DEATHS - 2007

Previous Death Notices

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   Leota Louise Jacobs (nee Moeller), 96, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Grand Island, NY, entered into eternal life on December 19, 2007. The daughter of the late Carl and Louise Moeller, she was born April 12, 1911 in Buffalo, NY, and was preceded in death by her husband William F. Jacobs and sisters Ethel Marshall, Mildred Jacobs, and Hazel Link. Leota was a devout Christian, avid gardener, artist and writer, who baked beautiful birthday cakes, wrote poems and stories, and painted many pictures for family and friends. She is survived by daughters Gail (Gordon) Howe, Danville, KY and Nanette (Edward "Del") Haller, Bradenton, FL, and son Major (Ret.) William (Marion) Jacobs, Jr., San Antonio, TX. Leota was the beloved grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and dear aunt of many nieces and nephews. Graveside services at Manasota Memorial Park were private. Memorials may be made to "Thru the Bible Radio Network", P.O.Box 7100, Pasadena, CA 91109 or TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.

   Patricia (O'Donnell) Stouter RN. ("Nana") entered into Heaven, December 15, 2007, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born February 19, 1927 in Buffalo, the youngest child of a proud Irish family, she spent most of her life in that city. After graduating from Canisius College in 1948, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at Meyer Memorial Hospital, and worked for many years in several Buffalo area hospitals. She had a great interest in gerontology and earned specialty certifications in that area of patient care. She resided in Rochester for the last 15 years and was formerly a resident of Grand Island. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Vincent P. Stouter, and their two sons, Neil Anthony and John Stouter. She is survived by five children; Vincent (Jaime), Daniel (Trish Sweeney), Brian (Susan), Dr. Katherine (John) Lammers and Stephen (Dr. Barbara) Stouter, beloved grandchildren; Heather, Danielle, Stephen and Patrick Stouter, Amy, Anna and John Lammers and Laura Kwiatkowski, sister of Ann K. (Edwin) Kelly and the late Margaret Daly, Anthony W., Kathleen and Sr. Janet O'Donnell RSM. Patricia died as she always lived, with courage, humor and faith, surrounded by loving family and friends. She will be remembered for her brilliant wit, generous heart, healing hands and love of all God's children. Friends may call Wednesday, December 19, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 20th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph R.C. Church, 43 Gebhardt Rd., Penfield, NY 14526 in Patricia's memory.

   Virginia M. (nee Long) Gates, December 13, 2007, former Grand Island, NY resident. Beloved mother of Bill (Lolly) Gerlach and Beverly Bryant; grandmother of Norman, Tracey (Torry), Billy (Ann), Bill and Patti (Wade); great-grandmother of Daniel, Alison, Austin, Chase, Wade and Emma. Friends may call Saturday, December 15, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. at the STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 266 East St. at Austin, where services will be held Monday, December 17th at 10 a.m.. No visitation Sunday. Burial Trinity Cemetery, Grand Island, NY.

    Wilfred E. “Bill” Lawton, 96, of Grand Island, died December 12, 2007; formerly of Buffalo; husband of the late Grace C. (Kelley) Lawton; father of William (Doris) Lawton of Summerhill, PA, Michael (Glenda) Lawton of Grand Island and the late Sandra (Lawrinowicz); grandfather of Brian, Andrew, Daniel and Joshua Lawton, David and Jeffrey Lawrinowicz; also survived by ten great-grandchildren; predeceased by seven brothers and sisters of New Bedford, MA. Friends may call Friday, December 14, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Saturday, December 15 at 1 p.m.

    Rose Rupp, 95, November 27, 2007, beloved wife of the late Melvin E. Rupp; dearest mother of Claire Ann Bishop (George), William J. Rupp, Sandy Rupp, both of South Florida and the late Melvin E. Rupp Jr. (Patricia); cherished grandmother of Melvin E. III (JoAnn), Chere E., Michael E. (Laura), Andrew K. Rupp and six great-grandchildren; sister of Ruth Mueller, Robert and Albert Ball. Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be donated to Cornerstone Manor, a Division of City Mission, 150 East North St., Buffalo, NY 14203.

    Julia P. (nee Sobus) Ziomek, 94, of the Town of Wheatfield, NY, former of Grand Island, NY, December 9, 2007 in DeGraff Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Wife of the late Phillip Ziomek; beloved mother of Stanley (Mary Jane) Ziomek of Wheatfield; grandmother of six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. No prior visitation. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME.


    March 31, 1918 — Dec. 7, 2007
Dr. Samuel D. Long,, a chiropractor and longtime Grand Island Town Board member, died Friday, December 7, 2007 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda. He was 89. Dr. Long, of Grand Island, was born in Buffalo. He graduated from East High School and Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1952. He maintained a chiropractic practice on Grand Island for 40 years. He was a councilman on the Grand Island Town Board from 1976 to 1988. He also was a Grand Island zoning officer. Dr. Long enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he was a member of the Buffalo Launch Club. Survivors include his wife, the former Deane V. Arner; a daughter, Lisa A. (Francis) Knowlton of Grand Island; and a brother, Dr. John B. Long. Dr. Long was predeceased by ten brothers and sisters. Friends may call Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

    Lucille G. Jones, 87, December 2, 2007, of Grand Island, wife of the late Willard Zimmerman and Robert Jones; mother of Daniella (Walter) Kosbob, Beverly (James) Mack, Diane Uonites, Marcia (Michael) Pelone, Lenore (Ruth) Manson and Mark Zimmerman; also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister of the late Richard Manthei and Verna Lamb. Friends may call Wednesday, December 5, 2007 from 3-8 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

    John A. Sarokon, November 29, 2007, resident of Grand Island for 60 years. Husband of the late Edna M. Sarokon; father of Evelyn J. (Robert) Maryanski of Franklinville, John A. Jr. (Vicki) of Wyoming and Dennis M. Sarokon of Grand Island; also survived by three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; brother of Eva Olivett and Charles Sarokon. Funeral services private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Golden Age Center. Mr. Sarokon worked for Carborundum Co. for 40 years retiring in 1981.


   Barbara (Beck) Muratore, of Rochester, former Grand Island, NY resident passed away suddenly on her 65th birthday, November 26, 2007 after a brief illness. Predeceased by her parents, Harold and Irene Beck, Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Paul M. Muratore. She is the beloved, mother of Cynthia, Matthew (Christine) Muratore, and their daughter, Brandy Lynn. Barbara is also survived by other family members and special friends. Barb was a retired math teacher from the Spencerport School District, an accomplished artist, a member of Suburban Rochester Art Group, Genesee Valley Plein-Air Painters, and Indian Rocks Art Group in Florida. She has paintings on display at the Renaissance Art Gallery. She also loved to travel the south west, was an avid athlete who especially enjoyed golf, and loved spending time with her family. Friends may call Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 30 in St. Lawrence Church (1000 N. Greece Rd.) at 11 a.m. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. For those wishing, memorials may be made to Step by Step, 228 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14608 or to a charity of your choice. For more information, or to sign Barbara's online guestbook, please visit http://www.meesonfamily.com. See also http://barbaramuratore.com/aboutus.aspx

    Ellen Stefik Chesterfield, of Lewiston, formerly of Grand Island, NY, died on November 15, 2007. Survived by sons, Eric of Las Vegas, NV; Mark of Portola Valley, CA; and Michael of Astoria, Oregon, and several grandchildren. Mrs. Chesterfield served on the teaching staff at Charlotte Sidway School, Grand Island in the early 1940s.

    George Charles Werth, 63, of Keeler Township, Benton Harbor, MI, former resident of Grand Island, NY, died at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007 after being struck by a vehicle on M-152 at West Drive in Sister Lakes. Son of Elizabeth (Haese) and the late John W. Werth; brother of Lawrence (Judy) Werth and Margaret (late Daniel) Tichy; nephew of Donald and Lorraine Werth; also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends in Benton Harbor. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island 14072 where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 28, 20007 at 10 AM. Mr. Werth was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Riverside High School in 1964. He was a Navy veteran, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Merchant Marine for five years. He was an agricultural worker at Jim's Orchards in Benton Harbor and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and biking.

    Joseph E. Robinson, November 19, 2007, of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of Sally (Dickinson) Robinson; loving father of Heather Emily, age 5; son of Kathy H. and David P. Robinson; brother of Becky (Bill) Bacon and Maryjane (David) Walton; uncle of Billy, Jacob and Sarah; son-in-law of Elaine H. and the late Alan Dickinson Sr.; survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Friday, November 23rd from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services in Grace Baptist Church, 2525 Eggert Rd., Saturday morning, November 24th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heather's Scholarship Fund.


    Sheila Marie Boss-Hoorwitz, of Niskayuna, NY, formerly of Grand Island, October 1, 2007. Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Sheila was born December 8, 1960 in Buffalo, N.Y. She died on October 1, 2007 after a protracted fight with cancer. She was a formidable woman and fought AML the same way she approached daily life - with determination to win at all costs and utilize any avenues available to her in her efforts to beat this killer. Through it all, Sheila never lost her will to live. She was an avid skeet-shooter as well as an accomplished horse-woman. Before her illness, she had been the manager of disease management for CDPHP for whom she worked diligently with drive and dedication for many years. On a personal note, the job Sheila loved more than any other was that of mother to her children. She was a caring and loving mother who put the needs of her children and family above all others. Whether it was instilling the love of education and learning or the love and care of horses, she enjoyed watching her children take the lead and excel in all areas. She had a winning way about her and was good natured with a great sense of her own humanity. She looked upon her children with great pride and awe at all their accomplishments. Besides her loving husband, Chuck and daughters, Rachel, Carly and Zoe, Sheila is survived by her father, Hollis Boss; her stepmother, Jean Boss and her mother, Joan Boss. She is also survived by her sisters, Patty Howe, Roxanne Speck (husband Arthur), and Lonnie Smith (husband Geoff); brothers, Hollis (Chip) Boss, and Richard (Buddy) Boss (wife Deborah). Sheila's surviving in-laws, Marion (mother-in-law), Aaron, Sharon, and Mark (wife Robin) Hoorwitz will miss her dearly as well. She loved her nephews, Jimmy, Robert, Richard (lil Bud), Elliott, Jason, and Brian and nieces, Lauren, Ada, Amanda, Megan, Hannah, Debra and Stephanie -- fiercely, and lived for any news about them. For those of us who knew and loved her, we will carry her always in our hearts and minds for as long as we live. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will follow in Memory's Garden in Colonie. There will be no calling hours. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerFamily.com


   Myrtle R. (Rogers) Killian, 101, of Grand Island, NY, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2007, at Newfane Inter Community Hospital. Mrs. Killian was born in Bliss, New York on July 30, 1906, to Charles and Teresa (Heim) Rogers. Mrs. Killian was the eldest member of Trinity Methodist Church, and also a member of the Grand Island Historical Society. Myrtle was predeceased by her husband Howard M. Killian, who died in 1985, and her son Howard R. Killian who died in 2006. She is survived by her children Nan (Harold) Nesbitt of Batavia, NY; and Judith (the late Howard R.) Killian, of Niagara Falls, NY; grandmother of David Nesbitt, of Batavia, and Thomas (Melanie) Nesbitt, of Byron, James (Regina) Livermore, of Florida, and Debra (John) Coram, of Grand Island. Also surviving are four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, November 16, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 1 P.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island, NY 14072. Interment Williamsville Cemetery. If desired memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Michael Lynott, 63, November 11, 2007, of Grand Island, NY; father of Margaret "Maggie" (Jay) Joquin; grandfather of of Jacob, Tyler and D.J.; also survived by many friends. Mr. Lynott was a General Motors employee. Relatives and friends may call Friday, November 16, 2007 from 10-11 a.m. at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where funeral services will be follow at 11 a.m.


   James F. Buckley, 82, of Williamsville, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2007; husband of the late Mary A. Buckley; beloved father of Nancy Valone, Daniel (Patty), William (Marilyn) Buckley, and Valerie (Terry) Swain; devoted friend of Carol Pinto Marques; also surviving are seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The family will be present to receive friends Monday, November 12, 2007 from 3-8 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 13th at 10 AM from St. Stephen's Church. A private burial will be held at Elmlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Association of WNY, 222 Seabert Ave., Buffalo, NY 14043, a disease which Jim challenged for the past 10 years. Jim served his country proudly in the US Navy during WWII. A successful businessman, he established Office Automation in 1958. Office Automation transformed clients in the greater Buffalo area from typewriters, to dictating equipment to word processing. Jim's hobbies included snow skiing with his children and grandchildren, tennis with his Tuesday night friends, and photography.

    Earl Aylor, 81, died Friday, November 2, 2007 in his Grand Island home. In 1953, Mr. Aylor followed an older brother from Virginia to Western New York to work in underground construction, building tunnels. Four years later, he had worked his way up to foreman just in time to help build the huge tunnels that carry water 4z miles from the Niagara River to the Niagara Power Project in Niagara Falls. Born in Madison County, Va., Mr. Aylor served in the Navy on the Landing Ship Tank 127 in four major campaigns in the Pacific during World War II. He married Eleanor Knighting after his military service. The couple moved to Niagara Falls, where they lived briefly before settling on Grand Island. Mr. Aylor, who was active in the community, was a member of Island Presbyterian Church. After he was promoted to foreman, he went on to supervise crews on various underground construction projects, from railroad tunnels to subways. He was the supervisor on the construction of a 20-foot diameter tunnel for the subway system in Washington, D.C. Mr. Aylor also supervised the construction of tunnels under various rivers and two that extended for more than a mile under Lake Ontario. He served as vice president of Greenwood Dumont Constructors in the late 1960s, through the 1970s. He also helped found Chief Enterprises, of which he was a major stockholder and corporate secretary in the 1980s. Both entities were engaged in tunnel construction. Mr. Aylor retired in 1987. In addition to his wife of 58 years, Mr. Aylor is survived by two sons, Gary and Richard, and a daughter, Carolyn Aylor McKibben. A memorial service will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2007 in Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Road, Grand Island.

   Francis Lally, 96, passed away in Our Lady of Peace, Lewiston, NY on November 2, 2007. Formerly of Niagara Towers and Grand Island. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on December 29, 1910, the son of the late Francis H. and E. L. Maud (Miller) Lally. He attended Fifth Street and South Junior High schools. He married Mae O'Connor on June 17, 1939.She passed away March 16, 2000. Survivors are a sister, Eleanor M. Hager, Niagara Falls, NY; sister-in-laws Barbara Lally, Anne O'Connor and dear and devoted friends, Mary Ellen and Jeremiah O'Leary of Youngstown, NY; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife of 61 years, he was predeceased by three brothers, John (Florence Shrubsall) Lally, Martin (Helen Cuff) Lally, Lorne P.J. Lally; five sisters, Pauline (Langdon) Bradt, Ruth (Alexander) Hailey, Monica (Roger) Stratton, Madge A. Lally and Beatrice Lally; brother-in-law, David S. Hager Sr. Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, November 10 at noon at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Following the Mass, a Celebration of his life will be held at the Elks Lodge #346, 1805 Third Ave., Niagara Falls, NY on Saturday, November 10 from 2-5 p.m. The family invites you to come and share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

   Helen E. (Folts) Duchman, November 5, 2007; wife of the late George H. Duchman; mother of Ronald (late Sherry) Duchman of Maiden, NC; grandmother of Christine (Andrew) Decker; sister of Jean Burkhard, Richard Folts, Roger (Rosie) Folts, Betty Feilds and the late Dorothy Bonn, Joseph, Edward, Thomas, Harold and Norma Folts; daughter of the late Alonzo and Mabel Folts. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island

   Earl W. Webb, 78, November 4, 2007. Beloved husband of Janet S. (Quint) Webb; dearest father of Sandra (Robert) Reed, Tina (David) Ribacove, Lisa Cummings, Daniel (Nicole) Webb, Margaret Susan (Edward) Liroff, Earl "Bill" III (Elizabeth Gayle) Webb and the late Earl William Webb Jr.; also survived by seven grandchildren. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Island United Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island, Friday, November 9, 2007 at 12 noon. Flowers gratefully declined. Arrangements by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.

