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Previous Death Notices
Mark K. Pieri - Suddenly, age 58, December 11, 2016, of Buffalo, NY, devoted son of Kenneth H. (Su) Pieri and Marilyn R. (Samuel) D'Angelo; loving brother of Scott M. (Kathleen) Pieri, Lisa M. (Robert) Wood; adored uncle of Lindsay M. Pieri, Jennaleigh T. Pieri, Lucas R. Pieri, Robert Wood, Julianna Wood; dear nephew of Esther Carriero and the late Alan Weisman; also survived by relatives and friends. Friends may call Wednesday 10-1 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC., FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where Funeral Services will immediately follow. Mark was a veteran of the US Air Force.
Margaret "Peggy" (nee McNulty) Hooper - December 25, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of Robert E. Hooper, III; mother of Lisa DeValentino and Denise (Karl) Benedict; grandmother of Robert F. and Thomas R. Krause, Ashley Moen, Matthew, Christopher and Jacob Benedict; great-grandmother of Dayton Krause; sister of Patricia (Bud) Yensan, Shirley (Jim Brice) McNulty, Mary Loder, Michael (Kathy) McNulty and Roberta (Kenneth) Champagne; daughter of the late Michael and Patricia McNulty; also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may call Friday 2-6 PM followed by Memorials Services Friday, December 30th at 6 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. Peggy was a member of the Grand Island Historical Society, Women of the Moose, the Golden Age Club of Grand Island and the Sidway Reunion Committee.
Agnes T. Bakula - December 22, 2016 of Grand Island. Wife of the late Edward D. Bakula; mother of Mary Ann (Dan) Dalfonso, John (Nadine) Bakula, Bonnie (Carl) Antholzner and the late Robert Bakula; grandmother of Steven (Claudia) and Paul (Katie) Dalfonso, Teresa (fiance Eli) and Eric Antholzner, John Michael, Adam (fiancee Nicole) and Benjamin Bakula; also survived by five great-grandchildren; sister of Adele Randell. Friends may call Wednesday, December 28th 4-7 PM followed by prayers Wednesday at 7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Soc.
John Gregory Goss - December 21, 2016, of Grand Island; husband of Deborah (Stewart) Goss; father of Benjamin (Gina) Goss and Sarah Sweeney; grandfather of Grace and Luke Sweeney; brother of Martin E. (Nina) Goss Jr., Charles (Colleen) Goss, Kevin (Becky) Goss, Babette (the late Kenny) Hoover and Debra (Rick) Gaudy; son of the late Jane K. and Martin E. Goss Sr.; loved by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, December 30th at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
George E. Davis - December 19, 2016, of Grand Island; husband of Barbara A. Davis; father of Lori K. Barr, Bradley (Julie), Kirk (Tracy), Craig (Sheila) and Christopher (Tracy) Davis; also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; son of the late Walter and Marie Davis; brother of the late Ronald Davis; friends may call Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
John J. "Johnny One Time" Wohlfeil - December 16, 2016, after a long illness, of Grand Island, husband of Verna M. Wohlfeil; father of Catherine Moore, Diane Hooker, Janet O'Connor, Michael Anthony Wohlfeil and Diana (Sonny) Smith; grandfather of Kenneth Martin, Kelly and Dalton Allen, Amanda and London Smith, Cara, Adam and Ryan O'Connor and Dylan Smith; also survived by eight great grandchildren; brother of the late Daniel Wohlfeil, Ruth Edwards, Louise Finley and Buddy Wohlfeil. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday at 6 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
Beverly J. Seibert - Of Grand Island, passed peacefully December 14, 2016, surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice. Born and raised in Defiance, OH, she was a graduate of Bowling Green State University; she taught elementary school in Maumee, OH before moving with her family to Grand Island in 1964. As an Island resident, Bev served as a substitute teacher at Island elementary schools and was a real estate agent for Century 21; she was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, an avid swimmer, and loved to read; her love of travel included trips to the Bahamas, numerous locales here in the states, and several trips to Europe. Bev was noted for her keen sense of humor and her beautiful laugh and smile; she was a warm, loving, and loyal friend to many. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Richard; a son Scott Seibert; and daughters Terri (Mark) Bellanca, and Christine (Mark) Bonn; seven grandchildren, and a great grandson. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island on Friday, December 23 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Thomas J. Petz - Of Grand Island, entered into rest December 9, 2016, beloved husband of Jenny (nee Brunetto) Petz; devoted father of Barbara Ann Petz and Thomas C. (Sharon) Petz; cherished grandfather of Thomas, Mary Kate and Ethan; loving son of the late George and Margaret Petz; dear brother of Mary (Samuel) Floriano; also survived by relatives and friends. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's University Church, 3269 Main St., Buffalo on Friday (December 16) at 10 o'clock. Flowers gratefully declined. Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Spencer W. Meyer - December 9, 2016, of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of Donna (Wochensky) Meyer; dear father of Jason (Rebecca), Erin (Michael) Meyer-Bongiovanni, Lauren and the late Nicole Meyer; loving grandfather of Kyle, Kodi, Kaleb, Emmarose, Elaina and Gabriel; brother of Lynne Wagner, Donna Meyer and the late Judith Meyer. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephens's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island on Thursday at 10:00 AM.
Torgeir Bleken Fadum, Lt. Col., USAF, Retired - Born November 11, 1923, left us suddenly on November 28, 2016 at the age of 93. Born in Niagara Falls, NY and long-time resident of Grand Island, NY, he spent the last four years residing in Stockton, CA. Torg to most, "Papou" to those closest to him, is survived by his 7 children, 13 grandchildren and two, plus one on-the-way, great grandchildren. Torg was pre-deceased by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anah (Cummings), affectionately known as "Mac" and even more affectionately as "Yia-Yia" - "She left us behind, but she left us with so much". Also, a special "shout out" to all those who served with him in the 107th Air Guard at Niagara and in Vietnam and, before that, to those he served with in World War II. In lieu of flowers, as a prostate and bone cancer survivor, Torg would prefer you go into CancerTutor.com and read about the Budwig protocol... Torg had passed on all conventional treatments and credits Budwig for the complete remission of his cancer that presented itself 15 years ago. In lieu of contributions, he would prefer you buy a bottle of flaxseed oil and get some yogurt or cottage cheese to go with it. Torg's final mission in life was to enlighten us all on the amazing ability of omega-3's to breathe new life into all of us... "Hubba, Hubba!" A memorial service for Yia-Yia and Papou will be held next August 2nd on Grand Island, NY.
Donald J. Leiker - December 4, 2016, beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Wiedrich) Leiker; loving father of Richard (Maggie) Leiker of San Jose, CA, Jeffrey (Merced) Leiker, Donna (Gerry) Maybach and the late Mark, Michael and Robert Leiker; cherished grandfather of Justin and Joshua Maybach, William Leiker, Kirsten Maybach and Megan Leiker; loving brother of Bernard (Kathy) Leiker, late Marie Will, late Bernice Smith and late Edward (Gale) Leiker; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Family will be present from 4-8 PM Thursday at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd, East Amherst. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Donald was a 42 year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Online condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.
Theodore G. Lipp - December 2, 2016, formerly of Grand Island, husband of the late Suzanne E. Lipp; father of Pamela (Gerald Jakubczak) Stark, Glyn (Louise) Lipp, Timothy (Espi) Lipp, Kevin (Diane) Lipp and Nancy (Gene) Zelawski; also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Friends may call Thursday 4-8 PM followed by memorial services Thursday at 8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jacob's MS Center for Treatment & Research, 100 High St., Suite D2, Buffalo, 14203.
