Obituaries

Basom - Andrew  K. Merkel, 38 of Basom  passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Andy was born Thursday, June 21st, 1984 in Batavia, a son of Kelly and Susan (Grower) Merkel of Basom.

Andy graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School and went on to obtain his associates degree from Genesee Community College in 2004. He married the love of his life, Kelly Moden, on December 6, 2008. Together they had 3 wonderful children who were the light of his life. Andy worked for Mercy EMS from 2009 to 2015 as an EMT-B. He served the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 1, 2011.  In addition to his regular duties as an Emergency Services Dispatcher, Andy was a Communications Training Officer and a board member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Employee Association. 

He was a baseball coach for the Oakfield-Alabama Little League program and a longstanding member of the Alabama Fire Department. Outside of serving his community, he spent his time operating Wings Cupped Retriever Services, his dog training company, that started as a hobby and grew into a thriving business. He also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, camping, and music.

He was a devoted family man and a great friend. He loved spending time with his wife and 3 young children, attending their sporting and music events. Andy was a Jack of all trades with a larger than life personality who always told it as it was. He contributed valuable guidance and tremendous support over many years to anyone who crossed his path.

Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Kelly Merkel of Basom; his children, Kaylee, Kaiya, and Finian Merkel of Basom; his brother, Cory (Melissa) Merkel of Greece; his grandmother, Onolee Grower of Batavia; his mother-in-law, Kimberly Moden of Basom; his brother-in-law, Matthew (Jennifer) Moden of Basom; his best friend, Chris Stratheam of Byron; his two amazing dogs, Roy and Sully along with aunts, uncles and cousins.  

In death Andy is reunited with his grandparents, Charles Grower, Margaret Merkel, and Edwin Merkel and his father-in-law, Dennis Moden.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 26th, 2023  from 2:00 pm  to 6:00 pm at Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd, Basom, NY 14013, where Andrew's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Ducks Unlimited, 219 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or Oakfield-Alabama Little League P.O. Box 44 Oakfield, New York 14125.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Sharon Ann Waldron Venuto passed away at United Memorial Medical Center after a short illness on March 20, 2023.

She was born in Batavia March 26, 1945 a daughter of the late John and Ethel Mathes Waldron and was raised and grew up in Elba.

She is also predeceased by her brother John K. Waldron, her daughter, Angela Venuto, her granddaughter, Jacklyn Silker and her partner, Kenneth Kozuch.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; her son John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany; grandchildren, Alex, Fallanne, Nickol, Zach, Emily, Mckayla and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Austin, Hayleigh, Kyler, Joel, Jake, Brooks, Quinn, Everett and Bailey.

Sharon had an immense love for her family like most matriarchs. She also loved bargains, garage sales and haggling over whatever she wanted or even really didn't want just because it brought her immense joy. We will forever laugh about the great paper plate debate.

She was fierce and fought for all the right things. She was never afraid to say the hard truths and follow the path that needed to be taken even when the road was rough. And those roads taken were often rough as she always made the choice to do the right thing. She always said doing the right thing would often be the harder choice, but that's what mattered the most. Our mom was tough and loving and all rolled up into one feisty, stubborn, opinionated, strong, supportive, kind, crazy little spitfire of a woman.

There was never a time where she backed down from any challenge when she knew it was the right thing for her kids, grandkids or great-grandkids. It was everyone else's needs above her own. She was our protector, our safe place, our voice and our backbone. She taught us loyalty and confidence in facing the world, all while maintaining kindness and compassion. We were held together by her strong will and determination. She was a great mom.

She may not have been perfect, but she was ours. She was tough as nails. Her friend Greg always said she had more grit than John Wayne. She raised her children to be strong, independent and kind human beings. She changed lived for the better and saved many others because she made it so. Even as she fought to stay with us, she defied the odds and diagnosis. She wasn't done until SHE said she was. That was our mom.

Mom will be missed so much and we will never fill the empty space left by her passing but the lives she touched are better because she was in them. Forever in our thoughts, forever in our hearts We love you.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. 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 H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Kenneth John Kozuch passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 under the care of the New York Sate Veteran's Home.