   Theresa Marie (nee Wesolowski) Phillips, 41, of Grand Island, formerly of North Tonawanda. Wife of Michael J. Phillips; mother of Michael J. Phillips II and Dylan C. Phillips; daughter of Irene and William Stauffer; sister of Richard (Joan) Wesolowski, Michelle (Scott) Peace and Brian (Tonda) Wesolowski; step-sister of Kim Ilardo, Ross (Melisa) Stauffer and the late Bill Stauffer; step-sister-in-law of Colleen Stauffer; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends received on Thursday evening, November 8, 2007 6-9 p.m. at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, 156 Robinson Street, where services will be held on Friday morning, November 9, 2007 at 9:30 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Albert the Great R.C. Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Theresa worked for Invitrogen on Grand Island as a Process Engineer

   Robert E. Wright Sr., 76, November 2, 2007, formerly longtime Grand Island resident, husband of the late Shirley (Meyer) Wright; father of Robert E. Jr. (Julieann), James A., Sandra G. (Thomas) Edwards, John L. (Cathy), Earl W. (Judi) and the late Linda Wright; also survived by 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; close companion of Bobbi Dick; brother of Julia (Robert) Grimm and the late Marianne (survived by husband, David) Hogrewe and Nancy (survived by husband, Carl) Wolf; son of the late Earl W. and Garnette C. Wright. Friends may call Tuesday, November 6, 2007 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 7th at 11 a.m. Interment in Whitehaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society. Bob and his wife, the late Shirley Meyer Wright, became permanent residents of Grand Island in 1955. Wright and his parents, the late Earl W. and Garnette C., owned and operated the well-known "Clown House" restaurant, which, in the 1950s and 60s was located on Grand Island Boulevard. Wright was a member of the Air National Guard 107th Tactical Fighter Group (now the 107th Air Refueling Wing) out of Niagara Falls. As a crew chief, he took great pride in servicing the F100-C Fighter Aircraft. He served in the U.S. Air Force with active duty during the Koran Conflict. Wright was a member of the American Legion Post FL-325 and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. For more than 20 years, he provided specialized construction services for the water industry throughout the U.S. His work targeted water municipalities in need of pipeline rehabilitation by way of specialty linings. Wright enjoyed trap shooting and was a longtime member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association. He also enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends at the "Poor Man's Country Club."
See Clown House Feature
See Clown House Chapter II


   Julia Mary (nee O'Callaghan) Rumrich of Grand Island, NY, died Saturday morning, October 27, 2007 at the Riverwood Nursing Facility on Grand Island. Born on May 17, 1921 at her family's homestead in southeastern Alberta, Canada, to Kathleen McSweeney and Bartholomew O'Callaghan, she is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe and siblings, Eileen, John, Maurice, Kathleen and Margaret. She is survived by her children, Kathleen, Patricia, John (Alicia), Joseph and Sheila (Fred); her grandchildren, Eli, Gabriel and Nathaniel; and extended family in Alberta, Canada and in County Cork, Ireland. In 1946, Julia graduated with distinction from The University of Alberta, Edmonton, earning a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Classics. She worked for the Erie County Department of Health where she held the post of Chief Microbiologist and Head of the Rabies Lab. In addition to her work for the county, Julia served for more than a decade as a Clinical Instructor of Parasitology at the Medical School of SUNY Buffalo. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Parkinson's Association, St. Labre Indian School or the charity of your choice.

   Jeri Lou Burden of Grand Island, NY, October 23, 2007. Daughter of Catherine V. Burden and the late Walter G. Burden, sister of Jody A. (Theodore) Slipko of Grand Island, NY and Jeanne L. Burden of the Town of Tonawanda, NY, aunt of T.J. Slipko, also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The family will be present at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. TODAY (Oct. 25), where funeral services will be held Friday (Oct. 26) at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Eleventh Street and South Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made in her name to the Niagara Floral Center at Opportunities Unlimited, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Visit www.rhoney funeralhome.com, for guest register.


   Marcia Traun passed away Saturday, October 20, 2007 after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Marcus and Maryan Traun. Marcia attended Sidway School and graduated from Lafayette High School. She received her Occupational Therapy degree from a College in Minnesota, and after graduation she moved to California to work. In the early 1990's she returned to Grand Island to be nearer her mother. Marcia had a rich history in Grand Island. Her grandfather Carver had worked on the Ferry Boats and also the CCC Camp in Buckhorn State Park. Marcia was the third generation of her family to be a member of the Grand Island Historical Society where she served as past secretary and membership chairman. Marcia will be remembered as the official greeter at River Lea. She made sure everyone signed the guest book upon arrival. Marcia also enjoyed her time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and in the past she had worked as an adult classroom helper at Kaegebein Elementary School. She will be dearly missed by her neighborhood kids, or as she referred to them, "Her Pumpkins." Interment will take place at the Whitehaven Cemetery on East River Road.

   Doris R. Berger, October 22, 2007 of Grand Island; wife of 58 years to the late William J. Berger; mother of Eric (Sue) Berger, Dale (Lynn) Berger and Nancy (Mickey) Saxbury, all of Grand Island; also survived by six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sister of Betty (Bob) Schroeder; sister-in-law of Betty (Dean) Wolcott. Friends may call Thursday, October 25, 2007 only from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials to SPCA.

   Frank L. Marinell, October 21, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of Betty (Boyd) and the late Doris (Benton); father of Michael (JoAnn DiLuzio); stepfather of Judith, Patricia (Stuart) and John; loving grandfather of seven; loving great-grandfather of seven; brother of Mary (late Joseph) Ciminesi and the late Herman (survived by wife, Judy), Josephine Loretta and Magdalena Marinell; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 3-8 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Green Fund or Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island where Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, October 24th at 11 AM. Mr. Marinell was a member of Nocturnal Lodge F&AM under whose direction Masonic Services will be held Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. We will greatly miss him and he will be in our hearts forever.

   Daniel K. Schmidt, October 15, 2007 of Grand Island. Father of Jacob and Veronika Schmidt; stepfather of David Fonzi; son of Robert and Judy Schmidt; brother of Jennifer (Pete) Peresie, Laura (John) Anderson and Thomas (Stephanie Noyes) Schmidt. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, October 17th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 18th at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, Whitehaven Road, with a reception to follow at the Grand island Rod & Gun Club. Memorials may be made to the National Parks Conservation Association at www.npca.org.

   A. Norah Liszewski, an accomplished pianist, died of cancer Friday, October 12, 2007 in her home in the Town of Tonawanda. She was 68. Born A. Norah Thompson in Toronto, she began playing the piano at age 7 and attended Western-Technical High School in Toronto, where she was crowned homecoming queen in her junior year. She graduated in 1956. During her years in Toronto, Mrs. Liszewski was captain of the curling team at Humber Hylands Curling Club and was an avid reader and skier. She worked at Ontario Hydro, Maclean’s magazine and Inco., mostly performing secretarial duties. In 1977, she moved to the United States, living on Grand Island. She moved to the Town of Tonawanda in 1986. She was a representative of the Welcome Wagon organization in the Town of Tonawanda and worked for Dr. Doris Rapp, an allergy specialist. She typed and edited several books by Rapp. In 1987, she met Joseph M. Liszewski at a singles club, and they married in 1990. She had four children from a previous marriage, and her husband had 10 children. Family get-togethers turned into large, festive affairs, including an annual barbecue on Labor Day weekends. The couple became a real estate team in 1992 with Century 21 and later with Metro Horohoe Real Estate in Kenmore. They also were a musical duo. She played the keyboards and he sang, performing at several nursing homes and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, as well as at gatherings of family and friends. In addition to her husband, survivors include three daughters, Janice Bradford, Katie Lynch and Susan Sinclair; and a son, Douglas McIlwraith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. October 15th in St. Andrew Catholic, 1525 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda.

   Horst H. Boerdner, 71, of Grand Island passed away on Friday, October 12, 2007 at Hospice Buffalo, Inc. after a long illness. Horst immigrated to the United States in 1956 from Germany. He was a lifetime goldsmith learning his trade in Germany. He was the son of the late Willy and Paula Boerdner. Horst was a member of the New Apostolic Church. Loving father of Debra (Daryl) Gleaton, Richard (Judith) Boerdner and Crystal (Roger) Krantz. Dear brother of Ingrid (the late William) Kuhaneck and Edith (Henry) Koch. Proud grandfather of Nicole, Eric, Andrew, Adrianna, Cole, Autumn and Kristian. Friends received on Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 3-8 p.m. at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, 156 Robinson Street, North Tonawanda where services will be held on Monday morning, October 15th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Freidan's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Hospice, Inc.

   Marilyn A. (nee Starr) Cobb, October 11, 2007 of Grand Island, N.Y. Beloved wife of Glenn Cobb; devoted mother of Pamela Shinners, Deanna Velardita and Jacquelyn (Michael) Falzone; also survived by two sisters, four brothers, five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, October 12, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will be held Saturday, October 13th at 2 p.m. Friends invited.

   Dorothy A. (nee Long) Thurnherr, 95, Niagara Falls; October 10, 2007; wife of the late Edmund Phillips who died in 1968 and Ralph Thurnherr who died in 1995; step -mother of Nancy Schroeder of Tennessee, Ralph Thurnherr Jr. of Niagara Falls and Jane LaValley of Bradenton, Fl; sister of Dr. Samuel Long of Grand Island and Dr. John Long of Town of Tonawanda; also survived by several nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Mrs. Thurnherr was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Grace Ladies and the Home Bureau of Grand Island. The family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2007 in the LANE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 13th with the Rev. Evan Gaertner officiating. Interment will be in White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, Town of Amherst. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 716 Cayuga Dr., Niagara Falls, NY 14304.

   Rose Mancuso Kij, October 10, 2007 of Grand Island; wife of Edwin L. Kij and the late Sam Mancuso; mother of Daniel (Lela) Mancuso, Nancy (Charles) Yore and William (Robbin) Mancuso; grandfather of Anthony, Kelly and Timothy; step-mother of Debbie Johnson, James (Jessica) Kij and Mary Beth (Scott) Barlett; step-grandmother of Valerie, Victoria, Kristen, Chelsea, Nicholas and Lindsay; sister of Betty Vaccaro, Patrick and James DeSantis. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 12, 2007 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

   Debra A. Gabri, 54, of Grand Island; October 6, 2007; beloved wife of Robert Bille; loving daughter of the late Betty and John Gabri; sister of Candace (Michael) Sullivan; aunt of Sara, Katy and Michael Sullivan; also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. Debra was a graduate from the State University College at Buffalo and was one of the first women to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Criminology, she also pursued higher education in this field, she worked security for General Motors Corporation at Tonawanda Engine Complex and Harrison Radiator Lockport, a remembrance of Life gathering will be held at River Oaks Golf Club, 201 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, Sunday, October 15, 2007 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with prayers at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

   Alfons O. Raepple, retired chemical analyst, WWII veteran
   Alfons O. Raepple, a retired chemical analyst and World War II veteran, died Friday, October 5, 2007 in his Grand Island home. He was 81. Born in Heten, Germany, Mr. Raepple came to the United States as an infant and settled with his family in Buffalo. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army, serving as an infantryman in Europe. Prior to his retirement 20 years ago, he was a chemical analyst for E.I. Du Pont Yerkes in Town of Tonawanda for 30 years. After the war, he settled on Grand Island, where he was one of the founders of the Grand Island Fire Company and the Grand Island Little League. He also served on the board of directors of the town’s Little Loop Football program and was a member of its Traffic Safety Council. He also was a member of Grand Island Lodge 180, Loyal Order of Moose, and Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, the former Betty M. Riedel, and four sons, Mark A., Jay C., Erick “Rick” and Kurt S. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

   James R. Johnstone, October 6, 2007 of Grand Island; beloved husband of 66 years of the late Harriet E. Johnstone; beloved father of Susan (Robert) Starzynski, Linda (Carl) Pinzel and Sandra Munzert (Dan Palazzo); loving grandfather of Krista (Michael) Mettler, Robert (Erin) Starzynski, Jr., James and Mark (Michelle) Pinzel; cherished great grandfather of Michael, Robert III, Thomas, Ryan and Megan; brother of Jean McTaggart, Joyce Yauger and the late Helen Johnstone and June Hinkley. Friends may call Tuesday, October 9 only 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Forest Lawn Chapel, 1411 Delaware Ave. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Company.


C. Donald O'Connor (front) with (left) Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Endler, U.S. District Judge John T. Curtin, and Acting U.S. Attorney Roger Williams.
   C. Donald O’Connor Assistant US Attorney, Polio Survivor, 1929-2007
July 2, 1929 - September 28, 2007
   Born in Elmira, NY, July 1, 1929 to Charles and Laura O’Connor (deceased). The family moved many times during the depression to find work. They found work in Massachusetts where Laura gave birth to his sisters Barbara and Hannah. C. Donald became a life-long Boston Red Sox fan when his family lived near Fenway Park.
   After Charles secured a structural engineering job with the New York Central Railroad, the family resided in Cleveland, OH. C. Donald married his wife, E. Kay Laisy and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1950.
   Kay and Donald O’Connor moved to Ithaca, NY, where he attended Cornell Law School and she gave birth to their first child Penelope Jane. In 1953, their second child Edward R. was born and Donald graduated and began a law practice in Caroline, NY.
   In 1954, Donald was appointed Assistant US Attorney for Division 1 District of Alaska. His family drove from Caroline, NY to Seattle, WA and took a ship to Ketchikan, AK. Their son William D. was born in that year.
   In 1955, Donald contracted polio, and spent months in an iron lung in the Northwest Respirator Center in Seattle. He survived, becoming a paraplegic, losing the use of both legs and his right arm. Being right handed, he taught himself, with the help of physical therapy, to use his left arm to write, type, shave, work, and help care for his family. He continued working as an Assistant US Attorney, preparing Alaska for its transition from territory to statehood.
   In 1960, Donald accepted an Assistant US Attorney position in the Western District of New York where he worked until his retirement in 1987. He was offered a choice of South Florida or Buffalo. He chose Buffalo because it seemed more like home to him. He made his home on Grand Island. He stayed in that office acting, at times, as interim US Attorney. As acting US Attorney, he met with President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in a conference about illegal drug use. In the Western New York office his associates included US District Judges Richard Arcara, John Curtin, Salvatore Martoche, and Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark.
   From the time of his retirement in 1987 until his death he lived independently in his home on Grand Island.
   Donald was a devoted husband, caring for his wife during her bouts with schizophrenia, which began in the mid 1950’s and continued to this day. He was a devoted father, reading to his children and teaching them to play cards. He coached little league baseball for several years touching the lives of many children on Grand Island.
   He was an avid horse race handicapper who loved the animals and the sport more than the wagering. He gave up the sport because the laws concerning medication of the horses changed, allowing what he considered “doping.” He attributed doping with the suffering and deaths of many of the magnificent animals which he dearly loved.
   He was co-founder, president, and an active member in the Polio Survivors Support Group of Western New York from the early 1980’s until his death from complications of post-polio syndrome on September 28, 2007.
   Donald is survived by his wife E. Kay; daughter Penelope (H. Page Stephens) of Cleveland, Ohio; sons Edward (Rose) of Kenmore, New York and William (Pamela) of Grand Island, New York. He is the brother of Barbara Warny of Brook Park, Ohio and Hannah (David) McLellan of Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio. Don’s grandchildren include Cara (Adam) Howitt, Adam O’Connor and Ryan O’Connor. He was the beloved friend of Arlene Doss, Dewitt Doss and Dominique Doss.
    Friends may call Friday, October 5, 2007 from 6-7 p.m., followed by Memorial Services at 7 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
   The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Polio Survivors Support Group of Western New York, Attn. Clarice Foster, Treasurer, 74 Marilyn Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, or to the SPCA Serving Erie County NY, Attn: Development Department, 205 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150.

   June Cavanagh (nee Nice) Reichert, of Grand Island, NY, September 30, 2007, age 79, at The Schofield Residence, after a brief illness, wife of the late Charles W. Cavanagh, Jr. and the late Rev. James A. Reichert; mother of Michael C. Cavanagh, Caren (Michael) Haug and Susan (John) Reich; sister of Henry "Dick" and Walter "Bud" Nice, Beryl (Arthur) Klaffka, Marjorie (Russell) Hall and the late Hazel Williams, James, Robert and William Nice; grandmother of Michael (Ann Marie), Brian (Laurie) and Daniel Cavanagh, Tracey (Paul) Keleher, Michael and Katelyn Haug, Bethany (Nicholas) Scibetta, Rachael Reich, Crystal Sinclair and Sheri (David) Ashton; also survived by a cousin, Ardath (Bill) Mages, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today only at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, INC., Adam & Seymour Sts., Tonawanda where services will be held at 8 p.m. today. Friends invited. If desired, memorials to The Schofield Residence are preferred. Complete obituary, condolences and directions at www.hampfuneral.com

   Sally A. (Hardman) Kubik, September 26, 2007, of Grand Island, NY; dear mother of Douglas (Kari) and Gregory (Kim) Kubik; fond grandmother of Jordan and Ryan; predeceased by brothers and sisters. Funeral services private. Arrangements by the KOLANO FUNERAL HOME.

   Laurie Dudley, September 28, 2007, formerly of Grand Island; mother of Christine Dudley and Michael Cianfrone; daughter of Katerine and Gerald Feyerabend and the late Roger Dudley; sister of John, Paul (Lana) and Michael (Lisa) Dudley; step-sister of Judy Coyle and Janet Reyes; dear friend of Kevin Carnevale. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, October 6 at 4 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Muscular Distrophy Association.

   Dennis G. Yakam, 65, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, former Grand Island resident, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, at his home. Born March 3, 1942, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., he was the son of the late Alfred George Yakam and Alice Rowland Yakam. A crane operator for Ullman Scutte, Dennis was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bryan Yakam; two daughters, Lori L. DeBeau of Machias, N.Y.; and Jody S. Yakam of Belleview, Florida; one son, Denny L. Yakam of Freedom, N.Y.; one stepdaughter, Amy B. Chapman of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; two sisters, Donna Krehl of Village, Florida, and Diane Nesbitt of Grand Island, N.Y.; one brother, David Yakam of Newkirk, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Monday, October 1, 2007 at 4 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Martinsburg. The Rev. Christopher Chapman will officiate.