Barbara J. (nee Dale) Macaluso - Age 78, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2016 surrounded by her family; she was the loving wife for 56 years of Joseph F. Macaluso; devoted mother of David (Lisa) Macaluso and Christine (William) Horne; and adoring grandmother of Amanda and Jason Horne. Barb was a caring and generous woman who had boundless energy and enthusiasm for life; she was always thinking of others and had a tremendous wit. She nurtured hundreds of children through the years as a nursery school teacher and later built a successful career as a computer programmer/analyst at Buffalo State College; she loved traveling, music and theatre, was a member of East Park Garden Club, Tattler Club, and had 15 hours of solo airplane flying. Despite nearly 20 years of health issues, Barb proved to be a fighter by beating the odds and making the most out of that time. Friends may call Tuesday, December 6, 4-8 PM at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A memorial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
Beverly A. Surdi - November 27, 2016, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Amherst, NY. Beloved wife of the late Joseph D. Surdi; dearest mother of Mark C. Surdi and the late Paula M. Surdi; loving grandmother of Rachel M. Surdi, Erica J. Sundeen and Brandon H. Surdi; dearest sister of Sharon (late Jerry) Panikowski, Mildred (Walt) Carreck, Denise (Dennis) Hardy and Andrew (Judy) Post. Beverly was a former teacher's assistant at St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo, NY. The family will be present, Wednesday, November 30th from 4-7 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive (at Parker). Family and friends are invited to assemble Thursday, December 1st at 10 AM at St. Pius X Church, 1700 North French Road, Getzville, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made in Beverly's memory to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Share condolences online at www.AMIGONE.com.
Dr. John Ludwig Muerle - Age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday November 25, 2016. John and Vera (Truitt) Muerle raised their three children Linda (husband Burt, daughter Sydney, son Chancelor), Beth (husband John, son Ethan, daughter Colleen) and Kevin (wife Georgia, son Conor, daughter Lucy) in Elma, New York, then spent 20 years on Grand Island where Vera passed away in 1991. John spent his recent years in Amherst, MA which allowed him to be close to his daughters. John earned his doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and enjoyed technology in his career and his life. He was a brilliant engineer and inventor who authored multiple patents and technology papers. John loved music and was a talented tenor, singing in church choirs and barbershop quartets. He was a reserved man yet opened his heart to his church and his community through his interests and his skills. Those interests and skills were wide and varied, a few of which included riding a unicycle, a passion for science fiction, remodeling the bathroom of his church rectory as well as teaching and practicing reiki healing. A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held Saturday December 3rd at 1:00 PM at Wesley United Methodist Church, 98 N Maple St, Hadley, MA 01035. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wesley United Methodist Church in John's memory.
Mary L. (nee Steis) Carline - November 18, 2016, of Grand Island, born July 20, 1919 in Ridgway, PA; wife of the late Raymond Carline; mother of Susan (Daniel) Bulinski, Peter Carline and Mary Lou (Robert) Gurley; grandmother of Jessica Kerr, Katherine Bulinski, Robert Gurley and Joseph Bulinski. Funeral services will be private. Memorials may be made to the SPCA. Mrs. Carline's hobbies included ceramics, gardening and cooking, and she loved her animals. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Merle W. Hamm - age 66, of Tonawanda, died Monday, November 14, 2016 after fighting a long, hard battle with Parkinson's disease. Born April 5, 1950 in North Tonawanda, he was the son of the late Frederick and Ardys (nee Miller) Hamm. Merle had been a laboratory technician at Life Technology on Grand Island, before becoming ill. He was the husband of Marinna (nee MacKellar) Hamm of Tonawanda; father of Jennifer (John Gralla, Jr.) Wagoner and James Hamm; brother of Nancy (Donald) Hamm-Johnson, Fred (Gail) Hamm and Jeff (Janice) Hamm; grandfather of Nicole (Brandon Vanich) Hamm and Ashley Wagoner; and great-grandfather of Anikin and Yunaleska Vanich. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-7:30 PM on Saturday at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 37 Adam Street at Seymour, Tonawanda, where funeral services will be held at 7:30 PM Saturday; Don Hamm-Johnson officiating. Friends invited. Inurnment will be cared for privately at Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. If desired, memorials to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014, or the S.P.C.A., 205 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150, are preferred by the family.
Jeffrey A. Bykowicz - Age 54, of Kenmore, NY, passed away on November 7, 2016. He was the beloved son of Alfred Bykowicz and late Dolores (Greaves) Bykowicz; loving father of, Annmarie (Andrew) Benk and Jessica Bykowicz; brother of, Barbara (William) Barbur, Carol (late John) Rae, Patricia (Thomas) Turner and late Diane (Mark) Hassan; also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 19th from 2 - 5 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY followed by a Funeral Service at 5 PM with his dear friend Rev. John Loessier, officiating. Interment at the convenience of the family in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Heart Association , PO Box 417005, Boston MA 02241. Please visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Charles Dunworth - Age 61, of Grand Island, November 11, 2016. Husband of Carol (Luther) Dunworth; father of Devin Dunworth; step-father of Benjamin (Jillian) and Justin (Michele) Hoover; brother of Deborah (Timothy) Blest, Richard Dunworth; brother-in-law of Gail (Bill) Click, Nancy Sandford; son-in-law of Shirley Luther; dear friend of Alan and Goldie Prame, and his dog Nicholas; also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday, November 13 from 1-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Michael K. Cluckey - November 10, 2016 of Grand Island, NY. Dear father of Heather Cluckey; loving grandfather of Evan; beloved son of Vaughn Shaver and the late Roger Cluckey; brother of Lynn (William) Bickerton and Robin (Maurice) Cahill; boyfriend of Lisa Hogrewe; uncle of Sarah and Jamie; dear friend of Cassidy and Cody. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC., FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 16 at 10 AM.
Tonya K. (nee Boyce) Shephard - Of Grand Island, NY, November 1, 2016, beloved wife of Kenneth S. Shephard; loving mother of Samantha (James Balester) Kiblin, Shelly (Keith Heuser) Giambelluca, Joseph Giambelluca, Kirsten (Justin Beck) Burtch; cherished Nana of Brandon, Leanna Kiblin, Ceaira, Brooklyn Heuser and Mackenzie Finnegan; daughter of the late James (Barbara) Boyce and Kay Bullard; sister of James H. (Lucille) Boyce, Zoeann (Anthony) Kinsella, Renette L. (late Allen) Hilliker, Yvonne C. (Jon Misener) Lummel, Michael A., Timothy L. Boyce, Sr., Linda M. (Gary) Vail and the late Tammera Boyce and Donald G. Bullard; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Monday, 4-8 PM at LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS, INC. MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1820 Seneca St., where services will be held at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.
Wallace D. Wigdorski - November 1, 2016. Husband of Virginia (Onan); beloved father of Timothy M., Kenneth W., Juliean (Rob) Ray; grandfather of Leean, Kenneth, Ryan, Brett, Jordan and Robert Jr.; brother of Daniel (Sharon) and the late Eugene and Robert Wigdorski. Friends may call Friday 4-8 PM at the DENGLER ROBERTS PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst (1 mile north of Maple Rd., just past Klein Rd.) Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Mary's R.C. Church, Swormville, Saturday at 10:30. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. Mr. Wigdorski was retired from the Buffalo Police Department, was a veteran of the Korean War and served as a Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 9249 on Grand Island from 2002 to 2004. Share condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.
Bernice (nee Stack) Dinsmore - Lifelong resident of Grand Island, July 9, 1919 to October 13, 2016, age 97, wife of the late Donald Dinsmore; mother of Peter (Maxine) Dinsmore, Jeanne Marie (Henry) Ensminger, James Dinsmore, Eugene (Jo Anne) Dinsmore, Donna (Thomas) Frantz and Edward (Karen Waybright) Dinsmore; also survived by 20 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; predeceased by two grandsons and one great-grandson; sister of F. William (Bernadette) Stack of Providence, RI, Paul (Rita) Stack of Rochester and the late Edward, John, James, Eugene, Charles, Patrick, Elizabeth and Cecelia. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, November 14 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island.
