John L. Mortellaro

Batavia - John L. Mortellaro, Sr., age 89, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester. John was born April 17, 1929 in Buffalo, a son of the late Gerlando Mortellaro and Rosalie Tambirello Mortellaro. John was a dynamic, fun loving man who’s love of Family, Friends, life, dance, music and skiing could not be matched.  All you had to do is meet John and within minutes you would feel at home; part of the family.  His joy in life was making you feel at home and lightening any burden that you might be dealing with. A self-employed farmer with G. Mortellaro & Sons in Elba for over 50 years, John was named the Outstanding Young Farmer in New York State in 1960. Following his retirement from the farm, he was a real estate agent with Bob Harris Realty in Batavia for 25 years. A member of St. Joseph's Church, John was a member and president for over 20 years with the Genesee Orleans Grower's Association. A member of the Batavia Lions Club, he enjoyed waterskiing, bowling, water aerobics with the ladies, soccer, bocce ball, volleyball, snowmobiling and skiing. He is survived by his wife, Johanne Latona Mortellaro, whom  he married May 30, 1959; his children, Lori Mortellaro Wendt of Batavia, John (Susanne Peach) Mortellaro, Jr. of Erie, Colorado, Ted (Troy Baldwin) Mortellaro of Chicago, Illinois, James (Carolyn) Mortellaro of Nashua, New Hampshire and Jennifer (Christopher) Gerace of Victor; six grandchildren, Christopher Wendt, Phillip Mortellaro, Sophia Mortellaro, Phoebe Mortellaro, Stephen Gerace and Anna Gerace; his sister, Virginia (Thomas) Rizzo of Kenmore; sister-in-law, Jean Latona of Mt Morris, NY; sister-in-law, Janet McGee of Ohio; sister-in-law, Nancy Mortellaro of Batavia; goddaughter, Lynn Houseknecht and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his siblings, Mary Giordano and Gasper Mortellaro. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia.  Memorials may be made to ARC of Genesee Orleans, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the YMCA, 209 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.