   William Ralph Stuart (8/19/19-8/7/07) , and Marion Belle (nee Woodberry) Stuart (6/6/17-8/12/07) of Grand Island, NY. Married June 8, 1942, William "Bill" died on August 7, 2007 and Marion "Patty" died on August 12, 2007. They lived remarkable lives filled with accomplishments, travel, children, love and laughter. Patty and Bill are survived by six children and nine grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and Patty's sister, Marjorie Wheeler of Austin, Texas, Bill, born in Buffalo, New York, received his Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering, with honors, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1941. He served as Captain with the Army Air Force as an engineer from 1941 to 1946, and received MS and PhD degrees in Education from the University of Buffalo. After working in the private sector as an engineer, he became a professor and department head of Engineering at Erie Community College, in Buffalo, New York and later Dean of the Engineering Department at Niagara College, Welland, Ontario. He finished his distinguished career as Dean of Engineering at SUNY Utica in 1985. Patty was born in West Roxbury, Massachusetts and spent much of her life in the New England area before marrying Bill. She graduated from Girls' Latin School in Boston in 1934, Smith College in 1938, and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in 1939. Bill and Patty shared a rich married life for over 65 years. Patty returned to the workforce at the Grand Island (New York) Town Hall from 1968-2004, retiring at the noteworthy age of 87. Bill was an inveterate craftsman and inventor, building several boats, homes, sportscars, and beautiful furniture. Special projects included building a summer home on Lake Erie, one of the first home windmill power generators, an amateur radio with a 70 foot collapsible antenna, and coordinating the construction of a striking crystal and metal cross at Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island, NY. Patty was noted for her sparkling personality, kindness, generosity, quick wit, hardworking spirit, and humorous commentaries on life. Patty and Bill instilled in their families their love of the outdoors and animals. In loving memory, contributions can be made to the hospice of your choice, or animal shelter of your choice.


    Irene Beck, of Rochester, former Grand Island resident, passed away September 23, 2007 at age 93 after a brief illness. She was born in Buffalo, NY and was currently a resident of Clearwater, FL and Rochester, NY. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Harold. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Barbara (Paul) Muratore; devoted granddaughter, Cynthia; devoted grandson, Matthew (Christine) and great-granddaughter, Brandy Lynn. Friends may call Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home of ALVAH HALLORAN & SON, 2125 Chili Ave., where services will commence at 8 p.m. Interment service will be held Thursday, September 27th at 1:30 p.m. in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be sent in her memory to Step by Step of Rochester, 228 S. Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14608.

   Sigmund J.Golembeski , of Grand Island, formerly of Kenmore, September 22, 2007, husband of the late Elizabeth A. Heldak Golembeski; dear father of Marian (William) Lederhouse, Sigmund Jr., David J., Elizabeth (Zenon) Czarnecki and Susan (Dr. James) Mossell, III of Valdosta, GA; also survived by five grandchildren; predeceased by two brothers and two sisters. Friends may call at the D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Monday, September 24, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where funeral will be held Tuesday, September 25th at 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial from St. Paul's R.C. Church at 11:30 a.m. Siggy was a WWII veteran, recipient of The Purple Heart and proud "Friend of Bill W." for over 28 years. Memorial contributions to nephcure.org in honor of Ryan Mossell are preferred. The family appreciates the care provided by Riverwood Health Care staff.

   Joseph "Pete" Guzik, of Grand Island, September 19, 2007; loving husband of Tuoi; loving father of Jo Ann, John, James (Michelle) and Christina; grandfather of three; brother of Agnes Witkowski, Barbara Maryjanowski, William F., Raymond (Grace) and the late Bernard Buttons. Friends may call Sunday, September 23, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. at the COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 215 W. Center St., Medina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 24th at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Medina.

   Margaret Mary Quinn Sutton, of Grand Island, September 16, 2007, wife of the late Alfred A. Sutton; dear mother of Mary Ann Amschler, John A., Maureen (late Ed) Howell, Michael, Peter (Linda) Sutton; also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandson; sister of Mary (late Nelson) Tubridy, Robert (Jean), Paul (Ilene) Quinn, Kathleen (Richard) Kolerski and the late Thomas, John Quinn, and Monica Barton. Friends may call D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., where funeral service will be held Thursday, September 20th at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial from Holy Spirit R.C. Church at 10 AM. Interment Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Cheektowaga, New York.

   Gerald K. Youngs, September 16, 2007, of Clarence, NY, former Grand Island, NY resident, beloved husband of Annette (Litwin); dearest father of Karen Bullock, Jeffrey (Julie) and the late Wallace; grandfather of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother of Jay (Nancy) and the late Wallace (Suzanne); also survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral from the PACER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2275 George Urban Blvd., Depew, Wednesday, September 19, 2007 and from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Harris Hill at time to be announced. Family present Monday, September 17, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Catholic Charities. Mr. Youngs was a Eucharistic Minister of Adult Servers Hospitality, The Needles and Beads and numerous other church activities.

   Michael P. Pfohl, September 15, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of Grace Pfohl; father of Susan and Rebecca Pfohl; grandfather of Shane, Destiny and Caitlyn; son of the late Franklin and Ethel Pfohl. Friends may call Wednesday 6:30-8:00 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The American Red Cross Blood Bank, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.

   Kenneth J. Gilbert, September 14, 2007 of Grand Island, husband of Ann M. "Tina" Gilbert; father of Zachary Gilbert; son of Herbert and the late Lucille Gilbert; brother of Joyce Gearhart, Terry (Kim) Gilbert, Jeanne Gilbert and Janet (Mike) Poreda; also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; son-in-law of Lottie and the late Alois Krajewski. Friends may call Sunday, September 16, 2007 only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, September 17 at 10 AM in St. Stephen's Church.

   Marsha A. ( Flack) Kryszak, September 10, 2007, of East Amherst, former Grand Island, NY resident; beloved wife of Donald Kryszak; daughter of Arthur (late Maryann) Flack; sister of Maureen (Virginia); sister-in-law of Carol (Julian) Glogowski, Norman Kryszak, Nancy (Alan) Garrow and Sharon (Dan) Kubarych; survived by nieces and nephews; dear friend of Barbara (Mike) Hochstatter, Dr. Fred (Peg) Schwarz and Helen (Jamaes) Ronan. No prior visitation. Services held at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to Hospice Foundation. Arrangements by Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home.

   John Alexander Connell, 59, of Tracey Lane, Grand Island, died on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 in Buffalo General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Kittanning, PA on December 30, 1947, son of the late John and Annabelle (Wyant) Connell. Mr. Connell worked for Airco (now Carbon Graphite) as a furnace operator for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2002. He enjoyed bowling and fishing, was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved his grandchildren, Amanda, Denise, Katilyn, Mark, Kaylee and Ciera. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Becky (Hilliard) Connell; three children, Jeanie Ann Connell of Kenmore; John (Jackie) Connell of Florence, KY; Lesley Connell of Grand Island; a sister, Constance (John) Mack of Wilmington, DE; brothers, Joseph (Linda) Connell of Niagara Falls; Dennis Connell of Richmond, VA; Paul (Denise) Connell of Telford, PA; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. in the Lane Funeral Home, Inc., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. Private services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

   Linda (Miller) Case, September 7, 2007; of Grand Island; wife of Ronald Case; mother of Ryan and Karen Case; daughter of Claude and Margaret Miller; sister of Dan (Dorann) and Dale Miller; daughter-in-law of Frank and Thurl Case; also survived by a large and loving family. Friends may call Thursday, September 13th only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral service will be held Friday, September 14th at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Memorials to the St. Timothy Lutheran Seminarian Fund, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

   Herbert G. Carter, September 6, 2007, formerly of Grand Island and Kenmore, husband of the late Irene (Foley) Carter; father of Debbie (Bob) Johnson, Bob (Renee), Jim (Tammy), Tim (Lisa) and the late Richard Carter; grandfather of Rick, Jennifer, Corrine, Kristen, Sean, Kyle, Michael, Justin, Andrew, Daniel, Chris and Erica; also survived by many family members and friends. Friends may call Friday, September 14, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, September 15 from 12-2 p.m. followed by Memorial Services Saturday at 2 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to a charity of your choice.

   Shirley Jean (nee Schnell) Killian, September 5, 2007; wife of the late Frederick J. Killian, Jr.; dear mother of Frederick J. (Marianne) Killian, III, Sharon J. Maloney, Nancy K. and David R. Killian; survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandhchildren; sister of the late Doris Schnell. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Blvd., Grand Island. Memorials to the Trinity United Methodist Church.

   Walter Gerald Flor, of Youngstown, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at the home of his son, Christopher Flor. He was born in Buffalo, NY on April 8, 1939, son of Walter and Hazel Wagner Flor. Walter served in the USAF 8th Air Force S.A.C. He was preceded in death by his friend, Patricia M. Andrews, whom he resided with for 23 years. He is survived by his faithful K9 companion, Henry; son, Christopher G. (Christina) Flor of Amelia, VA; daughter, Suzanne Collins of Ohio; sister, Janet Popiella of Florida; brother, Jeffrey (Dianna) Flor of New York and seven grandchildren.

    Margaret (Hunter) Kane, 85, September 2, 2007, of Grand Island, NY, dearest mother of Margaret (Charles) Fourby and Thomas E. Jr. of N. Carolina; grandmother of Michael Fourby, Margaret (Jason) York of N. Carolina, Thomas and Scott Kane; great-grandmother of five. Graveside Services will be held Friday, September 7th at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Section Q, Lot 69.

   Thomas H. Walker Sr., of Hamburg, NY, former Island resident, entered into rest September 3, 2007, beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Mullen) Walker; devoted father of Michael (Deborah) Walker, Beth (Eric) Boron, Patricia (Edward) Zelechoski and the late Thomas Walker, Jr.; cherished grandfather of Hilary, Katelyn Walker, Steven, Michael, Tara Walker, Andrew, Caroline, Allison Boron, Amanda and Kristen Zelechoski; loving son of the late Charles and Clare (nee Gascoigne) Walker; dear brother of Charles "Bud" (Betty) Walker; also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd. near Lake Ave. on Tuesday from 5-9 PM where the Funeral Service will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment Lakeside Cemetery. Mr. Walker was an Army veteran of the Korean War. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Hospice of Buffalo in Thomas' memory.

   Joseph Wagner, August 27, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of the late Rose Wagner; father of the late Joseph (survived by wife Lynne) Wagner; grandfather of Gerald (Patricia) and Michael (Joy) Wagner; great-grandfather of Megan, Joseph and Jacquelyne Wagner. Friends may call Thursday, August 30th only, 7-9 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held FridayAug. 31st at 10 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

    James "Mike" Niland, August 19, 2007 of Grand Island; husband of Jean (Thorpe) Niland; father of James Jr. (Eileen) of Grand Island, William "Bo" (Kim), Michael (Maryjo) both of Annapolis, MD, Mary Jo Niland of Williamsville and the late Jane Marie Niland; grandfather of Sarah, Kaitlyn, Anna, James III, Ryan, Jamie, Jane and Edward Niland, Amanda and Thomas Brown; brother of Ina (Jerry) O'Hanlon and the late William, Joseph and Thomas Niland, Eugenia Shinshey, Mary Conley, Albertine Mosher, Josephine Beilein, SR. Frances Niland S.S.M.N. and Ann Murphy. Mike was born the 13th of 13 children in the City of Tonawanda. A graduate of Tonawanda High School, Class of 1945, he graduated from Notre Dame University in 1950. He received a Masters in Education from Niagara University in 1966, and was a teacher, football and basketball coach at Bishop Duffy High School. He was also a teacher, coached football, basketball and was Athletic Director at Cardinal Dougherty High School. Mike was a former Parks and Recreation Director on Grand Island and worked for the Buffalo Bills for 12 years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and served during the Korean War. He was inducted in the Niagara Catholic/Bishop Duffy Hall of Fame. Mike was Past Grand Knight of the Mary Star of the Sea Council on Grand Island and ushered at St. Stephen's Church for 40 years. He also volunteered at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Niagara County. Mike was all WNY in football and basketball for the City of Tonawanda and played basketball for Notre Dame University. He played professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He led Bishop Duffy to two Monsignor Martin League Football Championships in 1960 and 1965. Friends may call Wednesday, August 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 23rd at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Stephen's Church Building Fund.


    Christopher Brian Wozniak, August 18, 2007 of Grand Island; son of David and Mary Carol (Knapp) Wozniak; brother of David Jr. (Renee) of Kearney, NE, Jonathan (Lisa) of Grand Island, Jennifer of Savannah, GA, and Michelle Wozniak of Grand Island; uncle of Jonathan and Joshua Wozniak. Friends may call Wednesday, August 22nd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 23rd at 11 a.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church.

   Paul Joseph Stefik Jr., 92, formerly of Grand Island, NY, Portland Oregon and most recently, Sun City (Phoenix) Arizona, died Wednesday, August 15, 2007. He was predeceased by his wife, Lee (Henderson) Stefik. Survived by sons, Eric of Las Vegas, NV; Mark of Portola Valley, CA; and Michael of Astoria, Oregon; one sister, Georgine (Georgie) Martel of New Port Richey, Florida, and one brother, Robert (Bud) Stefik of Niagara Falls, NY, and numerous grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Stan, Marie, Julie, Marcella (Marcy), and Joe.
   Born on September 2, 1914 in Madison Wisconsin, Paul graduated from Niagara University with a degree in business in 1936 and spent his working life as a sales representative for Union Carbide Metals Company.
   Paul moved to Grand Island, NY in 1942 and became active in the community, serving as a member of its Youth Council, volunteering for various St. Stephen's Church committees, and actively involved in Boy Scouts of American as scoutmaster and committeeman of Troop 75 on Grand Island, NY. Paul wrote and directed the historic pageant, "Grand Old Island," directed the casting and wrote the song by the same name during the town's centennial celebration in 1952. Service at a later date to be arranged in Portland Oregon.

    Rebecca R. (Sick) Sherman, 54, August 13, 2007 of Grand Island, NY, beloved wife of Jerry E. Sherman for 31 years; loving mother of Ryan Marie; daughter of Joseph and Joyce Sick. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service in the STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 266 East St. at Austin, Saturday, August 18 at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Rebecca was a Buffalo school teacher for over 30 years.

    Rosa (Agostini) Marchioni, 98, of Grand Island, NY on August 14, 2007; wife of the late Eugenio Marchioni; mother of Santina (late Pietro) DeMeis of Supino, Italy; Maria (late Frank) DelSignore of Grand Island, late Guerrino (Lena of Supino, Italy) Marchioni, late Anthony (Liliana of Niagara Falls) Marchioni; also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great- grandchildren, 2 sisters Cataldina Pecorilli of Georgia, Elena Boni of Italy, several nieces, nephews, cousins. Visitation Thursday, August 16 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd, Niagara Falls where services begin Friday, August 17 at 9:15 a.m. and at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. & Independence Ave. Niagara Falls. Entombment in Riverdale Cemetery Lewiston. Memorials to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, the Kevin Guest House or charity of choice.

   E. Lucille Mock (Mohnkern) Helbig, of Grand Island went home to be with Jesus August 11, 2007; wife of the late Dale Melvern Mock and Leopold Karl Helbig; sister of Carol (Charles) Laskay and John P. Mohnkern; loving mother of 10; grandmother of 37; great grandmother of 37; great great grandmother of two; and aunt of six. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 1st at 11 a.m. at the Grand Island Fire Hall. Mrs. Helbig was organist for both the Bible Fellowship Church and the Grand Island Golden Age Chorale.

    Charles M Malican, August 10, 2007 of Grand Island; brother of William V. (the late Kathleen), Margaret E. and Edward C. (Patricia) Malican; son of the late William and Jeanne Malican. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Charles enjoyed Lawrence Welk's music and collected 78 rpm records.

    Michael John Didion, of Grand Island, NY. August 10, 2007. Beloved husband of Phyllis A. (nee Martin); dearest father of Eric (Lyndsey), Allison (Corey) Marcus, Amy and Kate; grandfather of Carson; son of Alfred J. and the late Marion L. (nee Heist); brother of Kenneth J. (Carol), Julie A. (Thomas) Lynch, Teresa J. (Steve) Stewart, Nancy J. (Marlon) Dudley, Elizabeth A. (Doni) Rugg, Cynthia M. Steinmueller, Jeffrey P. (Donna), Christopher T. (Theresa) and the late Lorraine M.; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Monday , August 13 at 10 AM from St. Augustine Church, Clarence Center. No prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Funeral arrangements by THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC.

    Ibrahim A. R. Khreis, August 9, 2007 of Grand Island. Loving husband of Sheila Khreis; father of Linda (Philip Russo), David (Sally), Alan (Cindie) of Dallas, TX, Susan (Timothy Rovillo), Donald, Carol (Jay) Giambra, Jeff (Stacy), Janice (Ryan) Shea-Khreis of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Barbara and Joshua Khreis; beloved grandfather of Joseph and Sydney Khreis, Samantha Rovillo, Cheyenne Khreis, Ashley and Katelyn Giambra and Raven Khreis; son of the late Abdul Rahman and Sheikha Hemad Khras. Friends may call Saturday, August 11, 207 from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, August 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Monday, August 13 at 10 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.