James W. Maurer Jr. - Of Kenmore, formerly of Grand Island, October 18, 2016, husband of the late Patricia Warren Maurer; dear father of Mark (Terri), Scot (Jody) Maurer; loving grandfather of Kristen (Brian) Arko, Michael, Alison and Amanda Maurer; brother of the late Calvert (Patricia) Maurer; also survived by nieces and nephews. All are invited to a memorial service at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Saturday, October 22, 11 AM to 1 PM, when funeral will commence. Memorials to St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island, 14072, are preferred.
Desmond L. Gallagher - October 14, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of 60 years of Kathleen Gallagher; father of Kelly (Patrick) McLaughlin, Dean (Daneen), John (Jamie) and Michael (Lisa) Gallagher; grandfather of Joseph, Patrick, Mick, Holly, Natalie, Ty, Colin, Patrick, Shannon and the late Kevin; brother of Jack (Madge) Gallagher, Janet (Norm) Johnson, Mick (Sue) Gallagher and the late Peg (late Bill) Peshki, Ambrose (late Sally) and Les (late Ellen) Gallagher, Doreen Christopher, Rita (late Joe) Hill, Tyke (late Judy) and Skip Gallagher; son of the late Jack and Anna Mary Gallagher; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday 4-8 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grand Island Little League.
Robert Swan - October 11, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of Arlene Swan; father of Robert G. (Debbie), Gregory and the late Marla Swan; grandfather of Paul and Kristen Swan; great-grandfather of Alivia and Lucas Burke; brother of Edwin (Irene) and James (Jan) Swan, Carol (Ron) Haynes, Rosemary (Richard) St. Jacques, Thomas (Sharon), Richard (Pauline), Mary Ann and the late Michael Swan; son of the late Edwin and Mildred Swan. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
James Milne - October 3, 2016, age 77, of the Villages, Florida. Formerly of Grand Island, New York. Survived by his loving wife of 59 Years Kathleen (Kelman) Milne. Father of Debbie (Thomas) Wirth, Lesley (Thomas) Pyjas and the late James D. Milne. Grandfather of Lindsey Shelton, Sara El Houssieny, Amanda El Houssieny and Adam El Houssieny. Great Grandfather to Annabelle Kay Wirth. Brother to Violet McIntyre and Kathleen Ladouceur. Son of the late Duncan and Isabelle Milne. Survived by many nieces, nephews and loving family.
Jim retired as the Town of Grand Island Tax Assessor in 2001. Previous to that he was the Vice President of the Niagara County Savings Bank for 16 years. He and his wife Kay moved to the Villages, Florida in 2005 and he enjoyed golfing, cruising and so many activities. During his lifetime he was very involved in many charitable activities such as the Grand Island Lions Club, the Cerebral Palsy Association and many more. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY on October 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Thomas W. Slowe - October 6, 2016 of Grand Island; father of Barbara (Klaus) Memering; grandfather of Dennis; brother of James E. (Betty) Slowe; uncle of Thomas E. Slowe and Emily Tripp. Funeral services private. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
George W. Freeman - September 30, 2016, born March 9, 1939, 77 years old, of Grand Island, husband of Ruth L. Freeman; father of Vincent, Victor Sr. (Laura) and George Robbie Freeman; grandfather of Victor Jr., Gianna, Vanessa and Darien Freeman; brother of Floyd Jr. (Nanleen) and Franklin (Christine) Freeman, Evelyn Mims and the late Thomas (survived by wife Ruth) and Jesse James (survived by wife Viola) Freeman and Lessie (survived by husband Willie) Huff; son of the late Annie Kate and Floyd Freeman, Sr.; also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends may call Tuesday 4-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army in Niagara Falls. Mr. Freeman worked for National Grid (Niagara Mohawk). After retiring from Niagara Mohawk, he was a limousine driver for DJ The DJ.
Donald J. Beauchamp - September 28, 2016, age 85, beloved husband of the late Joyce A. (nee Amos) Beauchamp; loving father of Daniel (Patricia), Thomas (Donna), Ronald (Teresa) Beauchamp, Nancy (John) Posluszny, Roger and Raymond Beauchamp; cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; caring brother of two sisters and one brother; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr., (corner of Parker Blvd.), where Funeral Services will be held at 8 PM. Friends invited. Share your condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Jay G. Roberts - Our dear father and grandpa went home into the loving arms of our dear sweet Jesus on September 26, 2016, formerly of Grand Island; husband of the late Patricia Joyce (McMillen) Roberts; father of Jay (Marcia) Roberts, Pamela (the late Mark) Nessenson, Cindy Sue (Jay) Johnson and Scott Roberts; grandfather of Colin, Ryan and Robert Johnson, Nathan, Kyle, Meghan and Evan Roberts, Heidi and Jennifer Nessenson; son of the late Albert and Gwendolyn Roberts. Memorial services will be held at a later time. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Patricia (nee Warren) Maurer - Of Kenmore, formerly of Grand island, NY, September 25, 2016, beloved wife of James W. Maurer; dear mother of Mark (Terri) Maurer and Scot (Jody) Maurer; loving grandmother of Kristen (Brian) Arko, Michael, Alison and Amanda Maurer; sister of William (Gwen) Warren and the late Robert (Sheila) Warren; also survived by nieces and nephews. All are invited to a memorial service at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Family will be present Friday, 9 AM to 11 AM, when the funeral service will commence. Memorial contributions to St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island, 14072, are preferred. www.ginnanefuneralhome.com.
Donald E. Link - September 24, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of the late Shirley Link; father of Ed, Ken and Ron (Judy) Link, Beverly (Mike) Ahr and the late Gary Link; also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother of Eileen and Pauline; dear friend of Jean Schlegel and Arlene Walden. Friends may call Saturday 10:30 AM - 12 Noon followed by funeral services Saturday at 12 noon at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Golden Age Center.
Daniel E. McBride Jr. - Unexpectedly, September 21, 2016 of Grand Island, NY. Husband of Dorothy (Palmer) McBride; dear father of Dorothy (James) Mesmer, the late Deanna and Daniel McBride; grandfather of Nicholas (Kim) McBride and Rachael McBride (Al); great-grandfather of Nevaeh, Ryan and Olivia; brother of Mary (Richard) Polinski and the late Robert and Beverly McBride. A private family service will be held.
Stuart W. Savory - 78, of Hamilton, MT and former resident of Grand Island died unexpectedly, July 29, 2016. Stu was born October 6, 1937 in Albion, NY to the late Charles and Elsie Savory. Growing up in a small town had many rewards. Stu developed his work ethic as an employee of a nearby farmer; he enjoyed competitiveness and comradeship of the team sports of soccer and basketball throughout his school years. After graduating from Kendall Central School in 1956, he enlisted in the US Navy. While being assigned to the Niagara Falls base, he worked part time as a stock boy for Brand Name Sales, a retail catalog showroom, established in the Buffalo area. When his service duties ended, he became a full time employee as manager of a branch store and warehouse distributor for 13 years. Stu was promoted to the office as a buyer and retired in 1997 as the merchandizing manager of six buyers.
Stu and Bonnie married in 1965. They raised their 3 children on Grand Island. Stu was a proud father. He never missed any academic, music, or sporting event that his children were involved with. One could hear him cheering loudly at their games or meets. Throughout their school years, he always encouraged them to "get their money's worth." Holding newborns whether it was his children or grandchildren brought tears to his eyes. Work did not leave much free time, but family vacations were very important. An annual ski trip, many camping experiences, and visiting historical places are just a few that he organized. Fishing provided many hours of relaxation with friends and family. Retirement brought a renewed joy to Stu's life. He applied his time and talents updating the house and volunteering time at St. Timothy's. Stu and Bonnie traveled from East Coast to the West Coast looking for the perfect place to retire and eventually found Hamilton, MT.
On October 7, friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island at 3:00 p.m.and a reception at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Rd., Grand Island at 4:00 p.m.. To honor Stu, memorial gifts can be donated to St. Timothy Lutheran Church to construct a "Mr. Stu's Way" path..
