Sherry (fiancé Dave Sanford) Woodrich of Rochester; thirteen grandchildren, Christine (Randal) Warner of Oakfield, Nicole (Casey Cole) Shultz of Oakfield, Ashley (Brian) Huber of Tonawanda, Ron (Kaeli) Kleinbach of Batavia, Devon (David) Wolcott of Geneseo, Steven (Charleigh Riggs) Stefaniak of Boston, Mass., Taylor (Danny Longo) Stefaniak of Tonawanda, Ryann (Anthony Zambito) Stefaniak of Batavia, Tyler (Kaeleigh DiSalvo) Kessler of Batavia, Bronson and Brayden Kessler of Oakfield and Amanda and Hunter Woodrich of Batavia; eight great-grandchildren Dawson, Kendal and Lakynn Warner, Kaysen and Maddox Cole, Sawyer and Brylee Pratt and Dawson Wolcott; two brothers, Michael (late Judy) DiMartino of Churchville and Rich (Maryjean) DiMartino of Cuba along with nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where funeral services will immediately follow at 12 pm at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York,6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite #320, Buffalo, New York 14221. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visitwww.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Stanley L. Wyder, 98, of Batavia, passed away on August 18, 2024 at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

Stanley was born April 16, 1926 in East Pembroke, a son of the late Anthony and Bronislawa (Piotrowski) Wyder.

Stanley will be remembered as a wonderful dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed traveling and playing pinochle. A veteran, Stanley served with the United States Army and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He grew up and worked on the farm.

Surviving are his children, Diane LeBlanc, Cheryl Haas and Debbie (Ron) Muntz; a sister, Vicky Graves; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Wyder; brothers, Matthew Wyder, Steve Wyder, Frank Wyder, Eddie Wyder and Richard Wyder and sisters, Mary Slupski and Clara Mrowka.

There are no prior calling hours. Private services with military honors will be held at St. Cecilia's Cemetery in Oakfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers For Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021, www.vol4animals.org/donations.

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

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

Pamela Booth, 75 of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, passed away peacefully on Friday (August 16, 2024) at the home of her daughter in Alabama under the loving care of her family and Hospice.

She was born February 9, 1949 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Harold and Elizabeth Nephew Parker.

Pam was employed by the New York State School for the Blind for over 30 years until her retirement. She was a member of the Tonawanda Indian Historical Society and its book club. Pam was a Buffalo Bills fan and loved to be around her family, especially around the holidays where she would go “all out” for them with gifts and presents. She was also a proud member of the Heron Clan of the Cayuga Nation.

She was a kind and giving individual who was full of wit and humor. Pam was a social butterfly and cared deeply for those she knew and loved. She is now the last to join her parents and siblings in Heaven.

Survivors include her daughter, Nicole (Josh) Luxon of Alabama. Grandchildren, Dustin Parker and Amber Parker. Also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughters, Andrea Old Smoke and Natalie Errick. Granddaughter, Miranda Printup. Siblings, Lois “Kay” Jones, Raymond “Bink” Parker, Stanley “Gus” Parker, Candice Parker, Bernadette “Birdie” Hill, Susan Parker and Caroline Parker.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (August 24^th) from 12pm-2pm at the Tonawanda Indian Baptist Church, 565 Bloomingdale Rd., Basom, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 2pm.

She will be laid to rest in the Parker Family Burial Grounds.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared atwww.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

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

Darien Center - Kim M. Spencer, 64 of Darien Center, passed away on Saturday, (August 10, 2024) at her home.

Ms. Spencer was born August 23, 1959 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Jack and Marilyn (Walsh) Spencer.

Kim was creative and enjoyed crafting; making bracelets, necklaces, pottery and the like. She liked to be outdoors gardening, tending to her lawn, or fishing. Most of all, Kim cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her long time companion, Joseph Sauka of Darien Center; sons, Benjamin (Jennifer) Kohlhagen, Kristopher Kohlhagen, Scott Cameron, and Dylan Cameron all of Attica; grandchildren, Avry, Kendyll, Hailie, and Nathan; great-grandson, Leon; brother, Steven (Patricia) Spencer of Attica; sisters, Deborah (late Jerry) Smith of Texas, and Cynthia Spencer of Attica. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Kim is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kevin Spencer.

Honoring Kim's wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. Online condolences at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Rebecca W. Judd “Becky”, 70 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Saturday (June 29, 2024) at home under the loving care of her family and Hospice.

She was born February 2, 1954 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Raymond and Rowena Webber Dawson

Becky was employed by Summit Physical Therapy prior to her retirement. She loved animals, especially frogs and also enjoyed taking care of her flowers. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Daniel Judd of Batavia. Sons, Corrie (Karen) Nutting of Washington and Chad (Courtney) Judd of Batavia. Grandchildren, Jessie Brown, Jacob Windbingler, Colton Judd, Sirius Nutting, Elora Nutting and Curtis Nutting. Great-grandchild, Jazmynn Welch. Siblings, Richard (Corny) Dawson of West Seneca, Ronald (Sheila) Dawson of Arizona, Raymond “Billy” Dawson of Newark and Russell (Trudie) Dawson of Batavia. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Casey Nutting.