    Floyd W "Sandy” Sanderson, 76 of Lewiston, NY and formerly of the City of Tonawanda and Grand Island; August 9, 2007 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport following a long illness. Husband of 52 years of Nancy S. (nee Jedele) Sanderson; father of Carol (Richard) Hofmann, Matthew (Deborah) Sanderson, Thomas (Deborah) Sanderson and Amy (Jeffrey) Miller; brother of G. Raymond (late Betty Lou) Sanderson and the late Bertha Porter, Olive E. Ralph and Donald Sanderson; also survived by 11 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday, August 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.), City of Tonawanda. Funeral services will be held in Tonawanda United Methodist Church, 221 Morgan St. in Tonawanda, Monday, August 13 at 11 a.m.. Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, Roswell Park Cancer Institute or to Tonawanda United Methodist Church.

   Martin J. Wolverton, 85, a former Grand Island resident, died in Daytona Beach, Florida Wednesday, August 1, 2007. He was the founder of Marty's Towing, a Grand Island, NY business that still bears his name. He is survived by his wife, Ann, of Daytona Beach; four daughters, Charlotte (Greg) Baumgart of Angola; Nancy (Bud) Mann of Newburgh, Barbara Wolverton of Holly Hill, Florida; and Karen (Allan) Fenner of Seattle; one son, Martin Wolverton Jr. of Angola; and two grandchildren, Stacy and Brandon Baumgart of Angola. A full veteran's service followed by a 21-gun salute was held Saturday, August 4, 2007 at Pinello's Funeral Home in Daytona Beach. A service will also be held on Grand Island, NY at a later date.

   Carl F. Zich, 81, a 45-year Grand Island resident, passed away on May 23, 2007. He was a World War II U. S. Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater aboard the U.S.S. Duluth. Son of the late Frank and Dorothy (Weber) Zich, he was predeceased by in-laws Kenneth and Catherine (Kay) Andrus. Survived by his wife, Rita Marie Zich; sons Timothy J. (Sue) Zich and Michael C. (Denise) Zich; grandchildren, John (Joy) Trottman, Scott (Brandi) Trottman, and Aubrey and Zachary Zich, and five great grandchildren. Also survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Frank) Glasgow and Marilyn Nixon; sisters- and brother-in-law JoAnn Padula, Claudia (Frank) Parson, Kenneth (Mary) Andrus, and Linda Andrus. Private services will be conducted by the family on Saturday, August 11, 2007. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company, 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.

   Gordon E. Muck, 94, of Grand Island, husband of 77 years of the late Ruth (Slacer) Muck; father of Linda M. McGuire of Grand Island; brother of Gloria Carlton. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Beechwood Continuing Care, 2235 Millersport Hwy., Getzville, NY 14068 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072, where Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 10 a.m.

   Nell Roberts, August 6, 2007 of Grand Island. Wife of 62 years of Herman Roberts; mother of Sandra (John) Connolly; grandmother of John and William Connolly; sister of Harold (Valma) Jeffcoat. Friends may call Wednesday, August 8 from 3-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Timothy Lutheran Church Daycare Center, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island 14072.

   Roberta L. (Herr) Higgins, August 2, 2007; of Grand Island; wife of Joseph G. Higgins; beloved step-mother of Joseph J., Patrick J., Timothy J., Terrence J. and Ryan J. Higgins; daughter of the late Robert and Virginia Herr. Friends may call Saturday, August 4, 2007 and Sunday, August 5th from 3-7 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 6th at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Buffalo Zoological Gardens or the Erie County SPCA.
   OBITUARY
Roberta L. “Bobbie” Higgins, nurse, volunteer and animal lover, died unexpectedly Thursday at her Grand Island home. She was 56. Ms. Higgins was born in Buffalo, attended Kensington High School and graduated with an associate degree in applied science from Erie County Technical Institute. She became a registered nurse in 1974 after studying at the E.J. Meyer Hospital School of Nursing. In 1978, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from D’Youville College. Ms. Higgins spent her nursing career in the trauma ward of Erie County Medical Center and as a surgical nurse at Lafayette General Hospital and Veterans Hospital. She also worked in the Heart Clinic at Buffalo General Hospital until she retired. After retirement, Ms. Higgins became involved as a volunteer for the Buffalo Zoo. In addition to serving on the Zoo’s Women’s Board, she was a trained docent and active in programs like Nature Camps, the Zoomobile and presentations to local schools. Ms. Higgins was also trained as a wildlife rescuer and, in her home barn, cared for animals such as horses and donkeys. Ms. Higgins is survived by her husband, Joseph; and five stepsons, Joseph, Patrick, Timothy, Terrance and Ryan. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, where Ms. Higgins was an active member, at 1453 Staley Road, Grand Island.

   Shirley A. Lord, PhD Of Grand Island, NY. Entered into rest suddenly July 30, 2007. Beloved daughter of Agnes (nee Perry) and the late Alden Lord; devoted sister of Rev. Ronald A. (Chris) Lord, Patricia A. Lord and Sr. Donna M. Lord GNSH; cherished aunt of Daniel A., Magdalene A. and Jude A. Lord; dear companion of the late Nancy C. Heyer; also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Thursday, August 2, 2007 and Friday, August 3 from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock (please assemble at church). Entombment in St. Stephen's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AIDS Family Services, 40 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209 in Shirley's name.
   OBITUARY
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Shirley A. Lord, a retired college professor, at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Ms. Lord died Monday in her Grand Island home. She would have been 61 on Saturday. Ms. Lord was born and raised in Buffalo, where she graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School. She graduated from Daemen College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, then earned a master’s in social work and a doctorate in sociology from the University at Buffalo. Ms. Lord taught social work at D’Youville College from 1972 until 1976, then at Buffalo State College from 1979 to 2005. She was charming and outgoing, said Sister Donna M. Lord, her sister. “The family joked that the one person who came to paint her house ended up being her friend,” she said. “Walking her dogs through the neighborhood turned into more standing and talking than actually walking.” Ms. Lord received the social worker of the year award from New York State in 1994, and in 1991 and 1993 was named teacher of the year in Buffalo State’s Department of Social Work. Ms. Lord also developed a close relationship with the Sisters of Social Service, and in the early 1990s, after the fall of communism in eastern Europe, developed a social work training program, which she presented in Hungary and Slovakia. She was a parishioner of St. Stephen’s Church, where she served on the grief support group, the liturgy committee and as a eucharistic minister. In addition to her sister, Ms. Lord is survived by her mother, Agnes G.; a brother, the Rev. Ronald A.; and another sister, Patricia A.

   Mary (Pratt) Brett, 92, of Madbury, wife of Wesley F. Brett, died on July 26, 2007. Born March 4, 1915, in Keene to Roy and Miriam (Smith) Pratt, she graduated from Keene High School as salutatorian in 1932 and from Keene State College in 1936. An English major; she taught high school and coached girls' sports in Madison before retiring to raise her children. A resident of Madbury since 1946, she also lived in Grand Island, N.Y., while her husband taught at State University College at Buffalo, returning to Madbury for the summers until retirement in 1980. She is survived by her husband of 70 years; by three sons, Nicholas of Fremont, Nathan of Halifax, N.S., and Carlton of Cincinnati, Ohio; three daughters, Sylvia Bennett of Dover, Helen Kalagias of Rochester, and Laurie of Hanover; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Leslie Brett, a brother, Dr. Howard Pratt, and a sister, Hilda Pratt. WE REMEMBER: A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, she was treasured by her family and friends for her kindness, intelligence and generous encouragement to all. SERVICES: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Strafford Nutrition, Meals on Wheels, PO Box 31, Somersworth, NH 03878 or to a charity of one's choice. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 am on Sat. Aug. 11, 2007, one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road, Route 4, Lee, N.H. with Rev. Mark Monson Alley officiating. To sign our online guest book, go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com

   Rita K. Prince, (Grand Island resident from 1968 to 1989)
Rita K. Prince, 81, twenty-one year resident of Grand Island, NY, passed away on July 16, 2007 from acute respiratory failure after fighting a losing battling with double pneumonia for the 3rd time in 18 months.
   Born Rita Kuich in Chicago on July 31, 1925, her parents Rose Sabanski and Bernard Kuich moved the family to Cary, where Rita attended grade school and later graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1943. After pursuing a career as a secretary and executive assistant in Chicago, she met WWII and Korean War veteran James A. Prince in the summer of 1953, and the two were wed the following summer.
   After their honeymoon in Colorado, Rita and her husband moved to Mundelein, IL, where James became a school principal, and later, Superintendent of Schools for the Diamond Lake School District. She gave birth to four children: Michael (1958), Rosanne (1959), Donna (1960), and James Frederick Prince (1964).
   In the fall of 1968, the Prince family moved to Grand Island, NY, so James could accept the position as Chairman of the Department of Education, and in 1973, as Dean of the Department of Education & Graduate Studies at Niagara University. All four of her children graduated from Grand Island High School and from Niagara University. While working as a secretary at Niagara, Rita also earned her A.A. degree in English in 1977. Later, she worked at Invenex Pharmaceuticals on Grand Island until she and her husband decided to retire and move to Ft. Myers, Florida, in 1989. She was active in the St. Stephen's Catholic Church choir and her husband was a lay deacon at the church until their move to Florida. After the death of her husband in June 2001, Mrs. Prince moved to Merritt Island, FL, to be closer to her son Michael and her three grandchildren.
   Rita Prince was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Prince (2001), and is survived by: her brother, Edward Kuich of Chicago, IL; her sons, Michael Prince (GIHS '76) of Merritt Island, FL; and James Prince (GIHS '82) of Yorktown, VA; her daughters, Rosanne Prince-Barton (GIHS '77) of Odenton, MD; and Donna Prince (GIHS '78) of West Seneca, NY; and her five grandchildren, Erik, Hannah, Katie, Heather, and Sarah Prince.
   Burial and a graveside memorial for Rita, and her recently deceased brother-in-law Robert Prince, will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Fox River Grove, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 4th. Friends of the Prince family are requested to keep the family in their thoughts & prayers.

   Thomas A. Dodge, July 25, 2007, formerly of Grand Island; father of Lillian Dodge; son of Darryl G. Dodge and Deborah J. Gilmore; brother of Douglas A. (Angela) Dodge, Devon Dunworth and Travis McGilveary; grandson of Joanne and Thomas Gilmore, Elaine and the late Alan Dodge; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Sunday, July 29, 2007 from 2-5 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 30th at 10 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Co.

   Robert M. Bull Jr., 53, formerly of Grand Island, of North Tonawanda, died July 21, 2007. Arrangements through Fretthold Funeral Home.

   Annie A. (Brickner) Smith, 65, of Grand Island, died July 23, 2007. Wife of the late Gerald F. Smith Sr.; mother of Gerald (Cheryl) Jr., Florence (Michael) Dollard-Smith, Colby (Jennifer), Steven (Wendy) Sr. and Clifford (Rebecca) Smith and Alan (Carrie) LaFollette, Curtis (Andrea) Olson and the late Cherri Smith; sister of Joan Moore, Marion Moon, Marie Rodgers, Betty Lou Cavanaugh, George Brickner and the late Harriet Rodgers, Margaret Perkowski and Alfred Brickner Jr.; also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews; mother-in-law of Deana Smith. Friends may call Wednesday, July 25 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, July 26th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC. MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1820 Seneca St. Funeral service will be held at the Center Road Baptist Church, West Seneca, Friday, July 27, 2007 at 11 a.m.

   Robert E. Brennan, July 23, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of the late Barbara C. Brennan; father of Patrick (Jennifer) Brennan of Douglasville, GA; grandfather of Jack and Jessica Brennan; brother of Charles (Sharon) Brennan and the late Martin (survived by wife Jean), Joan, Richard (survived by wife Mary), Edward Brennan and Carol (survived by husband Charles) Berlinger; also survived by many nieces and nephews; son of the late Harry and Marie Brennan. Friends may call Thursday, July 26, 2007 only from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 27th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

   Judith A. (nee Mohr) Bush, July 21, 2007, age 63, of Grand Island, after a brief illness, wife of Edward W. "Dewey" Bush; mother of Vicky J. Labin and Valerie A. Watts; sister of Kenneth (Delores) Mohr; grandmother of Melissa, Jonathon and Taylor Watts, Amanda and Alexis Labin; great-grandmother of Kaydance Watts; niece of Betty Mohr and Arthur (Grace) Rohe; also survived by several cousins. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 only at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, INC., Adam & Seymour Sts., Tonawanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 25th at St. Stephen's R.C. Church, Grand Island. Friends invited. If desired, memorials to the church are preferred. Complete obituary, condolences and directions at www.hampfuneral.com

   Robert C. Rittenhouse, chemist, conservationist and World War II veteran
   A memorial service and reception will be held Wednesday, July 25th, at 7 PM at Island Presbyterian Church, for Robert C. Rittenhouse, a long-time resident of Grand Island. He was a former president of the National Chemical Marketing Association and member of Grand Island´s Quality Quest conservation association. Mr. Rittenhouse died June 20, 2007, from complications related to Alzheimer´s. He was 85.
   Born in Washington D.C., he moved with his family to Buffalo in 1930 and graduated from Amherst High School. He earned a bachelor´s degree (1943) and an MBA from the University of Buffalo (1958).
   In 1943, he enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to a B-17 combat team based near Ipswich, England. His first combat flight was in support of ground troops fighting the Battle of the Bulge. The bravery of the crew was rewarded when they were asked to fly future missions at the head of the formation, a primary target of anti-aircraft guns. He was discharged in 1945 after many successful missions and three near-crashes.
   In 1946, he married the former Audree Oughterson, a noted Western New York artist. He earned an MS in Organic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and worked four years at General Mills as part of the team that invented Bisquik and other food products. After the birth of two daughters, he and his wife returned to Western New York in 1954 where he worked for Mathieson Chemical, Union Carbide, and then as the director of Plastics Marketing for Hooker Chemical. When Occidental Petroleum acquired Hooker, he moved to the New York City area for six years where he commuted to work on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
   Mr. Rittenhouse served as District Governor of Western New York´s Toastmaster Chapter and became an active lay minister in the 1950s and early 60s. He retired in 1978 and lived on Grand Island, while spending summers with his wife as the host and hostess at the Church of Disciples House at the Chautauqua Institution. He was an active member of Quality Quest, a conservation group on Grand Island, and spent over five years marking and mapping wilderness hiking trails.
   Mr. Rittenhouse´s wife Audree died in 2002. They are survived by his sister, Marie, and by three daughters: Laura of New York City, Eileen Bowen of Buffalo, Amy Hoechst of Town of Tonawanda and four grandchildren.
   Island Presbyterian Church is located at 1822 Huth Road, Grand Island, (across from Huth Road School). Please send memorials to Quality Quest Environmental Coalition, PO Box 1174, Grand Island, NY 14072.

   Frederick W. Rice, July 11, 2007 of Grand Island, husband of Wanda M.Rice; father of Marilyn (Don) Staffo, Gary (Joanne) Rice, Nancy (Bill) Cliff and Bill (Debra) Rice; also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren;brother of David (Mary) Rice and the late Alvin, James and Gerald Rice and Elizabeth Blackmer. Friends may call Saturday, July 14, 2007 only 7-9 p.m. at the KAISERFUNERAL HOME, 1950 WhitehavenRd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 16th at 11 a.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Interment in Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Hospice Buffalo.

   Andrea M. (Duffy) Switzer, 60, July 10, 2007 of Grand Island, wife of the late Vernon Switzer; daughter of Jane A. and the late Francis P. Duffy; sister of Michael J. (Carol) Duffy; aunt of Christopher Duffy. Friends may call Friday, July 13, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Saturday, July 14th at 10 a.m.. Interment in Glenwood Cemetery, Geneva, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Memorial Library (Children's Library), 1715 Bedell Rd., Grand Island, 14072.

   Brenda J. (nee Krupp) Cook, 61, of Grand Island, on Sunday, July 8, 2007 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Beloved wife of Randy L. Cook of Grand Island; loving mother of Wayne Schalck of Las Vegas, NV and Mark D. (Monika) Cook of Germany; dear sister of Diane Getz of Maine; proud grandmother of Brandon and Danielle Schalck and Roland and Jesse Cook. Friends received by the family on Tuesday, July 10,2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 pm. at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, (692-3841), 156 Robinson Street, North Tonawanda, where services will be held on Wednesday morning, July 11th at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at Elmlawn Cemetery.

   Kenneth Merritt Kinsey passed away on June 13, 2007 in New Bern, NC. Ken would have been 90 this August. Ken was one of the founders of Sandy Beach Yacht Club and became Commodore in 1951. He and his family spent many summers at the club, sailing their sloop "Duette" and swimming in the Niagara River. His friends from Sandy Beach were life-long friends and he and Dorie attended many Sandy Beach Reunions. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorie, who now lives at Croatan Village in New Bern, North Carolina. In addition to his wife he leaves four children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Francis Michael. Ken and Dorie moved from their farmhouse on Stony Point and Bedell roads when he was promoted to vice president of Labor Relations for Anaconda American Brass. They moved to Cheshire, Connecticut and he worked at a company headquarters in Waterbury. Not to be boatless for long, they bought a 26' Kenner Privateer and spent many years sailing in the Long Island Sound. Before Ken retired at 62, they purchased an Island 41 and fulfilled Ken's dream of living on a boat. They spent several years sailing the East Coast and the islands of the Caribbean. Eventually they bought a home near the Neuse River in Oriental, NC where they spent the summers, while still sailing to the Punta Gorda area for winters. As the years passed, the sailboat became a trawler, then a small fishing boat. Ken was very active in every community they lived in and was especially proud of the Kinsey Family Award that is given annually at SBYC.