Paul E. Long - age 76, died Sept. 12, 2016 in Bradenton, Florida. Paul was a lifelong Islander and owner of Long's Construction.
Saydee Addaline Smith, age 8 months, of Niagara Falls died Friday, September 16, 2016 at Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Born January 6, 2016, she enjoyed spending time with her momma and daddy and her family and friends. Saydee liked watching Finding Nemo, playing with her toys, reading her books, and being outside. She watched her fish tank and her puppies, Teddy and Gizmo, playing. Saydee loved music and going for walks.
She was the beloved daughter of Ryan and Dawn (nee Simpson) Smith; dear granddaughter of Shirley and the late Dale Simpson and Kathy Lively; great-granddaughter of Shirley and Richard Cook; loving niece of Chris (Becky) Simpson and Steve (Michele) Simpson; grand niece of Dave Piper, Jerry (Terry) Piper, Shelby Hyla, Arlin Smith, Greg (Jessica) Cook, Doug (Rickilyn) McDonald, and the late Bob Piper and Margaret (Robert) Sparks. She was the special cousin of Katelyn, Jonathan, Justin, Dylan, Hannah, Jordyn, Ethan, Sofie, Beth, Mya, Faith, Justin, Megan, Emma, and many other cousins, relatives and friends.
Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Monday at the LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH, 383 Wheatfield Street, North Tonawanda, where funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday; the Rev. David Constantino officiating. Friends invited. Interment at Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. If desired, balloons would be preferred at the visitation at the church, or memorials may be made to curesma.org.
Lois E. (nee Cowles) Lambert - September 17, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of 50 years of Francis G. Lambert, Jr.; mother of Greg Lambert, Julie Naimi and the late Elizabeth Jo Tracz and Brian John Tracz; grandmother of Daniel Tracz; sister of Doris Mitchell, Phyllis Sexton and George Cowles; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 3-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation .
Everest E. DeMartin - Age 90 of Grand Island passed away on September 14, 2016 at Northgate Manor. Dearest father of Thomas (Kathy) DeMartin, Michael (Karen) DeMartin and Denise (Alfred) Ricotta of Grand Island; grandfather of Anthony (Jackie), Vincent, Alan, Neal (Samantha), Anna, Allison, Collin, Nathan and Tessa; uncle of Kathleen (William) Hesson and Steven (Kit) Urbani; predeceased by his wife, Felicia (Niemiec) DeMartin; parents, Antonio and Maria (DiSacco) DeMartin and sister, Maria Elsa Urbani. Private funeral services were held at St. Stephen's R.C. Church on Grand Island with interment in St. Stephen 's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Island Volunteer Fire Co. Arrangements entrusted to the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME, INC.
Hazel Bernice (nee McVey) Popp - September 8, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of Richard H. Popp; also survived by many cousins and friends. She was a retired R.N. and an Erie County Public Health Nurse. She enjoyed boating, traveling and helping her friends. Funeral Services private. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
Kevin Oriani - Kevin September 5, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of the late Denise Oriani; loving father of Samantha Oriani. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Kevin was the owner of Island Turf Care and was well known around Grand Island for many years. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
JoAnn (Daigler) Hasselbeck - On the evening of September 9th, 2016, Jo Ann (Daigler) Hasselbeck passed away unexpectedly in Portland, Maine. She was with the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Eugene and members of her family when she passed. Jo Ann was to turn 89 years young this month and lived an amazingly abundant life of faith, hope and love! All who knew JoAnn were blessed by her kindness, joy, and unrelenting optimism.
JoAnn was born September 28th, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, the 2nd child of Irene and William Daigler. She is survived by a large and blessed family including her husband Gene Hasselbeck; and children Amy & Gary, Todd & Barbara, Laurie Jo & Stanley, and Jon & Yolande. Her 14 loving grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 nieces; and 3 great-nephews, were incredibly close to her. Jo Ann grew up in Buffalo, where her father owned and operated a grocery store and meat market. A pioneer in his day, her father moved to the "wilderness" of Grand Island when JoAnn was in elementary school. She went on to graduate from Bennett High School, and the University at Buffalo where she qualified as a Physical Education Teacher. A favorite gym teacher in the Grand Island schools, she retired after 19 years to care for her mother. Jo Ann came out of retirement to assist her husband at his construction company, bringing life and joy as that business was revitalized.
When JoAnn and Gene retired, they spent most of the year on Sanibel Island, Florida, where they are active members of Sanibel Community Church. They spent summers on Grand Island - in the very home they built and loved shortly after their marriage. They were members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and JoAnn served as a Girl Scout leader while in her 60's to support a lifelong friend. When their son, Jon, planted a new church, they joined NorthGate Christian Community in Williamsville to support his new ministry.
JoAnn loved everything and everybody! People, babies, dogs, horses, food, art, flowers and especially chocolate! A loyal friend, ardent encourager, gracious hostess, great listener, avid tennis player and skier, amazing cook, creative artist, faithful friend to the sick, and fudge maker to those studying for tests. The world is a much brighter place for the life of JoAnn Hasselbeck and heaven is richer place today! Visitation will be Thursday 6-9 PM and Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services were held Saturday at 10 AM at NorthGate Christian Community Church, 5225 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville.
Mary C. Fix - Of Grand Island, died on Wednesday September 7, 2016 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. She was 84. Mrs. Fix was born Mary Scott Cunningham in Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital on December 11, 1931. Her parents were James and Mary (Dunlop) Cunningham. She was raised in Niagara Falls, attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1949. She loved music and in her earlier years was a member of many musical groups. She was an avid reader and loved knitting and crocheting. Mary was a member of the 49's Club of Niagara Falls High School. On July 14, 1951, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Henry L. Fix. Henry was a serviceman in the US Navy and Mary a devoted Navy wife, accompanied him to the various locations at which he served for twenty years. During those years they were blessed with two sons, Robert and David. Henry passed away in 1988. Before her marriage, Mary was employed at Hooker Chemical Company and when she returned to this area in 1973 was employed by the Carborundum Company for nine years as a Corporate Purchasing Administrator. In 1982, she started her own business, MCF Secretarial Service in Grand Island and was also employed by the Purchasing Management Association of Buffalo as their Executive Director from 1983-1991. Mary is survived by her two beloved sons, and daughter-in- law, Robert H. of Colleyville, TX and David C. and Michelle of Grand Island; and her beloved grandsons, Walter of Little Billing, Northampton, England and Andrew H. of Grand Island. Friends may call Saturday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. Funeral services will be held SATURDAY at 4 PM following the afternoon visitation. The interment will be private in White Chapel Cemetery, Amherst, NY.
Lynda Jearlene (Helms) Ross - August 28, 2016, of Holiday, FL, fomerly of Niagara Falls and Grand Island, NY, loving mother of Don (Julie), Lisa Benson (Brian) and Doug (Lisa); sister of James Helms (Jan), Theresa Smith (Rick) and the late Julious Duane Helms; loving grandmother to six grandchildren; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Lynda donated her body to science. There will be no services.
Jeremy Todd Wallens - August 30, 2016, life long resident of Grand Island, fiance of Lori Niemann; beloved son of William Todd Wallens, MD (Linda Mattison) and Sally Wallens (Rick Malfa); beloved brother of Justin Todd (Erica) Wallens; loving uncle of Leah and Evan; cousin of Rachel Dunn; stepfather of Ryan, Brittany, Ashley, Austin and Malia; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Jeremy's parents, Todd and Sally, would like to take this moment to thank God for every minute of the past 36 years for which He has blessed us with our wonderful son. Jeremy knows that he will be loved and missed forever, by us and the rest of the family. Visitation Friday September 2, 4-8 PM, at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private services will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Lorraine B. (nee Concannon) Baldwin - August 21, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late Donald H. Baldwin; mother of Barbara (Butch) Backlund, Marilyn (Jim) Williams, Donald (Maryjo) Baldwin, Lorraine (Jim) Dale and James (Kelly) Baldwin; also survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; daughter of the late John and Barbara Concannon; sister of the late John, Thomas and William Concannon and Barbara (survived by husband Paul) Crete. Friends may call Wednesday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
Linda (nee Scheublein) Gaiser - Of Grand Island, Heaven gained another angel August 20, 2016, she went home to the Lord, cherished and beloved wife of Charles Gaiser; predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Geneva (Ehlers) Scheublein and her brother, James (late Sandra) Scheublein; sister-in-law of Susan Scheublein; devoted and loving aunt to Jody (William) DiFranco, Amy (Rick) Hopper and Sarah (Daniel) McGovern; great-aunt to McKala and future nephew, James McGovern; niece of Orville (late Violet) and Donald (Dorothy) Ehlers. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice .
Barbara R. (nee Moses) Rowland - August 18, 2016, age 87, formerly of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Jack T. Rowland; loving mother of Doris Milot, Linda (late Thomas) McDonald, John (Chung) Rowland, Bruce (Dorey) Rowland and Phillip (Melissa) Rowland; cherished grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of two; dear sister of Dorothy (Thomas) Robinson and the late John (Nancy) Moses and Kenneth Moses. Services will be private. If desired, contributions may be made to The SPCA serving Erie County, 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Online condolences may be offered at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.
Margaret C. Sedler - Age 86, of Tipp City, OH, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the SpringMeade Health Center. She was born November 10, 1929 in Lewistown, PA to the late Thomas S. and Grace C. (Flick) Kennedy. Margaret is survived by her husband, Harry Sedler, Jr.; daughter Kennedy Sedler (Leslie); son Harry "Buddy" Sedler III (Amy); two God-grandchildren, Addyson and Jackson Godwin; two sisters-in-law; and over 100 nieces and nephews. Private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Baird Funeral Home in Troy, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, PO Box 502, Troy, OH 45373. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.
Harry E. Mills - August 16, 2016, suddenly, age 72, of Grand Island; beloved husband of Christine M. (nee Bochenek) Mills; loving father of Sandra Gagola and Michelle (Leo) Sullivan; cherished grandfather of Matthew, Thomas, Kathryn and Ava; caring brother of Ardith Reagle, Linda Mills and the late Loretta Bruno, Ralph and Barry Mills; son of the late Ralph and Ruth Mills; also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Friends may call Thursday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 White haven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cleveland Clinic. Mr. Mills was a member of International Painters Union, District #4.
Jack Kostenbauder - age 72, August 13, 2016 in Florida. Survived by wife Patricia Geary; brother Richard; sons Ed Passno (Donna), Donald, Adam; grandchildren Raeann, Victoria, Hailee, Michael, Alex; and nieces and nephews. Long time Island resident, he grew up in the Angola, NY area. Active in boy Scouts and Explorers. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 20th at Bible Fellowship Center, 1136 Baseline Road at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Rodney W. Norton - Passed away peacefully at home, August 13, 2016, long time resident of Grand Island, former co-owner of Island Auto Service; father of Rodney E. (Amy L.) Norton of Jackson, TN and Timothy A. (Kathleen N. ) Norton of Grand Island; grandfather of Kaitlyn and Ryan Norton; also survived by long time companion, Jamie D. Card and loving sister, Marianne (late Daniel) Hoffman; son of the late Ernest W. and Helen L. Norton. Friends may call Tuesday 2-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined.
Thomas M. Clunie - Of Grand Island, entered into rest August 10, 2016, beloved husband of the late Lois A. (nee Hunt) Clunie; devoted father of Michael (Judy) Clunie, Kathleen (late Sam) Carocci, John (Juliet) Clunie, Linda (Vincent) Giambrone and Michael Haley; cherished grandfather of several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; loving son of the late John and Ann Clunie; dear brother of the late James Patrick (Evelyn) Clunie, Rita Snyder, Christine Maynard, Johnny and Theresa Clunie; also survived by many relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Friday from 3-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Hope Parish (Annunciation Church), 248 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo, on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. (Please assemble at church.) Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Tom was a devoted family man and Lois was the love of his life. He liked to tell a joke and laugh. Tom worked at Chevrolet Motor Plant for 41 years. He was a proud member of the UAW No. 774. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Dad. You will never be forgotten. We love you, Dad. On-line condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Thomas J. Podsiadlo - August 7, 2016, age 52, of Grand Island, husband of Gale (nee Sander) Podsiadlo; father of Thomas Joseph "TJ" and the late Elizabeth Irene Podsiadlo; son of Joann (nee Jaszczak) Podsiadlo and the late Frank Podsiadlo; brother of Jennifer Bottimer, Andrea (Tim) Griffiths and John Paul Podsiadlo; son-in-law of Richard and Gale Sander; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gliding Stars of WNY, 1307 Military Rd., Kenmore 14217 or Miracle League of WNY, PO Box 833, Grand Island 14072..
Charles A. Zerilli - Age 82, of Grand Island, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Born in Staten Island, NY on January 14, 1934, the son of the late Salvatore and Frances (D'Aquila) Zerilli. He met his wife of 59 years, Mary (Malecki) Zerilli while he was in the United States Army and moved to Grand Island. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #449 for 25 years and retired in 1993. He was an avid golfer and boater and his greatest passion was his grandchildren. Survived by his wife, Mary (Malecki) Zerilli; his children, Mark Zerilli of Grand Island, Jennifer (Brian) Frey of Bradenton, FL and Frances Zerilli of Venice, FL; also survived by his grandchildren, Brian (Rachel) Frey, Jr., Kevin Frey, Blake Frey, Chris Wilczek and Sara Wilczek; his brother, Jack (RayAnn) Zerilli of Scottsdale, AZ and his sister, Lee DiTommaso of Staten Island. There is no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at a time to be announced. Arrangements entrusted to the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME, INC., (716) 284-1573.
Leo G. Orynawka - Age 98, of Grand Island, NY, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at home under the care of Hospice Buffalo. Born in New York City on August 27, 1917, he was the son of Ukrainian parents, the late Stanley and Katherine Orynawka. Leo was a member of Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God Church and husband of 67 years to the late Stephania Orynawka. They were married on June 28, 1947 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his four children, Leo A. (late Linda) Orynawka, Catherine (Joe) Higgins, Mary Ellyn (Larry) Stockings and Taras S. (Cindy) Orynawka of Elma, NY; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Friends may call Wednesday, August 10th from 4-8 PM at ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME, INC., 319 24th Street, corner of Welch Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, where a Panachyda Service will be held at 7:00 PM. A second Panachyda Service will be at 9:30 AM on Thursday, August 11th, at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10:00 AM at Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, 2715 Ferry Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with Father Raymond Palko, officiating. Burial following in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227-1480. Visit zajacfuneralhomeinc.com for online condolences.
Sebastian R. Ungaro - August 3, 2016, of Grand Island. Husband of 59 years of Audrey J. (nee DiZillo) Ungaro; father of Deborah Ann (Donald J.) Fabian, Richard D. (Kim), Michael J. (Michele) and David J. (Mary Elizabeth) Ungaro; also survived by 10 grandchildren; son of the late Sebastian and Mary Ungaro; brother of the late Fanny Ryan, Robert, Joseph and Paul Ungaro. Friends may call Friday 8:45 - 9:30 AM 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church.
Charles G. "Corky" DeBottis - f North Fort Myers passed away peacefully March 11, 2016 at Hope Hospice, formerly of Grand Island. Charles was born in 1945 in Buffalo and attended Kenmore West High School graduating in 1963. He enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines where he served as a mechanic during the Vietnam War. The skills he acquired in the Air Force eventually translated into a career with General Motors at the Tonawanda Engine Plant. Charles retired in 2006 and moved to North Ft Myers with his wife JoAnn in 2009. Charles was the beloved husband of JoAnn (Milison); devoted father of Brian (Andrea) and Mark; cherished grandfather of Victoria, Jackson, James and unborn baby DeBottis; dear brother of MaryJoyce Gahr; brother-in-law of Doris and George Arbutina; uncle to many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held August 6, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's RC Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Friends invited.