Graveside services will be on Friday, August 30^th, 11am at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road in Corfu. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31^st, starting at 2pm until later at the residence of 3941 Pike Road, Batavia, NY.

The family would like to thank everyone that helped in her care while she was home.

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.

LeRoy ~ Joan A. Riggi, age 80, of West Avenue, passed away early Wednesday morning (Aug. 14, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital,surrounded by her family's love.

She was born April 7, 1944 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Ralph and Josephine Gomborone Yachett.

Joan will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend to many. She was a very loving, kind and compassionate person, who was always willing to help others.She enjoyed spending time with her family and playing euchre.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Salvatore “Sam” Riggi; her daughter, Karen (Pat) DiMarzo, step-son, Joe (Bonnie) Riggi, along with many other loving family members to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Joan was also predeceased by her sisters, Marie Breslin, Beatrice Vernaccini and Betty Scafetta.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 4 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where her Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joan are suggested to Our Lady of Mercy Parish – St. Francis Cemetery Fund, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

Your memories and condolences may be shared with Joan’s family atwww.falconefuneralhome.com.

Gary L. Osterman Jr. passed away at the age of 50 on July 17^th 2024.

He was born on October 27^th 1973 in Batavia and was a 1992 graduate of Pavilion High School.

Gary worked in multiple trades including, carpentry & masonry, both locally (LeRoy area) and in Largo, Florida, where he created his own contracting company.

He had a love for all things outdoors, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and being on the water. He also loved to cook and listen to music.

Gary is predeceased by his mother, Christine and his sister, Lisa. He is survived by his father, Gary L. Osterman Sr., his two daughters, Ashley and Molly Osterman and his aunt, Melody.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, August 29^th from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.

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

Alexander - Diann (Allen) Brownell, age 77, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Suzanne's Comfort Care Home in Perry surrounded by her family.

Diann was born on August 16, 1946, in Niagara Falls, the daughter of the late Howard E. Allen and Jean A. Barry Allen.

Diann enjoyed painting, her puzzle books and making crafts with her grandchildren. She loved knitting and was proud in knowing she knitted all of her grandchildren's Christmas stockings. She was a fan of the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team.

She is survived by her children, Kelly (Michael) McClellan, Paul (Connie) Gurski, Jr. and Shelley (Bill) Buzzard; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother, John (Cathy) Allen along with nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Memorial services will immediately follow visitation at 3 pm at the funeral home. Donations in her name may be made to her family. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth "Liz" Wagner (née Rybak), 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 8, 2024, in Leesburg, FL. Born on July 16, 1947, in Depew, NY, Liz was a beacon of joy and kindness to all who knew her.

Liz retired from Wyoming Correctional Facility, where she dedicated many years of service. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her career, as she was an avid volunteer and a master quilt maker, often creating beautiful quilts for family and friends. Liz's love for planning and traveling led her to organize countless memorable vacations and events, making every moment a celebration of togetherness.

She is survived by her loving husband, William; children, Richard (Jen), Eric (Krista), and Heidi (Eddie); eight grandchildren, Megan (Brady), Jason (Avery), Aaron (Talia) William, Eden, Leah, Gage and Hunter, and two great-grandchildren Brynlee and Remy; three wonderful sister-in-laws; and several cherished nieces and nephews. Liz's family was the center of her world, and she relished every moment spent with them.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Irene Rybak, and siblings, Connie (Eddie), Don (Helen), and Frank (Andrea).

A service to honor Liz's life will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 11am at the Alexander Fire Rec Hall, 10708 Alexander Rd, Alexander, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Liz's name to the Alexander Fire Dept, PO Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, honoring Liz's lifelong commitment to helping others.

Ronald Parker, 86 of Basom, NY, died Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the NYS Veterans Home, Batavia, NY.

He was a US Army Veteran, serving his country from 1957-1959. Ron was of the Snipe Clan of the Tonawanda Band of Senecas. He graduated from Akron Central School in 1956. A welder by trade, he had a long and varied work history.

He leaves behind his wife, Michele Lee Parker (nee Moses) of Basom. Daughter, Melanie L. Parker (David Albright) of Basom. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as brother in-law, Jerome Bartel and family.

Ron was the son of the late DeForest Sr. and Geraldine Sundown Parker and was predeceased by 9 siblings.

There will be no prior services. Expressions of sympathy 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.

Batavia - Rosemary Long, 75, of Batavia, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Rosemary was born Wednesday, February 2, 1949 in Batavia, a daughter of the late William and Joan (Eckerson) Ireland.

Rosemary took an interest in crocheting, movies, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

She graduated from Genesee Community College and raised four wonderful children. Rosemary worked as a home health aide for Private Care, until her retirement.