   Mary Margaret (Hardy) Smith, July 1, 2007, of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Clarence G. "Bud" Smith; mother of William "Lee" (Pat) Smith, Colin (Susan) Smith, Leslie (Judy) Smith and Valerie (Robert) Funk; grandmother of Lynn (Mark) Fotia, Terri, Douglas and Adrienne Smith, Jordan, Bryan and Adam Funk; great-grandmother of Vince David and John Paul Fotia; sister of Francis "Bud" (Sis) Hardy, Beatrice Hillock, Editha Germain, James (Elsie) Hardy and the late Norine Feldman and Elizabeth Miller. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 9 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to a church of your choice for a Mass in honor of Mary.

   Laura (Lussier) Whitaker, 91, of Grand Island, passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 in Riverwood Health Care Center. She was born in Tupper Lake, the daughter of Mary and Vern Lussier. The wife of the late Frederick Whitaker, Laura is survived by her children, Lois Jean (Dominick) Affuso and Frederick Whitaker Jr.; her grandchildren, Chris (Audene) Affuso, Mark Affuso, Frederick Whitaker II and Richarrd Whitaker; and her great grandchildren, Stephanie, Melissa and Kaitlyn Affuso and Eric Whitaker. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Herman J. Last, June 24, 1007, of Grand Island, husband of Charlotte A. (Wojciechowski) Last; father of the late Roger and Anita Last; brother of Barbara (Paul) Gerling and Louise McConnell, both of Wayland, NY; son of the late Florence and Herman Last Sr.; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Stephen's Church Building Fund. Mr. Last was a member of VFW Post #9249, Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council 4752 and Local 17.

   Vivian E. (Cline) Lund, 93, of Grand Island, died June 24, 2007. Beloved wife of the late Erie Lund; dearest friend of Barbara Delenkitis. Mrs. Lund was a lifelong lover of animals. Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 at the (Tonawanda Chapel) Amigone Funeral Home, Inc. 2600 Sheridan Drive (at Parker Blvd.) where a funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. If desired memorials may be made to The S.P.C.A. of Erie County.

   Robert C. Rittenhouse, June 20, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of the late Audree O. Rittenhouse; father of Laura Rittenhouse of New York City, Eileen K. Bowen of Buffalo and Amy Hoechst of Tonawanda; grandfather of Justine, Michael, Jeremy and Lianne; brother of Marie Ottosen and the late David Rittenhouse and Ruth Morris; son of the late David S. and Cora (Crews) Rittenhouse. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. at Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Quality Quest Environmental Coalition, PO Box 1174, Grand Island 14072.

   LeRoy "Lee" Atkins, 80, of Akron, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY passed away on June 18, 2007. Beloved husband of Thelma "Honey" (Hennessy-Austin) Atkins; father of Roger (Alma) Atkins and Sandra (Glenn) Atkins-Noreen; step-father of Jacque Austin, Cynthia (Edward) Zurek, Sueanne Miller, Theresa (Michael) Beyer and Harriet (Frank) Zurek; loving grandfather to 24 and great-grandfather to 21. Memorials may be made to Leisurewood Campground, 5720 Cummings Rd., Akron 14001, where memorial services will be held in the Recreation Hall Tuesday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. Cards of condolence may be sent to: Thelma Atkins, 29 Crestwood Court, Wheatfield, NY 14304.

   Robert F. Bruno, June 19, 2007, passed away in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a long illness; father of Robert and Kevin Bruno; grandfather of Dylan and Spencer; Robert was pre-deceased by five brothers and two sisters; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Friday, June 22, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the (Tonawanda Chapel), AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr., (corner Parker), where funeral services will be held Saturday, June 23rd at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated from St. Andrew's Church, Sheridan and Elmwood at 10:30 a.m.. Robert was retired Fire Chief of the United States Air Force Reserve Station in Niagara Falls, NY with 28 years of service, retiring in May 1981. He was Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force on the Crash, Rescue and Fire Crew during the Korean War. Mr. Bruno was the former Assistant Chief of Grand Island Volunteer Fire Company. He received various civilian and military awards in regard to service and firefighting and was former Emergency Medical Technician of NYS. Online register book at www.Amigone.com

   Dorothy C. Obersheimer, 100, formerly of Grand Island, N.Y., died May 13, 2007 after a brief illness. Beloved wife of the late Charles L. Obersheimer; loving mother of Diane L. (David) Schultz; dear grandmother of Eric D. (Cassandra) and Andrew C. (Courtney) Schultz; sister of the late Charles E. Clemens. Also survived by several nephews and one niece. A memorial service will be held Monday June 18 at 10 AM at Forest Lawn Chapel, Buffalo, NY. Mrs. Obersheimer was a longtime member of St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church and a lifetime member of the Buffalo Yacht Club. Arrangements by KENNETH HOWE FUNERAL HOME, E. Aurora, NY.

   Imogene Chamberlin Zavodny, 81, June 9, 2007, in Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Grand Island. Mrs. Zavodny was an elementary physical education teacher at several Niagara Falls schools for 20 years. She established the Imogene Chamberlin 5th Grade Academic Scholarship at the Niagara Street School. After retiring in 1988, she enjoyed extensive world traveling. She was the wife of the late Howard Chamberlin and Ernest Zavodny; mother of Howard Chamberlin Jr., Aleeta (Nicholas) Zornek and Gwyn (Arthur) Beyer; grandmother of Tammy (Rick) McCarthy; Melony Beyer, Jason and Anna Zornek and the late Eric Zornek; also survived by 2 great grandchildren. Family will hold private services. Memorials to Kids Escaping Drugs, PO Box 643, West Seneca, NY 14224.

   Mary A. (Hoch) Barth, June 12, 2007. Beloved wife of the late Donald H. Barth; dear mother of James (Patricia) Barth, Corinne (Michael) May, Andrew (Catherine) Barth and William (Jeanette) Barth; grandmother of Brendon (Melissa) Barth, Kenny Barth, Jessica (Evan) Derby, Jennifer May, Erika (Jefferey) Julyan and Paul (Kristen) Gosciak; also survived by eight great-grandchildren; sister of Rosemarie (late Ronald) Brock, Eugene (Sharon) Hoch and the late Albert (Rose Mary) Hoch, Dolores (late Robert) Smith and John A. Hoch. Friends may call Thursday, June 14,2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 266 East St. at Austin. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island, NY, FridayJune 15th at 10 a.m. Please assemble at church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Foundation.

   Leona Fitzpatrick Kovach, 91, died June 4, 2007. Born August 1915 to William H. Fitzpatrick and (Minnie) Frederica Wilhelmina Lempke Fitzpatrick of Fix Road near Baseline Rd., Grand Island NY. She attended School # 5 at Bush Rd. She is survived by one daughter, Diane Kovach of Cheektowaga NY; one granddaughter, Genna of Buffalo, NY; and great grandchildren, many nieces & nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Michael Kovach; her parents Willian and Minnie Fitzpatrick; brothers Ralph and George; and a sister, Pearl. Mrs. Kovach will be buried in the Trinity United Methodist Cemetery on Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island NY. Arrangements through Hilliard-Creasey Funeral Home.

   Thomas C. "Tim" Tomkinson, June 8, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of Helen (Lucchino) Tomkinson; father of Nancy A. (Jay) Hollinger and the late Robert C. Tomkinson; grandfather of Ashley A. and Jason R. Hollinger; brother of Philip (Hilda), Wayne Tomkinson, Lynda (Rand) Hunt and the late Roy and Robert Tomkinson; son of the late Philip and Florence Tomkinson. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 16 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers declined. Memorials to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger, Tonawanda, NY 14150.

   Sandra J. Stamler, formerly of Grand Island N.Y. of St. Petersburg, FL., born May 6, 1944, passed suddenly May 31, 2007. Predeceased by parents Warren and Jean Stamler; survived by two brothers, Michael (Cindy) and David (Jill) Stamler, both of Grand Island; beloved aunt of Robert (Kimberly) Miller; cherished godmother of David Herrs. Funeral services private. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be made to Niagara County SPCA.

   Donald F. Ashley, N. Tonawanda, NY, former Grand Island resident, entered into rest May 31, 2007; the beloved husband of Laurie; devoted father of Donald, Stephen, Jesse, Richard Ashley and Sarah (Dan) Kordela; cherished grandfather of Aaliyah; loving son of Betty (nee Dohn) and the late Heber Ashley; survived by six brothers and sisters; also survived by relatives and many friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan on Wednesday from 2-7 PM where the funeral service will immediately follow. Don was a dedicated member of the Sons of God, Bflo Chapter and follower of Jesus Christ.

   James Monroe Vincent, 65, former Grand Island resident, a long time resident and business owner in Orange Park, FL, passed away May 6, 2007. He was born November 29, 1941 in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of the late Joseph and Lois Vincent and brother of the late Harry Vincent. In 1976, he married his wife Lucy Barbieri in Orlando and they moved to Orange Park in 1978. Jim was a devoted father, loving husband, and president/owner of the nearly thirty year old Village Saloon in Orange Park, FL. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1969 and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lucy Vincent; children Tyler and Cody Vincent; brother Robert (Crow) Vincent of Grand Island, New York; sisters: Connie Capatosto of Orlando, FL and Bonnie (B-liner) Thomas of Kissimmee, FL. Ronnie Begole of Naperville, Illinois and Richie Begole of Niagara Falls, New York. Memorial Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 12th at Grace Episcopal Church, 245 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL. Family and friends will gather immediately after the services at Benedict Hall at Grace Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or the Quigley House. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 950 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

   Thelma Chipkar, 98 formerly of Grand Island passed away on May 30, 2007 at Delaware Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Buffalo. She was the wife of the late Michael Chipkar and mother of Marilynne Smith, Judith Miller and the late Jacquelynne Call. Thelma is survived by 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Stephens R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. on Monday, June 4th at 10 a.m.

   Adrienne T. Lewis, May 26, 2007, of Grand Island, wife of Gary W. Lewis; mother of Anthony (Deborah) Ricottone, Leanne (Jim) Ziolkowski and Ronald Ricottone; stepmother of Tammy Lewis; grandmother of Dominic, Marisa, Joseph, Nicole, David and Alexandria; daughter of the late Alexander and Angeline Wojtkowski; sister of the late Alfred Wojtkowski; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, May 30th at 11 a.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo. Adrienne had a great love of family, friends and gardening.


   Marilyn (Dinsmore) Serfass, 70, formerly of Grand Island, NY, died March 31, 2007. Marilyn’s husband, David, was pastor of First United Protestant Church in Hilo for ten years. Marilyn worked as County Coordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society on Hawaii Island, and later was licensed by the United Church of Christ to serve as Minister of Visitation at Glenside United Church of Christ in Glenside, Pennsylvania. In 1999 she was elected to the Executive Council of the UCC and served until 2005. She is survived by her husband, David, and three children, Amy, Aaron and Adam and their spouses. A memorial service is being planned for Marilyn at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Pennsylvania, where she was living at the time of her death. See CaringBridge.com


   Vivian T. Fitzgerald, 90, of Grand Island and formerly of the Tonawandas, died Wednesday, May 16. Arrangements through John O. Roth Funeral Home.

   Claudia A. (nee Hammond) Marrs, May 17, 2007; of Grand Island; NY; beloved wife of Joel N. Marrs; loving mother of Joel (Beverly) Marrs Jr., Dale (Gina) Marrs and Kimberly (Michael) Zukowski; grandmother of Andrew, Jordan, Adam, Tracy and Carly; sister of Richard (Gail) Hammond; daughter of the late George and Sarah Hammond. Friends may call Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 20th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, where funeral services will be held Monday, May 21st at 9:30 a.m.

   Mary Elizabeth (McDonough) Lundy, May 15, 2007 of Grand Island. Beloved wife of David L. Lundy; loving daughter of Mary Patricia and the late Charles R. McDonough; dear sister of Michael P. (Karen), Charles P. (Adrienne), John R. (Diane), Thomas R. (Linda) McDonough and Kathleen A. (Joseph) Lenhard; devoted aunt of Ryan, Brandon, Shannon and Paige McDonough, Brianna and Kalah Lenhard, Zachary and Jacob Lundy; loving great-aunt of Julianna McDonough. Friends may call Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 20th from 3-7 p.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 21st at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Kids Escaping Drugs, 920 Harlem Rd., West Seneca 14224. See "Buffalo News Obituary"

   Dennis Bernard Holmes, 58, formerly of Grand Island, NY, died Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in Texas. Beloved husband of JoAnn (Lozo) Holmes; loving father of Heather Rhodes, Sara Holmes and Erin (Austin) Wilson; dearest grandfather of Stefani Rhodes; son of Doris and Bernard Holmes; brother of Gordon (Gail) Holmes and Rick (Toni) Holmes, Jody Holmes and Suzie (Mike) McCurry. Denny served in the Air Force, and later worked at Occidental Chemical in the Finance Department (Grand Island, Niagara Falls, Dallas) for 29 years, working his way up to Controller. Following his Occidental career, he worked at Celanese for 2 1/2 years. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75024. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

   Dorothy C. Obersheimer, 100, of Grand Island, NY, died May 13, 2007 after a brief illness. Beloved wife of the late Charles L. Obersheimer; loving mother of Diane L. (David) Schultz; dear grandmother of Eric D. (Cassandra) and Andrew C. (Courtney) Schultz; sister of the late Charles E. Clemens. Also survived by several nephews and one niece. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mrs. Obersheimer was a longtime member of St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church and a lifetime member of the Buffalo Yacht Club. Arrangements by KENNETH HOWE FUNERAL HOME, E. Aurora, NY.

   Richard C. Semo, 72, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away May 1, 2007. He was born February 13, 1935 in Rome, a son of Joseph and Dorothy Graves Semo, and graduated from Oriskany High School. Richard was an air traffic controller at Niagara Falls, retiring years ago. He also served in the US Air Force, and retired from the UFAF Reserves, 419 Tactical Airlift Group at Niagara Falls Air Base, in 1995. He was a member of the Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association and American Veterans Association. Richard is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Richard Craig (Rhonda) Semo of Rochester, NH; James B. (Bonnie) Semo of Whitesboro, NY, and John B. (Lisa) Semo of Clarence, NY; his grandchildren, Maeve, Colin, James Jr., Lauren, Sophia, and Benjamin; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Louise Hobin of Citrus Heights, CA, and Ruth Ann and John Abel of Rome, NY; a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur W. and Jean Semo of Carmichael, CA; grandchildren, Mauve, Colin, James, Jr., Lauren, Sophia and Benjamin; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Jennifer Beth Semo; a brother, Joseph J. Semo; and a granddaughter, Kristina. The funeral service will be held Thursday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m., at the Chapel at the Eastern Star Home, Oriskany, NY. Burial will be in Westmoreland Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oriskany Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 906, Oriskany, NY 13424. The family would like to thank the staff of the Eastern Star Home and Pounder Hall for their kindness, compassion and friendship extended to Richard during his illness. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.

   Jean R. Viola, May 8, 2007, formerly of Grand Island, wife of the late Joseph Viola; mother of Joseph Viola, Jerome (Dawn) Viola and Jeanne (Ralph) Viola Balding; mother-in-law of Jocelyn M. Viola; grandmother of Dr. Jeanna D., Joseph L. and Jerome J. Viola; sister-in-law of Rita Sears, Jerome LaBianca and the late Edward LaBianca; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

   Mary A. Zehnder, May 13, 2007, lifelong resident of Grand Island; aunt of Edith Wirth and John (Rebecca) Wirth both of Tonawanda; great aunt of Ryan Wirth; daughter of the late Joseph and Edith Zehnder; sister of the late Ruth (late Charles) Wirth, Joseph, Edith and Jack Zehnder. Graveside Services will be held Thursday at 2 PM at Acacia Park Cemetery, 4215 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Pendleton.

   Helen (nee Kamieniarz) Derner, 84, of Grand Island and formerly of the City of Tonawanda, suddenly, May 12, 2007, beloved wife of 59 years of the late Warren C. Derner; mother of Warren G. (Nancy) Derner, Gail D. (late Gary) Fuller, Gary (Sharon) Derner, Michelle (Stephen) Hoffmann and Susan (Michael) Wegrzyn; daughter of the late Anthony and Josephine (nee Skiba) Kamieniarz; sister of Anne (late Edward) Cybulski and Matthew (Jessie) Kamieniarz and sister-in-law of Jane (late Joseph) Kamman; also survived by 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, May 15, 2007 only from 4-8 p.m. at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.) in the City of Tonawanda. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated in St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. on Grand Island, Wednesday, May 16th at 10 a.m. Flowers declined. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's R.C. Church.