He was born on January 24, 1949 in Buffalo, a son of the late John and Agnes Malinowski Kozuch. Ken is also predeceased by his partner, Sharon A. Venuto who passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Ken is survived by his step-daughter, Sherri (Tom) Kavanagh of Stafford; his step-son, John L. Venuto, Jr. (Christine) of East Bethany along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousins, Sandy Kwiatopwski and Michaline Collins.

Ken was a decorated Vietnam Era Veteran who was wounded in Danang in 1969. He was an incredibly humble man, simple in his needs as well as kind and generous with his time and caring.  He was a man of few words but get him started on racing or muscle cars and that was something that he could go on about for hours.

He had a love of wolves, CB radios, tinkering with things and watching Gunsmoke reruns. Most of all he loved being on the pit crew for V-Force racing through many years with John. He would polish and clean the car just before it went out to get dirty. It was one of his favorite things to do again and again every night of the week. He took so much pride in that crew and being with John in the winners circle meant everything to him. There were very few nights you would not find him in the stands or in the pits cheering and giving advice on the turns.

Ken loved his family and we were grateful that he had been a part of our lives for so many years. His presence was at every function and daily talks where he would call to say nothing other than hello. He wasn't gushing sentiments every day but he always made sure we all knew we were his.

He rarely complained about anything and always ended every conversation with "Have a nice day." As his final day became shorter we sat telling him how loved he was and thanking him for always being there for us. He said he did his best and to "Now go and have a good day." Those were his final words to us that will forever be in our hearts because it was so him. We will miss you pops.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Western New York National Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his 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.

  Holly A. Zaremski, 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 18, 2023 at Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY.

Mrs. Zaremski was born November 4, 1955, in Batavia, to the late Gerald W. Lang and the late Elfreda M. (Scroger) Lang. She graduated from Batavia High School in 1974 and began her 30 plus years of employment at Chapin International, Inc.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Edward T. Zaremski of Oakfield; daughters Amber M. Zaremski (James F. Orlando) of Oakfield and Jessica L. Zaremski (Jarrod B. Clark) of Batavia; grandson Gabriel A. Daley of Basom; granddaughter Guinnevere J. Clark of Batavia; sisters Debbie M. (John) Konieczny of Batavia, Jenny E. (Ike) Behe of Barker, Felicia R. (Thomas) Cecere of Bergen; brothers Ricky G. (Niki) Lang of Batavia, Timothy J. (Helen) Lang of Sparta, North Carolina and Jeremy A. (MaryAnn) Lang of Mebane, North Carolina; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Sophia L. Lang in 2007; grandparents Jacob H. & Marion B. (Base) Lang in 1985; brother Richard J. Zaremski in 1985; sister Tonia M. Zaremski in 2022; nephews Jason D. Lang in 2017 and Jacob A. Lang in 2020.

Holly loved her husband, daughters and grandchildren deeply and enjoyed spending time with her dear friends and family, socializing. She was pleasant to everyone she encountered and was always ready to make a new friend. She will be remembered for her kind heart, sweet smile, sense of humor and her spontaneous nature.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A 9:30a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s R.C. Church) 18 Ellicott Street Batavia, NY 14020.  She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance, Inc. (COVA), www.covaems.com. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

LeRoy ~ Harold “Sonny” Leonard Vaughn, age 80, passed away Monday afternoon (March 20, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

    

He was born July 2, 1942 in Batavia, a son of the late Leonard and Florence Shepard Vaughn.

     Sonny was a graduate of LeRoy Central School and lived in the family home on Exchange Street for his entire life.  He will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle, who enjoyed the time he spent with his nieces and nephews.

     He is survived by his sister, Donna (David) O’Neill of Pavilion; nieces and nephews, Dawn O’Neill of York, Leonard (Linda) O’Neill of Wyoming, Scott O’Neill of East Bethany and Shelley (Ronald) Thompson of East Bethany; great-nieces and great-nephews, Teresa O’Neill, Codey (Ashli) O’Neill, Joseph (Madison Offhaus) O’Neill, Joshua (Lindsay Soto) O’Neill, Connor Thompson and Kristen Thompson; great-great-nephew, Tyler O’Neill and special cousin, Ann Pokorny.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, March 26 from 1 ~ 3 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy, where his Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 PM.  Sonny will be laid to rest privately beside his parents in Machpelah Cemetery on Monday, March 27.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either LeRoy Ambulance Service or the Palliative Care Unit @ Strong Memorial Hospital.