Surviving are her children, Kelly (Dennis) Muntz, of Oakfield, Amy (Jason) Noble of Batavia, John (Christina) Lacey, and Michael (Jessie) Lacey, all of Oakfield; twelve grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her brother, William (Sandy) Ireland; and her sisters, Alice (late Richard) Sulimowicz of Batavia, Claudia (late Joseph) Sulimowicz of Rochester, and Janice (Michael) Ireland of Alexander. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews,aunts and uncles and cousins.

In death Rosemary is reunited with her parents, William and Joan Ireland, and with her husband, Harold Long.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc Funeral Home in Batavia. There are no prior calling hours. Rosemary will be laid to rest next to her husband on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm in Maple lawn Cemetery, Elba. The family will have a celebration of life following the graveside service at Woodstock Garden's Community Center, 219 N. Spruce Street Batavia, NY..

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Autism Association at 310 Maple Avenue, Suite E1, Barrington, RI 02806.

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

LeRoy- Josephine A. Manley, age 76, of Warsaw Road, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York under comfort care.

She was born September 14, 1947 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late Augustine and Sarah Andolora Campesi.

Josephine will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, nana, grandma, aunt, cousin, and dear friend to many. She loved cooking, camping, spending time at her cottage on Silver Lake, and caring for all of her grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world and always took priority above all.

She worked for Wyoming County Community Hospital as a medical surgical aide for over 20 years prior to her retirement. Josephine was a lifetime and honorary charter member of the LeRoy Volunteer Ambulance Service. She served for many years with the American Red Cross. She was also a current member of the LeRoy Fire Department Auxiliary and Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company.

Josephine will be sadly missed by her children, Wendy (John) Johnson and Brian (Jennifer) Manley, grandchildren Jennifer (Scott) Pellett, Craig (Lindsey) Johnson, Briannah Birch, and Alexandra Manley, great-grandchildren, Ellison and Josie Pellett, along with many brother- and sister- in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close extended family who were near and dear to her.

Besides her parents, Josephine was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Burton Manley, daughter, Amy Manley and her father- and mother- in-laws, Gilbert and Ruby Manley.

Family and friends may call on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 4-8 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy, where her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11 AM. Private interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to donor’s charity of choice in Josephine’s name.

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

Neil E. Jacobs, age 87, of Batavia, passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2024 under Hospice care, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 17, 1937, in Batavia, New York to Harry and Mildred (Bastian) Jacobs.

Neil is survived by his son Neil P. Jacobs (Luanne) and daughter Patricia M. Barnes; grandchildren Taylor (John Pisanzio) Jacobs, Jenna Jacobs, and Joshua (Mary) Jacobs; great-grandchild Adelyn Jacobs; sister Linda (Richard) Wolff of Batavia, and brother Larry Jacobs of Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, and numerous in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary A. (Maniace) Jacobs; sisters Judy Ryan, and Ann (Lawrence) Lamie; and niece Tammy Wolff.

Neil was an extremely generous and proud man. He would give whatever he could and never expected anything in return. From a young age he was a hard worker, starting out as the neighborhood paperboy and then as a butcher in the meat department at Marchese’s Groceries. This contributed to his love for cooking. He cooked alongside his wife Mary who shared the same passion. He loved making homemade soups, stuffed peppers, scalloped potatoes, his own blend of burgers, as well as sauce and meatballs. Along with cooking, Neil truly loved gardening. He had a huge garden in the backyard and spent many hours each summer tending to it. He always said “vegetables are the best thing for ya!” He loved having company over to sit outside and share a beer or two with him in the patio that overlooked his garden. He would always send a few bags of fresh picked vegetables from the garden home with whomever visited.

Neil was a United States Air Force Veteran, having served from 1955-1959. He was mostly known for being a self-employed carpenter. He completely renovated the house he lived in for 58 years. Neil was always willing to give a helping hand when needed and rarely charged what his time and materials were worth. He never cheated anyone and was a very honest man. He prided himself on being a good person and made many close friendships with his customers.

Neil also loved to hunt and fish and shared this passion with his son, “Little” Neil. He was nicknamed “The Salmon Man” and would often take the boat out to fish at Point Breeze on Lake Ontario with his son and other family and friends. Neil loved to talk about the “good old days” and stories of his fishing trips, mostly stories about how they barley escaped storms or large fish he caught. Along with his fishing stories, he loved to tell stories about growing up in Batavia and how “things used to be.” He also enjoyed reminiscing about his past in the Air Force and his time in Japan and Texas. Neil had many friends and was known as “The Mayor of Maple Street” as he would sit in his chair on the enclosed front porch and watch the neighborhood.

There are no prior calling hours and there will be no funeral services. A Graveside burial will be held at the discretion of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 127 North St. Batavia, NY 14020 or Visiting Nurses Association of WNY https://foundation.kaleidahealth.org/donate/ or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. in Batavia. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.