   Robert C. Bascomb, May 10, 2007, of Grand Island, father of Jacklyn Bascomb; husband of Jean Bascomb; son of Dorothy and the late Lawrence Bascomb; brother of Betty (Richard) Dickey and Arthur (Jean) Bascomb. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.

   Daniel F. Mohring, May 10, 2007, of Grand Island N.Y. Husband of the late Laurane (Momberger) Mohring; father of Dayl (Ralph) Nusstein, Lynn (Michael) Yensan and Denise (James) Claps; grandfather of Jesse, Kimberly, Justin, Brandan and Danielle; brother of the late Ruth Herlson and Wayne Mohring. Friends may call Sunday, May 13, 2007 from 2-7 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Monday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Alzheimer's Assn. of WNY. Mr. Mohring was an exempt member of the Snyder Volunteer Fire Dept., a member of Kenmore Lodge 1132 F & AM and retired in 1978 from GM Tonawanda Motor Plant.

    Anne McCumber of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. She was the daughter of G. Arthur Reddick and Florence Wright. Anne was born on Sheek's Island, a St. Lawrence River island near the village of Mille Roches, Ontario and moved to Niagara Falls in 1936 and to Grand Island in 1999. She is survived by her three children, Michael (Lynda) McCumber of Chelmsford, MA; Kevin (Chery) McCumber of Elk Grove, CA; and Laura McCumber of Grand Island, NY. Also survived by seven grandchildren, James, Kathryn and Kenneth McCumber of Chelmsford, MA; Joshua, Alex and Jolie McCumber of Elk Grove,CA and Andrew McCumber of Grand Island, NY. Also survived by sisters, Inez Loucks and Jessie Daye of Long Sault, Ontario; Jan Pay and Cassie Brown of Niagara Falls, Ontario; Doris Shearer of Bramelea, Ontario; her brother, Ford Reddick of Niagara Falls, Ontario; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Jack McCumber; grandson Thomas McCumber; and siblings, Edna Seymour, Helen Keays, Stella Reddick, Vera Brovata, George Reddick, Dorothy McClean and Stuart Reddick. Friends may call Friday, May 11, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Otto Redanz Funeral Home, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY where a funeral serve will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. Burial in the Riverdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be amde in Anne's memory to the Lost Villages Historical Society, P.O. Box 306, Ingleside, Ontario, Canada KOC 1M0.

    Dorothy (Sable) Mihalovich, May 8, 2007; age 81, of Grand Island, NY; born September 3, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA; wife of the late Steve Joseph Mihalovich; mother of her only son Gary S. Mihalovich; sister of Eleanor Malone. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 1243 Delaware Ave., Saturday, May 12 at 4 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Research Fund (www.parkinsonsresearchfoundation.org) Dorothy succumbed quietly to complications resulting from her Parkinson's that she had for over 35 years. Raised in Pittsburg, PA, she met her husband and worked as an accountant during WW II until the birth of her only child. She moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1955 where she lived for 38 years and was involved in many civic, community, school and organization activities. Dorothy and her husband moved to Augusta, GA in 1992 where her husband died in 2002, she moved to Grand Island, NY with her son and fiancee Carol Brown in 2004. Dorothy was a resident of the Rosa Coplan Nursing at Weimberg Campus. She will be remembered for her loving, caring, and generosity. She will be missed by everyone she touched. Arrangements by STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME.


   Bruce A. Kaiser, May 6, 2007; of Grand Island; husband of Katharina (Sausner) Kaiser; step-father of Kristina (Brett) Carey and Victor Cappello; grandfather of Collin and Samantha Carey; brother of Bryan (Donna) Kaiser; uncle of Laura and Jenna Kaiser; son of the late Ruth and Allen Kaiser Jr.; son-in-law of Frank Sausner. Friends may call Wednesday, May 9 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, May 10 from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral service will be held Friday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Flowers declined. Memorials to Grand Island Lions Club, PO Box 71, Grand Island 14072.
See Buffalo News Notice.

   Clare H. Jones, 77, Wednesday, March 28, 2007. A 57-year resident of Grand Island, he was the husband of Jean D. Jones and the late Dorothy Mahnk; father of Sharon and Jody Jones and stepfather of John Dearlove of Texas, Dane Dearlove of Georgia, Todd Dearlove of West Seneca and the late Mark Dearlove; brother of Susan Triffitt of Lynnfield, Massachusetts; grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of six. Private funeral arrangements were made by Kaiser Funeral Home, Grand Island.


   Alfred G. Yakam, April 28, 2007, of Lockport, formerly of Grand Island. Husband of Mildred Yakam and the late Alice Yakam; father of David (Gayle) Yakam, Dennis (Carolyn) Yakam, Donna (Daniel) Krehl and Diane (Clark) Nesbitt; stepfather of Richard Napoli, Carol Napoli, Joanne (James) Berry and Joel Napoli; also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, May 2, 2007 only, from 4-8 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Thursday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Make-A-Wish Foundation or a charity of choice.
   Born in Vandergrift, PA on December 2, 1916, Mr. Yakam worked at Hooker Chemical in Niagara Falls for 42 years, retiring in 1979. He was a member of Elks Lodge 346 in NIagara Falls and the Newfane Senior Center and was an avid bowler and golfer and also enjoyed wood working.

   Karl F. Hoefert, former automobile dealer and decorated veteran who fought with the Army’s 95th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II, died Tuesday, April 24, 2007 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda. He was 90. A North Tonawanda native, Mr. Hoefert was believed to be the first city resident drafted during the war. A first lieutenant in the Signal Corps, he joined the initial wave of D-Day invaders at Normandy’s Omaha Beach in 1944, setting up the radio network that enabled various units to communicate effectively in combat. Mr. Hoefert was awarded a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for his actions during the drive through the French city of Metz to the Siegfried Line in November 1944, a determined effort that led the city’s German occupiers to dub the 95th Division the “Iron Men of Metz.” Those words remain on the unit’s crest. Mr. Hoefert also participated in the Battle of the Bulge and after the war served in the Army Reserve Officers Corps. Wartime photographs of him were published in Collier’s magazine’s Pictorial History of World War II and are displayed in the 95th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City. He attended the unit’s annual reunions until last year, when failing health prevented him from traveling. Yet he never spoke of the war to family members and friends, preferring to keep the often-dark memories to himself, said a daughter, Judith Johannsen. Mr. Hoefert lived in Kenmore, Grand Island and Orlando, Fla., before returning to North Tonawanda. President of Hoefert Lincoln-Mercury in the Falls for many years before retiring, he organized Kenmore’s annual Memorial Day Parade and provided the cars that carried dignitaries along Delaware Avenue. He was a past commander of Milton J. Brounschidle Post 205, American Legion, and Voiture 51, Forty & 8 Society. His wife of 61 years, Betty Jane Rossney Hoefert, died in 2001. Surviving besides Judith (Oke) Johannsen are four other daughters, Sandra (Richard) Vullo, Wendy (Richard Jr.) Rebmann, Debra Benson and Lisa (David Jr.) Goodlander; two sons, James and Michael (Virginia); a brother, Lynn W. (Ayako) Hoefert; and a sister, Ruby Olgiati. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave., Town of Tonawanda. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice.


   Colleen M. (Clements) Samland
   Colleen M. Samland passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007 after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with breast cancer.
   A resident of Grand Island for the past 33 years, she graduated from Grand Island High School in 1979 and Erie Community College in 1981. Colleen married her high school sweetheart, Michael Samland in 1982, and they raised three wonderful children: Jessica, Ryan and Justin.
   Colleen focused her life around her family. She was a devoted mother and could be found anywhere her children were. In fact, she was a fixture at their softball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse games for the past 15 years and never missed a game.
   Colleen was a longtime member of St. Stephen's parish and taught religious education for eight years with her sister-in-law, Karen Fischer.
   Best known for her love of the New York Yankees, she was also an avid reader and longtime Bruce Springsteen fan. Colleen will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous spirit, and positive attitude.
   In addition to her husband and children, Colleen was the daughter of Earl and the late Patricia Clements; sister of Kelly (David) Robel, Sean Clements, Kristin (Mark) Reese, and the late Karen (Frank) Nuchereno; daughter-in-law of Bernhard and Clarice Samland, sister-in-law of Darlene (Richard) Simmons, Karen (Joseph) Fischer, and Lisa (Michael) Gallagher; and aunt of fourteen nieces and nephews.
   Friends may call Wednesday, April 25 from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, April 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

   Beatrice Catherine Killian, 87, of Spotsylvania County, VA., died Thursday, March 15, 2007, at her residence. She was a native of Buffalo, N.Y. and a longtime resident of Grand Island, N.Y. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on April 28, 2007 at St. Stephen's Church in Grand Island with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 113 Tallpines Ave., Locust Grove, VA. 22553.

   Anthony Sapienza, April 16, 2007, of Grand Island; husband of Annette Sapienza; father of Andrea (Robert) Duke, Michael Lucas and the late Dennis Lucas; grandfather of Erica, Julia and Matthew VeRost; brother of Sandra Nagy-Conway and Samuel Sapienza; son of the late Sam and Carmen Sapienza. No prior visitations. Funeral service will be held Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Heart Association.


   Mary G. (nee Dretto) Capizzi, April 12, 2007, 91, dear mother of Russell (Philomena) Capizzi and Joyce Madonia; dear grandmother of Maria (Fred) Korhummel, Salvatore Capizzi, Russell (Gina) Capizzi, Philomena (Richard) Dworak, John Madonia, Kathy (Joey) Northrup and ten great grandchildren. She is predeceased by four brothers and two sisters. The family will be present Tuesday, April 17, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner Parker Blvd.) where funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18th at 9 a.m. and from St. Stephen RC Church, Grand Island at 10 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Committal service will be held on Thursday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY.


   Mae Klocke, wife of the late Franklin Klocke, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 6, 2007, with her grandchildren at her side. Mae and her husband moved to Grand Island, NY in 1937. She was a past president of St. Stephen's Altar Society, a charter member of the Grand Island Centennial Committee; and an active member of the Erie County Republican Club and the Grand Island Republican Women's Club. Mae and her husband were also active members of the Buffalo Launch Club. Mae and Franklin moved in 1980 to Venice, Florida where they were active with the Harbor Cove Boat Club. Mae is survived by her children, Barbara (Ken) Voegelin of Sarasota, Florida; Gail (Richard) Sander of Grand Island; and Jim (Jan) Klocke of Sarasota; her grandchildren, Gale (Tom) Podsiadlo of Cheektowaga; Teresa (Mike) Hooper of Grand Island; Rich (Mary) Sander of Grand Island; Eileen (Mark) Klein of Grand Island; Marie Klocke of Buffalo, Mark Klocke of Grand Island; and Pam (Rich) Miller of St. Petersburg, Florida.
   Mae was great grandmother to Ashley, Cameron and Stephen Miller; Elizabeth and T.J. Podsiadlo; Luke Hooper; Emily, Jessica and Nolan Klein; and Bridgett and Rebecca Sander.
   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gliding Stars of Western New York, 1404 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, NY 14228, or to the Spina Bifida Association of Western New York, 300 Corporate Parkway, Amherst, NY 14226.
   The family will be present Friday, May 18, 2007 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the George Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

   Burton R. Wixson, April 12, 2007 of the Town of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY; beloved husband for 61 years to Ruth; father of Lon (Linda), Bruce (Judy), Steve (Ginny Vaughan); survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother of Edwin (Skip) and the late Jeanne (Glen) Carpenter. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in the University Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon, April 15, 2007 at 3 p.m. Memorials may be made to the University Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wixson was born in Rochester July 25, 1923 and raised in Tyrone, NY. He attended Syracuse University and graduated from the University of Rochester, after serving in the Air Force during WWII. He worked as a Chemical Engineer in the Buffalo area, retiring from R.P. Adams Company. He was active in his Church and Community. He served in leadership roles with the University Presbyterian Church where he was a member for 55 years. He was an officer in the Grand Island Lions Club where he was a member for over 20 years. He volunteered for The Central Referral Services for 17 years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, bridge, travel, golf, fishing and especially his family. He will be missed.

   Rose F. (Micali) Crimaldi, April 9, 2007, formerly of South Buffalo; wife of the late Rosario Crimaldi; mother of Rose Mary (Jan) Madejski and Judge Margaret J. Quinn; grandmother of Dr. Thomas (Sandra) Madejski, Linda (Pantelis) Panteli, Mary Ann (George) Spanos and Marilyn (Joseph) Gibbons; also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sister of Mary Crimaldi, Santa Crimaldi, Carmen Micali, Josephine Maciejewski and the late Lena Carrara, Antonia Brilliante, Concetta Kuskosky, Angeline Pinizzotto and Mildred Janiak. Friends may call Thursday, April 12, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at The KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Entombment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Birchwood Mausoleum. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

   Thomas P. Cauley III, 50, of Grand Island, died at home, Tuesday April 3, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was a graduate of Sweet Home High School and SUNY at Brockport with academic and athletic honors. Mr. Cauley was Sales Manager at Morris TriState, Lancaster Office. He was a renowned and respected businessman, an avid fisherman, song writer and musician. Tom is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen (Kellick); father of Andrea, Alissa, Bridget, and Thomas; son of Thomas P. Cauley Jr. and Jean W. Cauley; brother of Kimberly McGinty, Christopher and Patrick (Lisa) Cauley; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday, April 5, 2007 from 7-9 p.m., and Friday, April 6 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Services will be held Saturday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. from St. Stephen's Church. if desired, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

   Ronald M. LaMarco, March 28, 2007 of Grand Island; father of Gino, Gena and Paige LaMarco; son of Marie (Dolan) and the late Albert LaMarco; brother of Susan (Dan) Goldin and Timothy (Julie) LaMarco; grandfather of Scott, Tyler and Devon LaMarco; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday, March 31st from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday morning, April 2 at 10 a.m. from St. Stephen's Church. Interment St. Stephen's Cemetery.

   Dr. Wanda S. Wieckowska of Grand Island, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist, died Sunday, March 25, 2007 in Buffalo General Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 86. Born in Poland, she began attending underground medical classes — without classrooms, books or notes — during the Nazi occupation in World War II. When the war ended, she completed her studies at the Medical Academy of Poznan. She practiced as a surgeon in Poland, first in Czestochowa, then at the Medical Academy of Warsaw. She helped her husband, Tadeusz, a prominent pilot, create the first medical emergency aviation service in the Eastern Bloc. With her ailing husband, she came to the United States in 1968, when he sought treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. After his death in 1969, she worked at Roswell Park as a fellow and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. In the 1970s, she introduced colposcopy as a method of diagnosing cervical disease and became a director of the first colposcopy clinic in Buffalo. Board certified in 1977, she maintained private practice until 2001, first on Fillmore Avenue, then in Orchard Park and West Seneca. Dr. Wieckowska also lectured at national medical conferences and taught at the University at Buffalo Medical School. She was author and coauthor of 32 publications in English and Polish medical journals. She received numerous awards and honors and was named a Citizen of the Year in 1997 by the Am-Pol Eagle. Fluent in English, Polish, German and French, she also could read Russian and Latin and had a passion for music and literature. In her youth, she gave several public piano recitals and enjoyed playing throughout her life. Surviving are a son, Dr. John (Janice) Wieckowski, and a daughter, Dr. Anna (Andrezj) Bochenek; grandchildren Peter and Michael Weickowski and Joanna Krzysztof and Piotr Szmidt and three great-grandchildren. The family will be present Sunday, March 31 from 1:30-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the REDDINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 657 Abbott Rd. A memorial Mass will be offered at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2007 in St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 1140 Abbott Road. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the GYN-OB Enrichment Fund, UB Foundation Inc., 219 Bryant St., Buffalo, NY 14222 to support resident education. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

   Andrew J. Beyer III, March 27, 2007, of Grand Island; husband of Rhada I. Beyer and the late Phyllis J. Beyer; father of Andrew J. IV (Deborah), Peter (Mary Jo), Christopher (Sandra) and Russell (Lizzie) Beyer; also survived by 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brother of the late Arthur (late Ginny) Beyer. Friends may call Thursday, March 29 only 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY.

   Sally E. (Schmit) Leckey, suddenly, March 22, 2007, age 21, in Camp Lajeune, NC., beloved wife of U.S. Marine Gary Leckey; dear daughter of Albert (Antoinette) Schmit and the late Susan Miller; sister of Eric and Michelle; granddaughter of Vera (late Herbert) Schmit and Robert (Marlene) Miller; daughter-in-law of Gary (Lynn) Leckey; survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation at the JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 335 Ontario St., Tuesday, March 27 from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, March 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass Thursday, March 29 at 9:45 a.m. in All Saints Church, 205 Esser Ave. Sally attended Riverside High School and graduated from Grand Island High School.

   Gladys M. Trautman, 90, of Tonawanda, formerly of Bedell Road, Grand Island, NY, entered into rest March 23, 2007; wife of the late George Bradley and Harold Trautman; dear aunt of Doreen, Donna, Timothy, Georgiana, Sis, Roy, Peggy, Thomas, Rosemarie and Maryann; sister of the late Henry, Chester, and Margaret. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday 9:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, Adam St. Tonawanda. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by the HILLIARD-CREASEY FUNERAL HOME INC.