Allen Dunlop - Allen July 23, 2016, of Houston, TX, formerly of Grand Island, NY. Visitation will be held Monday, August 1 at 10 AM with Funeral Service at 11 AM at Allen Dave FUNERAL HOME, "The Tribute Center," 2103 Cypress Landing Dr., Houston. Interment will be held at Houston National Cemetery.
David Keith Hawkes - a long-time resident of Oxnard, CA, and graduate of Grand Island High School, died unexpectedly on June 11, 2016 at the age of 62 at his home in Henderson, NV. David is survived by his siblings, Colin Hawkes of Ventura CA, Alan Hawkes of Greensboro NC, and Janice Hachee of Visalia, CA; his three nieces; and his six nephews. He is predeceased by his parents. David was born in London, England on February 10, 1954 to Robert and Olive Hawkes. He grew up on Grand Island, NY, graduating from GIHS in 1972. He worked as a carpenter for 37 years, primarily in and around Ventura County, CA, before moving to Henderson in 2015. David was a proud uncle, and a devoted son, brother, and friend. An avid golfer and accomplished dart player, he closely followed politics and sports and loved talking about both. Dave was well known for his easy, hearty laugh and ability to get others laughing with him. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. The family is holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers donations should be made in David's memory to the National Rifle Association, of which he was a lifetime member.
Colleen M. Allen - Of Grand Island, NY, July 18, 2016, dearest mother of Sheila P. Forbes; daughter of Patricia A. (Salisbury) and the late Richard C. Allen; sister of Sheila J. Merrill and Patricia A. Mongan; also survived by nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY, Friday morning at 10. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Arrangements by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435. Please share your condolences at www.cfhecc.com.
Del Haller - Born in Buffalo, NY, October 15, 1940, son of Delbert and Mary Haller. Del resided on Grand Island for 36 years before moving to Bradenton, Florida. He passed away on July 7, 2016 at home, leaving behind his wife of 55 years, Nanette Haller, son Delbert J. Haller, daughters Jennifer L. Dobbs (Doug), Jamie Susan Haller and grandson Jordan S. Haller, all of Bradenton. Also survived by brother David (Margaret Ann) Haller, Jeannie White (Brandon) and Matthew White, all of Grand Island, NY. The family is gathering together to celebrate Del's life. Arrangements made by Covell Funeral Home.
Eric R. Kirby - Born July 18, 1953, died July 9, 2016, of Grand Island, NY; loving son of Virginia (Williams) and the late Arthur Kirby; beloved soul mate of 27 years to Michelle S. Montemage; dear father of Erin Kirby and Lindsey Colby; stepfather of David J., Gabrielle and Erica Montemage; brother of Kevin (Carol) Kirby and Kathy (Michael) O'Brien; life long friend of George Paris and Mark Dillon; also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Friends may call Thursday July 14th, 3-7 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will follow at 7 PM. Eric was a retiree of Dunlop Tire are 30 years. Eric was a gentle soul, loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He loved to listen to the blues, ride motorcycles, play golf and most of all be with his friends and family. Everyone is invited to join a Celebration of Eric's life on Friday July 15th at 5 PM -? at Eric and Michelle's home.
Charlotte Jane Dewey - Born on June 17, 2016 and entered into rest on July 5, 2016, beloved daughter of Thomas II and Laura (nee Waz) Dewey; loving sister of Noah and Emilia Dewey; cherished granddaughter of Thomas and Denise (nee Stack) Dewey and Robert and Mary Jane (nee Pratt) Waz; she will be sadly missed by many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins and family. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited on Tuesday to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Martyrs Church, 180 George Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 at 11 AM. Interment to immediately follow in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charlotte's memory to Phillip's Gift, CURE Pediatric Palliative Care Program, 200 Westfall Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Arrangements by GRECO FUNERAL HOME. Please share your condolences on-line at www.GRECOFUNERAL.com.
Leon A. Wachala - July 2, 2016, age 85, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Doris (nee Stanton) Wachala; father of Joseph (Patty) Wachala; grandfather of Kyle and Troy Wachala; brother of the late Frances Maczuga and Celia Teglash; also survived by many nieces and nephews. No visitation. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 8:45 AM Saturday (July 16) at St. Gregory the Great Church in Williamsville. Friends invited. Mr. Wachala was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and was employed at E.I. DuPont in the Town of Tonawanda before retiring in 1989. If desired, memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute are preferred. Complete obituary and condolences at www.hampfuneral.com.
Linda C. (nee Thomson) Williams - Of Grand Island, NY, June 20, 2016, beloved wife of Allen; daughter of Elaine (nee Baker) and the late Jack Thomson; sister of Cheryl (Noel) Galluch; aunt of the late Necole Galluch. No prior visitation. Memorial services from the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg, 4999 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg, NY, Saturday, July 9, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY, 14227. Arrangements by THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME
Wendy L. Duignan , Ph.D. - Died June 21, 2016, in Buffalo, NY. Born on July 10, 1949 in Niagara Falls, Wendy was the daughter of the late Paul F. and Melita Coyle Duignan. She is survived by her sister, Donna Duignan, of Grand Island, an uncle, Henry Coyle of North Carolina, several cousins, and her friend, June Crawford. She was an associate professor at Niagara University and taught there for over thirty years. Recognized as an expert on Louis Carroll and mathematics and logic, Wendy served as Chair of the Mathematics Department for several years prior to her retirement. Her doctoral dissertation was on matroid theory and she was one of about twenty-five mathematicians worldwide investigating that area of math when she did her research at Syracuse University. A talented photographer and gardener, she was a philanthropist and volunteer in the community and her generosity and gentle spirit will be missed by many. As a final gesture of kindness, Wendy donated her body to the University of Buffalo Medical School Anatomical Gift Program. Services will be held on Friday, July 8, at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Graycliff Conservancy, 6472 Old Lake Shore Road, PO Box 823, Derby, NY 14047, where Wendy was a Master Docent.
Gloria (nee Askey) Diringer - June 28, 2016, of Grand Island; wife of Walter C. Diringer; sister of Judith A. (the late Willis D.) Easton, Carol A. (James W.) Boatfield and the late Shirley M. McGranahan and Dolores Askey; daughter of the late Leland and Christine Askey; also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. Gloria was very active in community organizations including past president and member of the Grand Island Golden Age Club and a Red Cross volunteer, she was an avid gardener and had two beloved cats.
JoAnne D. (nee Russell) Barber - June 27, 2016, of Grand Island. Mother of Danielle, John and Julie Anne Barber; grandmother of Donald and Jacob Myers; daughter of Mary and the late Joseph A. Russell; sister of Linda (Terry) Baker, Elizabeth (Clint) Harrington, Kim (Brian) Jensen, Joseph and Daniel (Lori) Russell; daughter-in-law of John and the late Constance Barber; sister- in-law of Patricia (Tom) Marra; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 6-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church (Old Church). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
John G. Tsikalas - Age 74, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away on May 22, 2016. A graduate of West Liberty State College. A member of the Knights of Columbus, served as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, member of the Master's Staff and the Color Corp. John had a deep love for his family, especially his wife Sally for over 50 years, daughters Sherrie (Mark) Morrison, Andrea Reynolds, Danielle (Erik) Phillips. John also leaves behind six grandchildren, AJ and Jarod Morrison, Matthew and Megan Reynolds, Kaitlin and Collin Phillips. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the National Kidney Foundation . A Memorial Mass will be held on July 2 at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island, NY.