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

Batavia - Clarence Lathan, 86 of Batavia passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at United Memorial Medical Center. Surrounded by his loving family.

Clarence was born Saturday, February 20th, 1937 in Batavia, a son of the late Fred and Mildred (Hirsch) Lathan.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, gun shows, auctions, and spending time with friends and family. 

Clarence graduated from Alexander High school in 1955 and later married the love of his life, Judy Bortle, on May 28, 1971. He worked for many local farms and as a diesel mechanic for many years, finally retiring from Jones mechanical in Caledonia.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Judy Lathan; children, Calvin Lathan, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, and Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu; 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Clarence is reunited with his parents, Fred and Mildred Lathan; siblings, Lloyd Lathan, Norman Lathan, and Dorothy Staba.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Clarence's funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia.  Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

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

Lucille R. Gallo, 73 of Syracuse, passed away peacefully with her friend Bonnie by her side on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. She was born December 11, 1949 in Batavia, to the late Anthony and Rose (Sce) Gallo. She is preceded in death by her brother Russell Gallo.

Lucille retired as Vice President of Savings Bank of Utica/Syracuse. She lived in Syracuse for 50 plus years and leaves behind many friends there.  

She is survived by her uncle Sam Gallo of Spring Hill, FL; aunt Marge (the late Patsy) Gallo of Batavia, along with many cousins.

Friends are invited to an 11:00am Committal Service on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Ellicott Street, Batavia.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St, Batavia, NY 14020 or to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

BATAVIA - Lucian Joseph Signore, 100, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Mr Signore was born March 25, 1922 in Auburn, NY to the late Carmelo and Mary (Ciampi) Signorelli.

On November 23, 1950, he married Elizabeth Mary (Catto) Signore. She passed away on October 29, 2018, at 98, just a month before they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children.

Lucian was a veteran of World War II and served his country honorably in the Army during battles in Central Europe and Northern France. For his bravery and service he was awarded the Army Service Medal, Pacific Service Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.

Lucian was an accomplished lifelong musician, and as a teenager went on the road with several regional Big Bands. He founded the Big Band of Batavia in the 1970s and for decades played saxophone with local Big Bands as well as clarinet with the Batavia Concert Band for thirty years. He loved playing with the pit bands for musicals at Batavia High School and was known for his generosity in repairing and giving instruments to student musicians.  His highly skillful hands tailored his kids’ clothes and produced many beautiful, upholstered furniture pieces for friends and neighbors.  And he was a rabid Buffalo Bills fan.

He worked for more than thirty-five years with Nationwide Insurance as a Loss Prevention Underwriter and was a parishioner of the former St. Anthony's Church, and a member of the former Loyal Order of the Moose in Batavia.

Lou is survived by his children who are ever grateful for his love and kindness; Thomas Signore of San Francisco, California, Elizabeth (Thomas) Simms of Bath, and James Signore, Ph.D. (Constance Brand) of Richmond, California, and granddaughter, Emily Simms, of Bath. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael (late Ramona) Signorelli, sisters Eleanor (late Joseph) Malec, and Louise (late Joseph) Janusz.

Lou will be missed by his friends, especially his Wednesday afternoon coffee group at Tim Horton’s where he said they solved all the problems of the world. For everyone who knew him, he had a welcoming demeanor, was eternally optimistic, and was always ready with a joke.

Lucian’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the support of Dr. Ambis, Dr. McLean, Dr. Rocha, Dr. Boyczuk, and Dr. Shah, as well as the extraordinarily caring and dedicated staff at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Family and Friends are invited to call on March 24, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Lou's Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner Street in Batavia, with the Rev. Walter Szczesny officiating. Burial with military honors will be held on Saturday (March 25, 2023) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 6020 Lake Avenue in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Honor Flight Rochester, PO Box 23581, Rochester, New York 14692 or the New York State Veterans Home - Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Maryellen Wilber, age 68, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023, after being involved in a traffic accident. She was born November 8, 1954 in Batavia, New York, to the late Salvatore “Sam” and Domenica “Dorothy” Zanghi and was preceded in death by her brothers, Phillip and David “Davey Joe” Zanghi.

