Obituaries published the week of December 12, 2002

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In Memoriam

Gary A. Batzel

Gary A. Batzel, 66, formerly of Avon, died Dec. 4, 2002 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was an avid outdoorsman and a corporal in the Marines, serving from 1955-1958. He was a committed foreman for Keegan Utility in Pittsford for many years while providing for his family of five children. After Keegan, Gary opened Batzel's Bait and Tackle on Honeoye Lake and then worked for the United Church of Christ in Honeoye. Gary enjoyed traveling, bluegrass festivals and camping at Tamarack Campground in Springwater, where he met Mickey Bailey with whom he shared his final years. He is survived by companion Mickey Bailey; his children, Scot (Mary Graham) Batzel, Colleen (Greg Bovee) Batzel, Matt (Leslie Rooke) Batzel, Beth (Scott Sutherland) Batzel, Bill (Ellen Bly) Batzel; grandchildren, Ryan and Cassandra Batzel; brother Richard (Jane) Batzel; sister Lois (Don) Gfeller; aunts, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society of America, 5500 Main St., Buffalo NY 14221.

Eugene V. Lang

Eugene V. Lang (Gene), 89, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2002. He was born July 12, 1913 in Rochester, the son of Joseph A. and Eugenie Lang. “Gene” was a lifelong summer resident of Old Orchard Point, Conesus Lake. Other than his family, his true passion in life was his cherished Conesus Lake. He was predeceased by son, William (Billy) and daughter, Barbara. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Betty; children, Peter J. (Kathleen) Lang, Anne Marie (Charles) Papy; grandchildren, Peter J. II (Jenifer), Kelly Margaret and William E. Lang, Jennifer, Ryan, Alyson and Douglas Papy; great grandchild, Delaney; sister, Dorothy DeBree; several nieces, nephews and special friends. Mr. Lang was an employee of Eber Brothers for 32 years. A Funeral Mass was held on Nov. 25 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Rochester. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be directed to the School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Parkway, Rochester NY 14623; or to the Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester NY 14618. To light a candle of condolence, please visit www.anthonychapels.com.

George F. Savage

George F. Savage, 91, of East Avenue in Livonia, died Dec. 7, 2002 at the Livingston County Skilled Nursing Facility in Geneseo. He was born the son of Frederick and Julia Kilborn Savage on Oct. 18, 1911 in Rochester. He was a retired chief draftsman for Graflex of Rochester. He was very involved in the Livonia Public Library and was a member of the Livonia United Church. He was a supporter of the old English Sheep Dog in Churchville. His wife Betty predeceased him in 1985. He is survived by his sons, Richard and Barbara Savage of Iowa and Robert and Judith Day Savage of Geneseo; grandchildren, Cynthia (Scott) Stadtmueller, Pamela Savage and Olivia Savage; great grandchild Cora Savage Stadtmueller; brother Edward Savage of Maryland; and nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 p.m. only at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Route 15 in Livonia where funeral services will follow calling at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Timothy Hazlett officiating. Burial, Union Cemetery in Livonia. Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Savage Memorial Fund of the Livonia Public Library, Livonia NY 14487.

Helen C. Statt

Helen C. Statt, 85, of Church St. in Honeoye, died Nov. 30, 2002 at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua. She was born the daughter of Maurice and Martha Kimber Clement on Dec. 18, 1916 in Bristol, N.Y. She was a member of the Honeoye United Church of Christ and the Order of Eastern Star in Honeoye. She was predeceased by her husband Frederick in 1998. She is survived by her son Frederick Leigh (Marie) Statt and their children, Leigh (Dale) Statt, Mark (Erica) Statt and Todd Statt; son Richard (Sharon) Statt; daughter Suzanne (Bill) Price. Also survived by five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. No prior calling. Friends attended funeral services Wednesday at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Briggs St. in Honeoye with the Rev. Brian Krause officiating. Burial, Lakeview Cemetery in Honeoye. Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Richmond Ambulance and Fire Department or Camp Good Days and Special Times, 1332 Pittsford Mendon Road, Mendon NY 14506.

Mary E. Welch

Mary E. Welch, 95, of Stuyvesant Manor in Geneseo, died Dec. 10, 2002, at the Livingston County Skilled Nursing Facility in Geneseo. Mrs. Welch was previously from Tampa, Fla., having moved to Geneseo in March 1990. She is survived by her son Richard (Patricia) Welch of Geneseo; two daughters-in-law, Barbara Welch of Massapequa, N.Y., Kay Welch of Wantaugh, N.Y.; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband James Welch; her sons, Thomas, James and John Welch and her daughter, Mary Ellen Welch. She was born Aug. 9, 1907 in Mayo County, Ireland, the daughter of Michael and Bridget (McGrath) Devane. She has been a member of St. Mary's Church since 1990. Visitation will be held at Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church in Geneseo with Father Daniel McMullin officiating. Burial, Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y. Memorials may be made to the Geneseo Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 428, Geneseo NY 14454.