Joan M. (nee Flanigen) Drexelius - June 8, 2016 at age 88, dearest mother of John R. (Margaret Wells), Daniel C. (Krista), Mary C. (Timothy) Grotz, Paul (Becky), Anne M. (Brad) Rubin, Mark (Candace) and the late Joseph E. Drexelius; loving grandmother of Joelle, Samantha, Charles, Sarah, Alexandra, Joseph, John Drexelius, Kyle, Cameron, Tyler Rubin and the late Meaghan A. Grotz; dear sister of Edith M. Flanigen, Jane F. (Richard) Griffin and the late David Flanigen; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2080 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Memorial tributes may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1775 Wehrle Dr., Suite 150, Williamsville, 14221. Arrangements entrusted to the REDDINGTON FUNERAL HOME.
Raymond A. Sobieski, Jr. - 69, of Cicero, NY, passed away June 21, 2016 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicago, IL, formerly lived in Grand Island, NY and graduated from Riverside High School. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and served active duty in the Vietnam War as a proud and dedicated Marine. He attended NCCC, earned his degree in Financial Planning and gained his path as a Registered Stock Broker. Ray later earned his position with the U.S, Postal Service, retiring in 2005. He was well-known as the proud owner of his '71 Blue Chevelle, that was a retirement gift to himself. Ray enjoyed his casino visits and was an avid bowler, golfer and fisherman and he was always in search of that 12 point buck. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Kathryn (Lorenz) Sobieski, and his brother James Sobieski. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda (Anthony) Sobieski, the very proud father of their daughter, Tina Marie, and the very proud and loving "Papa" of granddaughter Shannon Kathryn. Also surviving is Raymond's brother, John (Lori) Sobieski of Grand Island, NY; sister-in-law, Lisa; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 11 AM-1 PM, followed by Military Honors at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.,) North Syracuse, NY. Words of Comfort may be expressed at tjpfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088, Marine Corps Veterans Association or give a simple act of kindness to a stranger.
Susan (nee Wade) Fritschi - June 9, 2016, age 48, passed away at Hospice in Vero Beach, FL, after a hard battle with cancer, formerly of Grand Island, NY, dearest mother of Jason Fritschi, Kenny Beittenmiller and the late Christopher Fritschi; precious daughter of Mavis and William Wade; dear sister of Anthony Wade and Wendy (Charles) Bailey; aunt to many nieces and nephews; will be greatly missed by Henry Athenosy, loving companion and caregiver; sadly missed by Donald Fritschi and Kenneth Beittenmiller Sr. Private Funeral Services will be held.
Kent J. Sciandra - entered into rest June 14, 2016. He was formerly of Grand Island. Son of Patricia (nee Garvey) and the late Charles N. Sciandra. Brother of Karen (Jay) Raepple, Kathy (Michael) McNulty, Kim (Dennis) Hoffer, Keith (Kim) Sciandra, KyleAnn Gregory, Kit (fiancee James Breier) Crangle, Kerry (Richard) Erling, Kristen (Michael) Bonsignore and Kirk Sciandra. Best friend of Thom Guadagno. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Friends may call Tuesday July 5, 10 AM - 2 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, followed by prayers Tuesday at Whitehaven Cemetery 3089 East River Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to a charity of your choice.
Richard H. Barth - June 11, 2016, beloved husband of the late Patricia (Beckett) Barth; loving father of Deborah (Kevin) Klees, Pamela (Michael) Buckovich and Donna (William) Ponholzer; dear grandfather of David, Jacob, Zachary and Ronald. Family and friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst, where a Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association of WNY, 5488 Sheridan Dr., No. 300, Williamsville, NY 14221. On-line condolences may be shared at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com.
Roy E. Howard, Jr. - June 13, 2016, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo, beloved husband for 42 years to Shirley; loving father of Sheri (Frank), Kelly (Chris) and Roy III (Lisa); survived by seven grandchildren; brother of Shirley (Gary) and Alan (Rose). Private services at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME.
Dr. Sidney Cohen - Of Grand Island, NY, on June 10, 2016, devoted husband of Lee (Yaffe) for 53 years; loving father of Ross and Morey (Sandra) Cohen; grandfather of Emily Rose and Nathaniel David; brother of the late David Cohen and Marilyn Korklan. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 1 PM at AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL, LLC, 281 Dodge Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice . Sidney was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Family guest book at www.amherstmemorialchapel.com.
Patricia A. Mahoney - March 23, 1947 - June 8, 2016
Patricia A. Mahoney, of Grand Island, a retired school psychologist, died unexpectedly on Wednesday in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. She was 69. Born in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Mount Mercy Academy and D'Youville College. She earned a master's degree in school psychology at St. John's University in New York City. Ms. Mahoney was a school psychologist in the Buffalo schools for about 30 years, retiring in 2002. A dog lover, she was a member of the Newfoundland Club of America and the Kennel Club of Buffalo and showed dogs at local American Kennel Club events. Survivors include two sisters, Marilynn Fleckenstein and Rosemary Carey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday in the Alumni Chapel at Niagara University, 5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara Falls.
June 8, 2016 of Grand Island; sister of Marilynn (late James) Fleckenstein and Rosemary (James) Carey; aunt of Thomas (Kristin), Anne, James (Danielle) and Matthew (Martha) Fleckenstein, and Alyson (Paul) Sjardijn; also survived by 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; daughter of the late Thomas and Rosemary Mahoney; friends may call Saturday and Sunday 3-7 PM at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 AM at Alumni Chapel at Niagara University. Memorials may be made to Newfoundland Club of America (www.ncarescue.org).
Donald J. Farley - entered into rest June 5, 2016, resident of Grand Island. Beloved husband of Susan (Blachinski) Farley. Dear father of Lisa (Billy) Carney, Susan (Duane) Fregoe and the late David (survived by wife Tina) Farley. Loving grandfather of Josh Carney, Andrew and Alex Fregoe, Taylor and David Farley. Son of the late Veronica Godwin. Friends may call Friday 4-7 PM followed by memorial services Friday at 7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home. Mr. Farley was a structural technician at Hibbard Engineering, Cannon Design and Occidental Chemical Corp., he was a lover of jazz music, reading, crosswords, and playing golf and tennis with his friends and family, and loved followed sports especially the Boston Red Sox, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Braves. The family would like to thank the staff at Highpointe on Michigan for taking care of him these past two years.
Kristyn Marie Dowd-Bull - June 1, 2016 of Grand Island; wife of Nicholas Bull; mother of Ryan and Averie Bull; daughter of Michael and Eileen Dowd; sister of Justin Dowd; granddaughter of Joseph and the late Marie Dowd and James and Edna Braddell; daughter-in-law of Kevin and Ann Bull; sister-in-law of Dave and Jeff Bull. Friends may call Friday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.
Herbert J. Hall - June 4, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of Lorraine (Huebert) Hall; father of Karen (Marty) Schooping, Diane (Mark) Morris, Kevin (Phyllis) Hall, David (Kimberly) Hall and Kathy (James) Nusstein; also survived by 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; brother of Robert (Barbara) Hall and the late Lester (survived by wife Gladys) Hall, Lorraine (late Frank 'Bud') Fenton and Dorothy (late William) Smith. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 18 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association . Mr. Hall was a pipe insulator at IDI Insulation for many years. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Robert J. Robinson - May 26, 2016, age 79. Beloved husband of the late Judith (nee Flynn) Robinson; loving father of Jeffrey (Kathy), Gregory (Mary Wade) and Kevin (Billie-Jean) Robinson; caring stepfather of Christopher (John Hathaway) Harper and Jennifer (Christopher Brown) Harper; cherished grandfather of Abby, Kelly, Dan, Paige, Robbie and Charlie; dear brother of Deborah and the late Richard (Linda) Robinson; also survived by nieces and nephews. Arrangements by the AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. There will be a Memorial Gathering to celebrate Robert's life on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Holloway Memorial Chapel, 1025 Point Abino Road South, Ridgeway, Ontario LOS 1NO at 11 AM. If desired, memorials may be made in Robert's name to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Larry K. Birtz - May 26, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of Debbie Birtz; brother of Steve (Patricia) Birtz; uncle of Jason (Jennifer) Birtz; great-uncle of Emily, Andrew, Aidan, Jessica, Joshua and the late Eathan Birtz; son of the late Robert E. And Marion Birtz; brother-in-law of the late Hanna Birtz. Memorial Services will be held Thursday at 7 PM followed by visitation Thursday until 9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
Jeffrey Paul Arcouet - formerly of Grand Island, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at his home in Lockport, NY. Born December 20, 1962, he was the son of the late Harold and Patricia Arcouet. He is survived by his brother Harold Jr. of Cave Creek AZ, sisters Susan (Randon) Hillock of Scottsdale AZ, and Shelley (Robert) Smith of Hinckley OH. Beloved uncle of Amy, Kathryn, Thomas, Michael, and Jacob. Jeff attended Nichols School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Friends may call from 12-1 on Wednesday at the Taylor and Reynolds Funeral Home, 70 Niagara Street in Lockport, where the Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cheektowaga. Flowers gratefully declined.