Maryellen truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; being with family and friends, serving her community, and exemplifying her Christian life. She had an ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Maryellen lived a life of service to others; from her early work helping the HIV/AIDS community, to the Community Peace Garden, the Altar and Rosary Society and serving as a Eucharistic Minister for those that are elderly and unable to attend Mass. She had a way to reach the people who needed an advocate the most. It brought her such joy to give a voice to the voiceless and provide an open heart and a warm hug.

She is survived by her husband; Jeffrey; a daughter Bethany (Peter); sisters Rosanne Wray and Michelle Gaylord; her grandchildren Isabella, Luca, Serafina and Tomasso, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Maryellen touched are invited Friday March 24, 2023 to Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020 from 3:00-7:00PM to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, just be together. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 25^th at Resurrection Parish, 303 E Main St, Batavia, NY.

Memorials can be made to All Babies Cherished in Batavia, NY and the family. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Kenneth Bryan Kasperek, 71 of Akron, New York passed away peacefully Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital.

He was born May 6, 1951 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late John Kasperek II and Janet (Frost) Milani.

A 1969 graduate of Akron Central School, he attended Houghton College West Seneca campus and completed many continuing education hours in design, photography, and advertising over the years.

Ken was Co-Publisher of the Akron Bugle, a weekly community newspaper in Akron, NY, an award winning photo-journalist, and newspaper designer.  He recently completed terms as a member of the New York Press Association Board of Directors and was an active partner with Weekly Independent Newspapers.

A gifted musician, Ken was a member of the Akron Community Band for 58 years, playing principal trumpet for many of those years.  He served as librarian of the Band for 56 years and was a Trustee and trumpet section leader.  In recent years, he was also a member of the Pembroke-Corfu band.

Active in The United Methodist Church, he was an associate member of Newfane UMC and a member of Akron First UMC.  He was a founding board member and contributor to the C. Dee Wright Community Ministry Center.  He was an equalization member of the Upper New York Annual Conference and for many years worked with their communication team as a photographer and designer for their publications.  He participated in the Bell Choir at Akron First UMC and was Director of that group for multiple years.  He taught Sunday School and led the Youth Fellowship at Clarence Center UMC in the 1970’s.  Ken received the Western New York United Methodist Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) award for his commitment to the advancement of women’s issues.

Ken has been a member of the Rotary Club of Akron-Newstead since 1990 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  He is a Past Vice President and Past President of the Akron-Chamber of Commerce, and past member of the Akron Celebration Committee.

He was the first male Girl Scout leader in Western New York and led Junior and Senior Girl Scout Troop 352 in the Akron neighborhood.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn J. Kasperek of Akron. Daughters, Karlyn (Michael) Backus of Batavia, Alison (Justin) Allaman of Erie, PA, and Sarah (Chris) Roth of Clarence. Grandchildren, Shaun Finucane, Kirra Roth, Teagan Finucane, Bryan Allaman, Hailey Roth, Riley Allaman and Abigail Allaman. Brothers, Thomas (Nancy) Kasperek of Nebraska and John (Ann Marie) Kasperek III of W. Seneca. Sister, Nancy Knop of Tonawanda. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences, and fond memories on Friday (March 24th) from 4-7 p.m. at the Newstead Fire Hall, 5691 Cummings Rd, Akron, NY 14001. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be Saturday, 4:00 p.m. at the Newfane United Methodist Church, 2699 Main St., Newfane, NY 14108.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the family for distributions to various charities. 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.

 

 

Carole S. Kryzan, 71, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at The Grand in Batavia.

Carole was born on October 18, 1951, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Richard and Genevieve Day Kryzan. She was the sister of the late Curtis L. Kryzan.

Carole loved to go shopping and play bingo.

She is survived by her sisters, Ingrid (late Lee) Stone and Kim (Dale) Weatherbee. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held at the mortuary on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any Breast Cancer or mental health charity of the donors choice.

LeRoy ~ Betty Rose DeJesus, age 60, of Genesee Street, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 17, 2023.

    

She was born March 13, 1963 in San Jose, CA, a daughter of the late Harlan and Orpha Corthell Gilbert.

     Betty will be remembered for her love of family and her kindness towards other people.  She was an avid book reader and Buffalo Bills fan. Her compassion is what made her stand out above the rest.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Miguel Angel DeJesus in 2020 and her brother, Charley Gilbert.

