About Us

Rooted in tradition, guided by compassion.

Gilmartin Funeral Home has been a trusted part of the Batavia community since 1955, when it was founded by Darwin Gilmartin at 242 West Main Street. Guided by a commitment to care and respect, the funeral home grew to meet the needs of local families, moving in 1973 to its current, purpose-built facility at 329 West Main Street — designed to be welcoming, comfortable, and fully accessible to all.

In 1977, Darwin welcomed his son-in-law, Timothy D. Woodward, into the business. Freshly graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science, Tim brought both skill and compassion to his work, later purchasing the funeral home in 1986. Following Darwin’s passing in 1995, the tradition of family service continued when Tim and his wife Maria’s son, Timothy J. “TJ” Woodward, joined the firm full-time in 2003 after completing his own studies at Simmons. In 2011, TJ became owner, carrying forward the values and dedication that had been at the heart of the funeral home for decades.

The next chapter began in 2023, when TJ entrusted the business to Justin D. Calarco-Smith, Joshua J. Smith, and Steven L. Johnson of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. In 2025, Joshua sold his interest to Justin and Steven, while TJ remained as managing funeral director — ensuring that the familiar faces and heartfelt service that families have come to rely on continue just as they always have.



For more than 65 years, Gilmartin Funeral Home has been more than just a place — it has been a steady presence, a source of comfort, and a caring guide for generations of families in their times of need.