   Arthur L. Homa, March 23, 2007, of Grand Island, father of Kenneth (Joanne), Mark, Nadine (Mike) McConnell and the late David Homa; grandfather of Kristen, Timothy, David, Michael, Andrew, Ashley and Anthony; great grandfather of Alexis; brother of Ollie Fachko and the late Simon, Chester and Theodore Homa. Funeral services private.

   John W. Werth, March 17, 2007 of Grand Island; husband of Elizabeth (Haese) Werth; fatherof George Werth of Hartford, MI; Lawrence (Judith) Werth Sr. of Litchfield, NH; and Margaret (late Daniel) Tichy of Plantsville, CT; grandfather of Teresa Stimpson, LawrenceWerth Jr., Scott Werth, Aurora Onorato and Kirk Daley; step-grandfather of Kenneth, Gregory and Jennifer Netto;also survived by 11 great grandchildren; brother of Donald (Lorraine) and the late Carl and Fredrick Werth; cousin of William Koepke; uncle of Joselyn Szfranski and Rebecca Albert; son of the late Charles and Emma Werth. Friends may call Sunday, March 25, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME,1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Monday, March 26 at 10 a.m.

   Teresa "Terry" (Regensdorfer) Voltz, March 19, 2007 of Grand Island, formerly of North Buffalo; Loving wife of Jeffrey Voltz; devoted mother of Danielle, Kelly Rae, Kaitlin and Jason Voltz; beloved daughter of Otto and Cathy Regensdorfer; loving sister of Linda Regensdorfer, John Regensdorfer and Lisa (Gary) Siarkowski; daughter-in-law of Mary Belle and the late Les Getting; sister-in-law of Martha (Dennis) Rose and Denise (Chris) Drury; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday, March 22, 2007 and Friday, March 23rd from 2-4 pm. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials to Relay for Life, c/o Colleen O'Donnell, 1151 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072.

Information for the following was taken from Island Dispatch notice by Karen Keefe
   William A. "BA" Aydelotte II, 56, March 10, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of Nancy (Sasala) Aydelotte; father of Ross E. Aydelotte and the late Cole W. Aydelotte; son of Paula and the late William Aydelotte; brother of Gayle (John) Piershalski; son-in-law of Carolyn Sasala. Friends may call Monday, March 12, 2007 only 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday, March 13th at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.
   A Grand Island High School graduate, Class of 1968, BA was a well-known owner of BA's Saloon on East River Road. Initially, he managed the business, then purchased and ran it as BA's for the last 25 years. BA's wife, Nancy, said the restaurant and bar reminds her of "Cheers" of TV fame. "Everyone knows each other," she said. "You can go in there one night and see the younger crowd, and another night, it might be the old folks." It has been a place where people go in to shoot pool, play foosball and have a meal or a beer with friends. "Everybody loved his wings and burgers," Nancy said.
   BA, who provided jobs for many college kids, sponsored numerous sports teams through BA's, including basketball, softball, volleyball and a men's golf league. He was a pitcher in a men's recreational softball league for many years, playing on Thursday nights at the Kaegebein diamonds and others around Grand Island. An avid golfer, he was a bowler to the end."
   He counted among his friends the Island's fellow restaurant owners, town government employees and just plain folks, young and old. Many community members rallied around Bill and his family at a fundraiser in January with friends coming from California and Rhode Island. "Everybody was wonderful," his wife said.
   After he was diagnosed in November, 2006, his friends, including, "Jimmy" Tomkins, would meet for Saturday morning breakfast at McMahon's Family Restaurant. When he could no longer go, they would just pick up the pancakes and bring them home to him.
   When visitation was held at the Kaiser Funeral Home, the place was full, with friends and family also filling the lot in front of the funeral home. "That's what happens when you're Mr. Grand Island," Mike Endres, said to fellow Islanders.

   Irene C. (nee Chamberlain) Cassert, 79, on March 8, 2007, of Grand Island, NY, wife of Leonard A. Cassert; mother of Lawrence (Christine) Cassert, James Cassert, both of Grand Island, Leonard (Sylvia) Cassert of Missouri, David "Starr" Cassert of Niagara Falls and the late Leslie Cassert; grandmother of David, Lawrence, Christine, Theodore, Jill, Leonard and Leslie Cassert; sister of Alexander Chamberlain, Isabelle Williams and Douglas Chamberlain; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation, Sunday 3-8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, NY where services begin Monday at 9:45 AM and 10:30 AM in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 4th St., Niagara Falls. Donations to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital ICU, Lewiston.

   Kathleen (DeForest) Clancy, Special Education Teacher Of Grand Island, NY, died February 27, 2007 at the Cleveland Clinic. Survived by Richard Clancy, her spouse, and by her brother, Allan DeForest, of Chicago, her daughters, Paula Hall of Boston, MA and Shari Hall Noyes of Australia. She is also survived by three grandchildren, and five step-children and their seven children. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Kathleen was a 1959 graduate of Cleveland Hill High School and received her Masters Degree from the SUNY College at Buffalo. She taught for several years at the Niagara Wheatfield, Lafayette NY and Lackawanna high schools, and most recently at Riverside High School, from which she retired in 2005. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Kathleen's memory, however, are welcomed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, or online at www.clevelandclinic.org/isupport/ Please make a notation that your donation is "in memory of Kathleen DeForest Clancy for heart research."

   Harriet E. Johnstone, March 9, 2007 of Grand Island; wife of 66 years of James R. Johnstone; mother of Susan (Robert) Starzynski, Linda (Carl) Pinzel and Sandra (Dan Palazzo) Munzert; grandmother of Krista (Michael) Mettler, Robert (Erin) Starzynski, Jr, James and Mark (Michelle) Pinzel; great grandmother of Michael, Robert III, Thomas, Ryan and Megan; sister of Ellie (Bud) Pritchard. Friends may call Sunday, March 11, 2007 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 12th at 11 AM at the Forest Lawn Chapel, 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Company.

   Colleen (Burngasser) McNamee, March 6, 2007 of Angola, NY, beloved mother of Carrie, Meagen and Joe McNamee Jr.; dearest daughter of Jerome and the late Helen Burngasser; sister of Jerry, Mary Dendy, Jane Kariuki, Joe (Pat) and Judy (Ron) Burgio; survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, March 9, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the SCHIAVONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8434 N. Main St., Angola, NY. The funeral service will be celebrated Saturday, March 10th at the Love Joy Gospel Church, 5423 Genesee St., Lancaster, NY at 11 a.m., please assemble at church. Flowers declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.

   William D. McNally , March 1, 2007 of Grand Island, formerly of Lockport; husband of Jean (Birchall) McNally; father of Patricia (Robert) Duncan, Mary Joan (Gerald) Rix and William D. (Lynn) McNally Jr.; step-father of Kathryn (John) Stickl, Karen (Stuart) Lurie and Scott (Diane) Milks; also survived by 11 grandchildren; son of the late William and Margaret McNally. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

   Ronald G. Gannon , February 28, 2007; of Grand Island; husband of Barbara Gannon and the late Patricia A. (Murdock) Gannon; father of Timothy S. (Janice) Gannon of Hamburg; step-father of Christopher (Amy) Gabriel, Darcy (Christopher) DeTamble and Nicole (Joseph) Mondoux; grandfather of Andrew J. (Beth), Christopher S. (Nicole) and Ryan T. (Heather) Gannon; also survived by several great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and cousins; brother of David (JoAnn) Gannon; nephew of Eileen Gannon; son of the late Olive and Francis Judson Gannon. Friends may call Thursday 7-9 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY in honor of Ron's late wife.


    Bruce MacDonald Whitford, 1957 - 2006. Born April 11, 1957. Our very much loved brother, father, son, uncle, and dear friend, Bruce MacDonald Whitford, of West River Rd., Grand Island, was lost to us suddently and tragically on Thursday, October 19, 2006. We love you, and miss you so much Bruce -- you would always do anything you could for anyone, and you mean the world to us. This past summer 2006, Bruce spent day after day taking his son, Ben; his daughter, Alex; nephew Michael; and family and friends on his Waverunner up and down the river. Bruce talked several of us into riding the powerful jet boat on the rapids down at the Niagara Gorge. And what a ride it was! Ben and Michael and friends played “Stealth” along the shore by the house on West River; Bruce built his award winning bonfires to enjoy most every night. It was a wonderful summer!
   Bruce was product manager for his company and recently represented them in China, Australia, and New Zealand. Bruce is survived by his daughter Alexandra Whitford, son Benjamin Whitford and their mother Lynn Whitford; his father William Whitford Sr., his only sister Holly Whitford (Barry) Best; his brother William Whitford; his brother Cameron (Amy) Whitford; his nieces Sarah Whitford and Elizabeth Whitford; and his nephews Michael Best and Brian Whitford. The public is invited to a memorial service for Bruce planned for Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School, 875 Eggert Dr., North Tonawanda, New York. The Luncheon will immediately follow the Memorial Service at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road, Grand Island, New York. RSVP for the luncheon by 4-10-07, with the number in your party, so appropriate accommodations may be made.
Email for luncheon to:
WILLIAM G. WHITFORD
Cameron R. Whitford
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund the family has set up in honor of Bruce. A receipt for your memorial donation will be sent to you, as well as copied to Bruce's siblings; Holly, Bill, and Cameron. The family has plans for a physical memorial and will keep in touch with you as to what is being done in memory of Bruce. Please make checks payable to: William G. Whitford. PO Box 3616 Logan, UT 84323

   Mildred Roberts, February 21, 2007, of Grand Island, wife of John L. Roberts; mother of Joseph (Nancy) and the late James W.Roberts; grandmother of James B., Christian and Camilla Roberts; great grandmother of Layla and Athena; sister of Goldie (late Charles) Arbentina, Louis (Arlene) Panezich and the late Helen (late Gerald) Strickland. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 26th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers declined. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Assn. of WNY.

   Donald W. Ralf, formerly of Grand Island, February 4, 2007 at age 94. Husband of Kathryn Masse Ralf of the Autumn View Health Care Facility in Hamburg, NY. Retired from Grand Island Transit and served as a US Army Master Sergeant during WWII. Private services were held. Memorials to St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Arrangements completed by the H.E. TURNER FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, NY.


   Dr. Donald A. Hess, February 11, 2007, of Grand Island. Professor Emeritus, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the State University College at Buffalo, died at the Hospice Unit in Cheektowaga. Hess was 84 years old. A 1938 graduate from Durant H.S., James City, PA, the city he was born in. He received his B.S. Ed Degree from Clarion (PA) University, and the M.Ed and D. Ed degrees in Speech Pathology from the Pennsylvania State University. Hess served overseas in Army Ordinance through five campaigns, with a rank of technician fifth grade. After VE day he headed his company's information and education program. He taught at the secondary school level in PA for about 5 years. From 1950 to 1964 he developed and directed the training program in speech language pathology at the Indiana University at PA. He designed a course of study leading to the master's degree in speech pathology which was adopted by the PA State Education Department in 1965. Joining the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology faculty at SUC at Buffalo in 1964, he taught and clinically supervised until his retirement in 1989. Over his first ten years at SUC at Buffalo, he taught every undergraduate and graduate course in his curriculum. He was a part-time diagnostic consultant in Speech Language Pathology at Children's Hospital (1964-1975). He also directed the first annual summer Cleft Palate program in 1965. Hess was a life member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association; he was elected to fellowship in 1971. He was also a life member of the American Cleft Palate Association and a past member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has authored or co-authored articles in four national professional journals and two state journals. He presented several papers in various state and national meetings, and co-authored papers on cleft palate in international meetings in Mexico City and Rome, Italy. He also served as program chairman for speech pathology at the annual American Cleft Palate Association convention in Houston, TX in 1969. Hess was one of eleven children of his late parents, William M. Hess and Catherine Lynds Hess. He is predeceased in death by his wife, Stella and a son, Bradley who died in 1955. Survivors include daughters Constance Canfield of Treadwell, NY, Margaret Monaco of Oneonta, NY, Donna Klaaren of Ocoee, TN and a son, William Hess of Springville, NY. Also survived by three sisters, Carolyn Vandervoort of Kane, PA, Bertha Kennedy of North Boston, NY and Mary Halliwell of Syracuse, NY; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews. Dr. Hess was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island. He served as coordinator for an adult Sunday School class for two years, and served as a Church volunteer for a number of years. He was active in the Grand Island Golden Age Center, where he acquired many great friends. A Memorial Service will be held on March 31, 2007 at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd. on Grand Island.


   Ronald K. Jarzyniecki, Friday, February 16, 2007, of Grand Island, husband of Helen (Black) Jarzyniecki; father of Lynn M. (Jarl) Bakkila, David J. (Tina Basile) Jarzyniecki, Wendy A. (Richard) Mentecky and the late Ronald M. Jarzyniecki; grandfather of Jessica L., Emily E. and Joshua M. Bakkila, Madeline R. Jarzyniecki, Daniel J., Cassie J., Michelle T. and Ronald M. Mentecky and Justin Bridges; also survived by nieces and nephews; brother of the late Roger Jarzyniecki. Friends may call Sunday, February 18, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 19th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Mr. Jarzyniecki loved fishing, teaching kids to play hockey and riding his Harley Davidson.

   Gary Allen Glessner, 61, of Clinton, TN and long time resident of Grand Island, NY, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. He was born June 9, 1945 in Niagara Falls, NY, to parents Oliver and Elsa Schmitt Glessner. Following retirement from Sweet Home School in November of 2005, he relocated to Clinton, TN. Survivors include his wife, Linda E. Glessner; son, Allan Glessner (Kimberly Glessner); daughter Beth Glessner (Greg Golde) and child Peyton Gregory; brother Grant Glessner; sister Debbie Zucco; grandchildren Cole Allan Glessner, Parker Blaire Glessner; also grandfather to Wyatt and Morgan Tollner, Mason and Brennan Livingston, Ryan Livingston, Ashly Gambino, and Anthony Gambino. A memorial service with military honors will be held Monday, February 19, 2007, 4:00 PM at Edgemoor Baptist Church, 330 Old Emory Rd., Clinton, TN with Pastor Mike Petty officiating. Memorials may be made to Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry, PO Box 3310, Knoxville, TN 37927. Arrangements by CREMATION OPTIONS, INC. 865-6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.


   Rene A. Gerber, 68, of Grand Island, longtime executive chef at the Buffalo Launch Club, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Born to Joseph and Germaine Gerber in Colmar, France, he came to the United States at the age of 15 to work for his uncle's French restaurant, Le Petit Paris, in Albany. He served a three-year apprenticeship under a chef who had worked on French ocean liners. Rene joined the U. S. Army in 1958, was sent to cooking school, and soon became the cook for troops in Frankfurt, Germany. His culinary expertise was noticed by Gen. Abrams and Gen. Adams, who selected him to be their personal cook. He went on to become NATO's VIP chef during war exercises. He returned to Albany after service in the Army, and became a U. S. citizen, an occasion celebrated by ceremonies and lunch with New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and U.S. Sen. Jacob Javits. Rene left Albany to open The Isle Flower Restaurant on Grand Island Blvd. and later became the chef at the Brighton Acres Supper Club and the Buffalo Athletic Club. In 1963, he was hired as the sous chef at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. He was promoted to executive chef of the club in 1965, retiring in 2003 after almost 35 years of dedicated service. He was active with the Grand Island Lions Club and enjoyed cooking the Lions Club's annual spaghetti dinner. He was a very loving father, grandfather and a friend to so many on Grand Island. Rene is survived by his wife, Carleen Alt Gerber; two daughters, Danielle (Mike) Shean and Nicole Gerber; three grandchildren, Caitlin, Ryan and Faith; three brothers, Raymond, Armand (Lillian) and Gerard Gerber; a cousin, Lucien Gerber and many relatives still living in France. Friends may call Friday, February 16, 2007 only 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

   Esther Gertrude "Betty" (McKinney) Wilson, February 9, 2007, of Grand Island, wife of the late Thomas B. Wilson; mother of Harry A. Adams, Rhonda L. (Robert) Miller, Loray E. (James) Greco, Marrisa H. Fournerat and the late Cara L. (survived by husband, Harry) Kowaleski; survived by 13 grandchildren and two deceased; survived by 10 great grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and many nieces and nephews; sister of Helen Blessing and the late Arthur McKinney; daughter of the late Arthur B. and Bridget McKinney. Betty was born in Niagara Falls on May 15, 1924 and attended Niagara Falls schools. In the 1940s she worked for Niagara Music in Niagara Falls. She was the former head cook at Lippen's Restaurant on Grand Island and an avid gardener. Friends may call Tuesday, February 13, 2007 only from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Kenmore Mercy Hospital or St. Stephen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 14th at 10 AM.

   Ellenor (Alting-Siberg) Kimmel, February 7, 2007 of Grand Island, NY; beloved wife of John; dear mother of Terry (Amy), and the late infant Larry Kimmel; sister of Regina (Frank) Kimmel, Andre (Odette), Barry, Roy (Joyce), and Reggie Alting-Siberg; grandmother of El Zorro, Kodiak and Ally. Friends may call Tuesday, February 13, 2007 from 3-7 p.m. at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where Funeral Services will follow at 7 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of the U.S.