     She will be sadly missed by her sons, Mickey (Taylor Perkins) DeJesus, Gregory (Megan Gill) DeJesus and William (Trisha) DeJesus; grandchildren, Dominic, Aliyah, Harlan, Javier, Aurora DeJesus; sister, Donna (James) Burdick; step-children, Marisol DeJesus, Miguel DeJesus Jr. and Diana DeJesus, along with many friends.

     Any other family and friends, whose lives Betty touched are invited to call on Friday, March 24 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 8700 Lake Road, LeRoy, NY.  Interment will immediately follow in the Stafford Rural Cemetery. After the cemetery services, there will be a celebration of life held at the American Legion, 53 West Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482 from 1 PM to 4 PM.

     Memorials are suggested to Betty’s family.

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

Nicholas (Nick) Pascucci of Stafford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023, just 3 weeks shy of his 94^th birthday. He is the son of the late James Pascucci (originally from Vasto, Italy) and Mary Sammarco (originally of Vallelunga, Sicily) who settled in Batavia to raise their family. He is predeceased by brothers Louis, Joseph, Dominic, James, John and Victor and sisters, Edith Kipp, Irene Lewis and Jean.

   

  Nick always said with a chuckle, “You have to keep your body moving because if you let yourself slow down, you’re done for!” He lived by that philosophy and was a role model for all of us in demonstrating it. He was rarely at rest from dawn till dusk. Judging from his longevity, it seems he knew what he was talking about!

     Always witty and quick with a joke, he will be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make others laugh through his gift of storytelling; and he had plenty of stories and adventures to share! One could consider oneself fortunate to be regaled with his tales of growing up in Batavia, or his years in the army when he was in the Philippines and Japan, or his years as a civilian living in Japan. His flair for detail could transport the listener to the era and setting to which he was referring. His experiences and adventures were amazing and fun to hear.

     His greatest adventure began when meeting his future wife, Florence Corona, who, at the time, was a telephone switchboard operator in Batavia. He asked her out for coffee and the rest of the story has taken 66 years to complete. Together, they raised four children, Nicholas (Nick), Vincent (Vin), Gina and Renee.

     While raising his family, Nick worked as an electrician through the IBEW local 86 in Rochester where he made many lifelong friends. He loved to fish and garden and until recently could be found outside, checking his garlic, in particular. He was a long-time member, and eventually president of, the Stafford Zoning Board of Appeals. He fulfilled a long time dream of learning to play the piano when he was in his 40s, spoke 2 languages other than English (Japanese and Italian) and loved classical music and opera.

     Nick was a kind and gentle man with a relaxed nature who had the ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and welcome. He was a real treasure and will be greatly missed.

     He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence Corona Pascucci, his children, Nick, Vin (Liz), Gina (Mark) Battaglia, Renee (Glenn) Mitges; 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, a sister, Delores Lanzo and brother, Floyd, many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday, March 24 from 3 ~ 7 P.M. at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  Nick’s Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.    

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nick’s name to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org).

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

Churchville ~ Shirley Mae Zinter, age 93, passed away early Monday morning (March 13, 2023) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

    

She was born July 2, 1929 in Bradford, PA, a daughter of the late Henry C. and Helen M. Brown Smith.

     Shirley will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who loved gardening and was a supporter of animal charities.  She also enjoyed car rides with her husband, John.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, John Zinter; her children, Helen (Thomas) Gumkowski, Susan (late Donald) Miller and John (Barbara) Zinter; grandchildren, Thomas (Amy) Gumkowski, Jeffrey Gumkowski, Jessica Gumkowski, Donald (Kim) Miller, Christine Miller, Brittany (Adam) Drexler, Tiana (Jeffrie) Pack, Aurora (Skylar) Wade, Devon Zinter and Sawyer Zinter; great-grandchildren, Shane Drexler, Alyssa Drexler, Hunter Harden, Zachary Harden and Benjamin Harden; and siblings, Florence Reynolds, George Smith and Donald Smith.

     In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her son, David Zinter and her sisters, Eleanor Oney and Grace Auge.

     Interment and graveside services in the Riga Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.

     Donations in memory of Shirley are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, N.Y. 14020 or an animal organization of the donor’s choice.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Shirley's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com. 

     Mrs. Zinter and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400