   Velma M. (nee Boeck) Harding, 94, formerly of Grand Island and Bradenton, FL, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the home of her daughter, Donna in Tonawanda. A resident of Grand Island for more than 30 years, she taught Home Economics at both Charlotte Sidway Junior High School and Grand Island High School for 20 years, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island and the Grand Island Order of the Amaranth. She was the wife of LaVerne Harding, who died in 1989. Velma is survived by three daughters, Doris M. Watson of West Palm Beach, Florida; Dianne H. (Ronald) Swick of Clarence; and Donna J. (the late Michael) Smith of Tonawanda; eight grandchildren - Cynthia, Cherie, Brian, Nancy, David (Mary), Christopher (Laura), Matthew (Jennifer) and Elizabeth (Terrance); six great grandchildren - James J., Gino, Jamie, Jenna, Isabella and Owen; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Virgil Boeck. A Memorial Service will be held at Kenmore United Methodist Church, 32 Landers Rd. (at Delaware Rd.) in Kenmore, Monday, February 12, 2007 at 8 p.m. Friends invited. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Foundation. Arrangements by JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., Tonawanda, NY. Private interment in Trinity UM Church Cemetery on Grand Island.


   Dorothy M. (Anetsberger) Ahern, 83, of Grand Island, February 9, 2007. Wife of the late Dennis E. Ahern; sister of Robert and the late Leroy Anetsberger; also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Hospice Foundation, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga 14227. Mrs. Ahern was a member of The Grand Island Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, The Buffalo Launch Club, George Washington Club Auxiliary and Zonta Club.


   Francis "Frank" Rodriguez, 80, February 5, 2007 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital; of Grand Island formerly of Niagara Falls. Frank was born in Niagara Falls on September 9, 1926, the son of the late Sebastian and Frances (Covelli) Rodriguez. He attended local schools, graduating from Niagara Falls High School in January 1945. Frank was an accomplished athlete and enjoyed a long history of success in both softball and basketball. As a senior at Niagara Falls High School, he co-captained the baseball and basketball teams. A big thrill for Frank during his senior year was playing with a team called the Red Wings in the annual Kiwanis Basketball Tournament and winning the championship. The tournament was made up of players from Niagara University, St. Bonaventure and Canisius College and Frank's team of high school seniors beat them all to take the title. He earned the nickname "the cat" due to the quickness he demonstrated on the basketball court. He used that quickness and an outstanding "eye" to win several batting titles on the baseball field and later the softball field.
Upon graduation from high school, Frank joined the U. S. Navy, where he spent the next two years. He then attended Sampson Junior College, graduating in 1948 and then Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1952 with a major in physical education and a minor in sociology. Frank then took a position as Assistant Recreation Director in Niagara Falls, before joining United Way, where he would spend the next 30+ years running Boys Clubs of America. The Boys Club career included time at Pine Boys Club and East Falls Boys Club in Niagara Falls and then Town Boys Club in Tonawanda, where he retired as Executive Director in 1986. He then spent the next six years working as a merchandiser for Phillip Morris, retiring in 1992. Frank also found time to be Recreation Director for Grand Island from May 1965 to October 1967 simultaneous to his responsibilities at Pine Boys Club.
He joined Ernie B's of the MUNY Basketball League in 1952 and helped his team to win three championships over the next six years. During that time Frank was named to several All Star teams and also earned a Most Valuable Player award. In fast pitch softball, Frank played for the Ernie B's, Stadium Grill, Rickshaw Lounge, Pat Dillon's and Von Duggan's Steel over a period of 20+ years. A portion of that time was spent as a player/manager where Frank won three individual batting titles, the last of which was the GNSA title in 1968, when he had a .339 average at age 42. Frank also helped his team win four New York State Class AAA Softball Championships. In 1981, Frank was honored by the Niagara Falls Fabulous 40's Athletic Association and voted onto their Honor Roll for his accomplishments in Basketball. Similarly, in 1983 he was inducted into the WNY Softball Hall of Fame for his vast accomplishments.
Frank is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna L. (Hawley) Rodriguez; his children: Patricia (Harold) Beal of Kenosha, WI; Michael (Kathy) and James (Mary) both of Aurora, IL; Lisa (John) Black and Thomas (Linda-Kate), both of Grand Island, NY; and Richard (Laurie) Rodriguez of Oxford, MI; also survived by 22 grandchildren; brother of John (late Tina) Chido, Joseph (Rita) Rodriguez, S. Jay (Renee) Rodriguez, Donald (Mary) Palacios, Rose (late Grant) Schwartzentruber, Jennifer (late Frank) Zimmerman, Margaret (Fred) Manuel, Sister Suzanne Rodriguez, Marian (Angelo) Nichele, Julie (Jack) Dryja and the late Ann (late Blair) Hoplight, Lena (late Colin) Gregg, Joan (late Richard) O'Grady and Susan Rodriguez. Friends may call Wednesday, February 7, 2007 from 12-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 8th at 11:15 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Interment in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Flowers declined. Memorials to Hospice Foundation, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

   Robert K. White, 85, January 31, 2007, of Bellevue, Iowa, formerly of Grand Island, NY. Husband of the late Alice M White. Father of Robert C. White of Willis, Texas and JoAnn (James) MacClellan of Grand Island. Grandfather of Sean, Jason, Kimberly, Kendall and Corey. Also survived by two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at The Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, Iowa on February 3, 2007.


   Joseph C. Thomas of Grand Island, a retired bank president and active community member, died Saturday, February 3, 2007 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. He was 83. Mr. Thomas was born in Johnstown, Pa., but moved at a young age to New York City, where he attended local schools. He moved to Buffalo in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II. Mr. Thomas graduated from the University of Buffalo and began his banking career in 1955 at Ellicott Permanent Savings and Loan, where he rose through the ranks. In 1968, he became president of Buffalo Savings and Loan Association. Three years later, the savings bank merged with Niagara Permanent Savings and Loan Association, and he took an administrative position at the new, larger bank. From 1976 to 1980, Mr. Thomas served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Niagara Permanent, which became Permanent Savings Bank. In 1980, he was elected the bank's president and chief executive officer. He served as Permanent's CEO and chairman of its board from 1982 to 1985, when he retired. The bank later was absorbed by KeyBank. In 1985, Mr. Thomas was honored as Executive of the Year by Niagara University's MBA Association. Mr. Thomas was active in community and professional groups. He served as director of the Western New York League of Savings and Loan Associations and also served on several committees within the New York State Banking Commission. Mr. Thomas was a director of the Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce and later of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce. He also was a longtime director and member of the Advertising Club of Buffalo. He was a member of the Buffalo Trap and Field Club and the Buffalo Launch Club. He was known for his dry sense of humor, and he enjoyed traveling and taking cruises as well as bowling and fishing with his friends. A 1979 Buffalo Evening News article headlined "Fish Tips You Can Bank On" praised Mr. Thomas as someone "who is good at both counting money and catching big fish." In addition to his wife of 60 years, the former Helen Kulichik, survivors include three daughters, Jane Marie (Charles) Black, Betty Jane (Thomas) Ruhland and Mary Thomas Scott (John Baun); three grandchildren, David (Louise) Ritz, Katie and Thomas Steele; four great grandchildren; and four sisters, Verna Fedor, Margie Turnier, Pauline Andrillon and Dorothy Wank. He was the brother of the late Anthony and Frank Thomas and Maria Giordano; son of the late Andrew and Mary Thomas. Friends may call Tuesday, February 6, 2007 and Wednesday, February 7 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 8th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church.

   Cecilia "Shelagh" Korman, 57, of Grand Island, NY, died Thursday, February 1, 2007 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital following an illness of one year; daughter of Marie F. (McGinnis) Doherty and the late Frank J. Doherty; wife of Donald E. Korman, Jr., of Grand Island; mother of Shawn P. Korman of Niagara Falls; Kim M. Tranter and her husband, Andrew of Orlando, Florida; grandmother of Kayla, Kyle, Christopher, Mark and Joseph; Daughter-in-law of Mary Korman (late Donald) of Niagara Falls; sister-in-law of Rose Certo and her husband, Pete of Grand Island; Mary Ann Roy and her husband Armand of Rainville, Alabama; Linda Korman of Niagara Falls and Paul Korman and his wife, Sue of Youngstown; an aunt, Agnes Di Bello of Niagara Falls; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday, February 3-4, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls where Funeral services will be held Monday, February 5th at 11 a.m. The interment will be private. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 25 Hazelwood Drive, Amherst, NY 14226. Shelagh was born in Niagara Falls, New York on December 20, 1949. She attended Niagara Falls schools and graduated from Trott Vocational School of Nursing in 1968. She worked at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in several departments before leaving to specialize in home care. Shelagh worked as a manager for Tupperware from 1971-1981 and was in the top ten in sales for House of Lloyd, Christmas Around the World from October 1998 until its closing in 2002. Her hobbies included country line dancing, roller skating, camping, fishing, traveling and computers. She was very active in coordinating and running fundraisers and Jamborees for Charities.

   Marilyn (Killian) Donsky, January 30, 2007, 54, of Spencerport, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY; survived by her husband Gary E.; parents, Elsie and Walter Killian; sister Phyllis (Nick) Spring-Johnson; brother, Peter (Elizabeth) Killian; nieces and nephews, Christie, Michael, Matthew, Marah, Leah, Leanna Rose; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Ben Donsky; brother-in-law Steven M. (Christine) Donsky; several aunts, uncles; many friends and students and devoted companion Spencer. She was a well known educator at Brockport Middle School, Brockport, NY.
"Marilyn you will always be an inspiration to us all".
No prior calling. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 5 at 11 AM at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY. A Celebration of Marilyn's life will also be held Tuesday, February 6 at 5 PM at the Newman Center, 96 Adams St., Brockport, NY. Donations in Marilyn's name may be directed to University of Rochester Women's Cancer Fund, 125 Lattimore Rd., Suite 258, Rochester, NY 14620. Arrangements by Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home.

   Helen E. (Sprague) Hogan, January 30, 2007, of Hamburg, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY; wife of the late Thomas J. Hogan; beloved mother of Thomas M. (Cynthia) Hogan and Mary (Daniel) Szeglowski; cherished grandmother of Amy, Thomas R., Scott and Sara; loving sister of Dora (late Ed) Adams, Julia (Joseph) Heid, June (Deke) Smith and the late Lillian, Christine, Charles (late Peg) and Bud Sprague; also survived by eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends received at the LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., S-4199 Lakeshore Rd. (corner of Camp Rd. & Rt. 5) Hamburg, 627-2919 Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM where funeral services will be held Friday at 10:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Lake View at 11:00 AM. Charles A. Castiglia, Director.

   Robert M. Goldbach, suddenly, January 25, 2007; beloved son of Mildred Goldbach and the late Harold Goldbach of Grand Island, NY; loving brother of David Goldbach, Barbara (James) Bollman, Mary (Edgar) Douglas and the late James and Mark Goldbach; uncle of Alex Goldbach and Garrett Wynn, Lindsey, Nicole and Abigail Douglas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2007 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where an interment will take place following Mass. Robert served in the US Army for 3 years and relocated to Cayman Islands before returning to settle in the Lancaster Area. Arrangements by the DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME.

   Deborah J. (Cole) Whiting, 51 of Grand Island, died Tuesday, January 23, 2007, in Hospice Buffalo after a lengthy illness. She was born May 25,1955 in Niagara Falls, daughter of Dorothy (Richmond) Cole of Niagara Falls and the late Lewis Cole. She attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1973. Mrs.. Whiting formerly worked at Chisholm Ryder for several years before working at the N.F. Air Base in the transportation department. She was an honorary member of the 914th. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, William C. Whiting; a son, Charles James "CJ" Whiting; and a daughter, Brandy Nicole Whiting, both at home; a sister, Mary Jane (Steven) Cole-Lampman of Wilson; a brother-in-law, Daniel J.. (late Francesca) Whiting of Grand Island, James Muscato of Tyler, Texas, who was like a second father to her; a special aunt, Patricia Mundy; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2007 in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, where funeral services will be held Monday, January 29th at 11 a.m. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Town of Lewiston. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

   Patrick J. Bichler, January 21, 2007 at age 46; beloved husband of Donna (nee Camp) Bichler; devoted father of Jovana and Selina Bichler; son of Constance (nee Monesi) and the late Robert Bichler; brother of Robert, Brett, William, Joann Bichler and Nancy (Dan) Holt; grandson of Robert and Evelyn Bichler; also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner of Parker Blvd.) where funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25th at 10 a.m. Friends invited. Online register book at www.Amigone.com

   Emma A. (nee Calvano) Loria , 90, of Grand Island, on January 18, 2007, wife of the late Anthony; mother of Irene Costanzo of Grand Island and Patricia Loria-Granados of Illinois; grandmother of John, Mark, Christopher, Therese, Gabrielle and Marissa; also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation Sunday, January 21, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd., Niagara Falls. Funeral Mass Monday, January 22, 2007 at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Everyone assemble at church.

   Lorraine M. (Wilkinson) Robinson, A memorial service was held on Friday, January 5, 2007 in Roebling, New Jersey for Lorraine M. (Wilkinson) Robinson, who passed away on January 1, 2007. Formerly of Grand Island, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Helen Wilkinson. Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Wendy (Kevin) Mullin of Burlington, New Jersey and Karen Robinson of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; her sisters, Jean (Douglas) Smith and Tamey (Michael) Henderson of Grand Island, and Patricia (Williams) Moravec of Penn Yan. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 706 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 in cae of "donor relations."

   Ellen (Fredrickson) Mayo, January 9, 2007, of Grand Island, wife of the late Willard C. Mayo. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, February 3 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 1920 18th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14305. Mrs. Mayo was a member of the Niagara Falls Retired Teachers Association, Red Cross Volunteers at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Little Theater Group, Trinity Belles and was an accompanist for the Niagara Falls Retired Men's Service Choir.

   Geraldine A. Militello, January 9, 2007 of Grand Island. Wife of the late Joseph Militello; mother of Charles I. Ziders of Chatsworth, CA, and Peter J. (Karen) Ziders of Grand Prairie, TX; grandmother of Eric, Jonathan, Renee and Derek Ziders; sister of Miriam (Russell) Canton and the late Janet (late Edward) Roseler; dear friend of Lana (Tommy) Redell. Funeral services private.

   Mercedes S. (LaBarre) Vilardo, January 12, 2007 of Grand Island, NY. Survived by her devoted fiancee Wesley Miller; beloved mother of Laurie Oishei (Tom) and Joseph (Lisa) Vilardo; cherished grandmother of Heather, Kirk and Zachary; sister of Diane (Ray), Rouville (Yolande), Marc (Jeanne), JoAnne (James), Michele, Robert (Marie), Christine (Paul), Colleen (Michael), Denise, Richard (Bonnie) and Daniel; niece of Rachel and Janine; also survived by 22 nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday, January 15, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, January 16th at 10 a.m. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

For other death notices posted on Jan. 4, 2007, click 2006 Death Notices

   Kathleen I. Behm, 87, of Grand Island, died Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at her residence under the loving care of her family and Buffalo Hospice. Born February 17, 1919 in Hannon, Ontario, Canada, Mrs. Behm was the daughter of the late John and Hattie (Evans) Glover. She married Frederick Behm in 1949 and they lived in Lewiston before moving to Grand Island in 1957. Kathleen enjoyed cooking, flowers, socializing, and helping her family and friends. Her husband predeceased her in 1987. She is survived by her sons, John (Nancy) Behm of North Tonawanda and Thomas Behm of Grand Island; two sisters, Phyllis (Bert) Brown and Patricia Zakrzewski, both of Hamilton, Ontario; two brothers, Jack (Betty) Glover of Dundas, Ontario and Roger Glover of Hamilton, Ontario; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Joyce S. McEvoy, Doris Glover and Jean VanderBurgh; and a brother, Blair Glover. Friends may call at Hardison Funeral Home, N. Fourth and Ridge streets, Lewiston on Friday, January 12, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

   Evelyn E. Kilian, Thursday, January 4, 2007 of Grand Island; wife of the late Donald Kilian and Ernest Sipos; mother of Doug (Nancy) Sipos, David (Diane) Sipos, Lynne (Pete) Foley, Don (Joy) Kilian and Melissa Kilian; also survived by 11 grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Monday, January 8, 2007 at 11 a.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY.

    Woods L. "Tom" Lewis , 88, of Grand Island, an electrician, died January 1, 2007; beloved husband of the late Margaret C. (nee Cole); dear father of Gertrude "Poppy" Dhanens and Karen "Bunny" (Robert Sr.) Morgan; dear grandfather of Robert Jr., Heather (Jesse) Henson and Raeth (Kathleen) Morgan and four great-grandchildren; dear brother of eight deceased brothers and sisters. The family will be present Friday, January 5, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1132 Delaware Ave. where Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 6th at 10 a.m.

2007 Death Notices
2006 Death Notices      2005 Death Notices       2004 Death Notices      
2003 Death Notices       2002 Death Notices
2001 Death Notices       2000 Death Notices
Death Notices Previous to 2000
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