Mary Ellen Hamman - entered into rest May 27, 2016. She was a resident of Grand Island. Wife of Donald C. Hamman. Mother of Robert W. (Marilyn) Miller Jr., Marilyn (late Glenn) Hermann, Patricia Miller, Ronald J. Miller, Donna (Ray) Mix and the late Wayne J. (late Betty) Miller, Lawrence R. Miller and Roger C. (survived by wife Cindy) Hamman. Also survived by 39 grandchildren. Friends may call Sunday (May 29) 4-8 PM followed by funeral services Sunday at 8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined.
Arthur R. Marcucci - Sept. 3, 1945 - May 23, 2016, of Grand Island, a car salesman, died Monday in Buffalo General Medical Center. He was 70. Born in Niagara Falls, he attended Bishop Duffy High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball. Mr. Marcucci was a salesman for various auto dealerships in the area. He also worked in construction and was a member of Laborers Union Local 91 in Niagara Falls. He enjoyed golf, playing the stock market and occasional trips to the casino. Survivors include his wife, the former Nancy C. Young; a daughter, Geri Ann Freyer; and two granddaughters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 3840 Macklem Ave., Niagara Falls.
Carl Deuble Jr. - Age 64, of Grand Island, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Carl was a Steam Fitter for Quackenbush in Buffalo. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl Deuble, Sr. and Lois Deuble (nee Simbeck). Carl is survived by his siblings, Mark (Julie) Deuble, David (Marlene) Deuble, Susan Altizer and Keith Deuble; nieces and nephews, Erik (Marilyn), Joshua, Katrina Fritz, Carrie, Michelle (David), Nicholas (Renee), Bryan and Kayla; great-nieces and nephews, Nathan, Lilly, Griffin, Murphy, Lydia, Asher and Caleb. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday from 5-7 PM at LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave, Kenmore. Graveside services will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery on Friday at 3:30 PM.
David E. Dee - May 22, 2016, of Grand Island; husband of Sandra L. Dee; father of David (Carol) Dee, Denise (Larry) Gatti and Robert (Jerolyn) Dee; step father of William J. Marshall and Nicole R. (Daniel) Webb; also survived by 14 grandchildren; brother of Jonathan (Donna) Hoh; son of the late Edward Dee and Jacqueline Hoh; friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island; funeral services will be private; Mr. Dee was the owner of San-Dee's Pub on Grand Island for over 29 years.
Leonard L. Nieman - Feb. 18, 1922 - May 19, 2016
A certified public accountant and World War II veteran who worked for local school districts and also was an associate professor at Buffalo State College, died Thursday at Beechwood Continuing Care, Getzville. He was 94. A longtime Buffalo-area resident, Mr. Nieman graduated from Kensington High School. He studied at Bryant & Stratton Business Institute for two years. An Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, he achieved the rank of lieutenant in stateside service. In the early 1950s, he earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Buffalo. During the 1960s, he also earned a master's degree in teaching from UB.
Mr. Nieman worked at various times for the accounting firm Lucker, Kennedy & Felmeden and for Bryant & Stratton. He also worked as a business manager for school districts including Grand Island, Cleveland Hill and Amherst. In addition, he coached tennis for Grand Island schools. From 1978 to 1988, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the business department at Buffalo State before he retired. In 1946, he married Annie Marguerite Jones. She died in 1974. Mr. Nieman was president of the Western New York Institute of Internal Auditors and a member of the Association of School Business Officials. He also was a 33rd-degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Amherst Center for Senior Services. Survivors include two daughters, Tracy and Dr. Lynnette; a son, Brian; a brother, Roy; and two grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St., Eggertsville.
Andrew S. Gavlock - May 14, 2016, age 53, of Grand Island, survived by Sharon Gavlock; father of Joshua Gavlock; stepfather of Keith (Debbie) Lucas, Beth (Duncan) Smith and Megan (late Christopher Mazurkiewicz) Kuebler; brother of Martin (Tina) Gavlock and Tina Lewis. He was the "Super Pappy" of eight grandchildren and is survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM on Thursday at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 37 Adam St., at Seymour, Tonawanda, where a Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM Friday. Friends invited. If desired, memorials to Excalibur Leisure Skills Center are preferred. Complete obituary, condolences and directions at www.hampfuneral.com.
Peter P. Jenkins - Of Grand Island, NY, passed away May 15, 2016, at his residence. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on March 17, 1953, the son of the late Ted and Mary (Rogus) Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins graduated from both LaSalle High School and SUNY at Fredonia. He was the President of Thruway Fasteners for over 30 years. Mr. Jenkins enjoyed spending time with his family and at his cottage in Henderson Harbor and was an avid sportsman. Mr. Jenkins is survived by his wife of 39 years, Michele (Lemke) Jenkins; two daughters Tessa (Glenn) Heyer and Maggie (Josh) Leffler; two grandchildren Henry and Finley; two brothers Paul Jenkins and Dr. Ted (Kathy) Jenkins and many nieces and nephews. His family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, with Rev. Paul Nogaro officiating. Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Lewiston, NY. Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.
Edmund F. Cook - 92, passed from this life on April 26, 2016 in Summerfield, FL, a native of Grand Island and Sanborn, NY, loving father of Wade E. (Michelle) of Summerfield, Randy L. (late Brenda) of Grand Island, Mark F. (Shirley Lewis) of Belews Creek, NC and Bonnie (James) Pluff of Summerfield, FL; grandfather of six; great-grandfather of 10; predeceased by his loving wife, Jane E. (Mollnow) Cook, in 2011 and his son Paul M. Cook in 1982. The family will have a Celebration of His Life Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 11 AM at Niagara Falls Country Club, Lewiston, NY.
Rosemary (nee Genovese) Castellani - May 11, 2016, age 73; beloved wife of Robert J. Castellani; dear mother of Robert J. (Shannon) of Hermosa Beach, CA, Marc C. (Shannon) of Manhattan Beach, CA and Bryan D. (Christine) Castellani of New York, NY; dear grandmother of Bobby, Colin and Sophia Rose Castellani; dear sister of Joseph (Patricia) Genovese, the late Ralph Genovese and Mary Lou Davidson; sister-in- law of Warren Davidson; also survived by six brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. The family will be present Saturday and Sunday from 3-7 PM at the (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 5200 Sheridan Dr. (at Hopkins Rd.) in Amherst, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM in St. Stephen R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY. A committal service will follow at St. Stephen Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Share condolences online: www.amigone.com.
Lester R. Hayes, Jr. - 92 of Smithville Flats, NY passed away peacefully at his home on May 6, 2016 with family at his side. He was born on July 6, 1923 in Clendenin, West Virginia a son of the late Lester R. Hayes, Sr. and Alice Darby Hayes. On June 6, 1952 he married the love of his life Oena Mae Westfall, who died on March 7, 1968.
He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Daniel Hayes and Lisa Tedeschi; his step-grandchildren, Bryna, Janelle & Tim, Audra, Sreydy, and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother and sister in law, Duane and Eileen Hayes.
Lester was a US Army veteran of World War II, having served as a medic on D-Day at Normandy. He graduated from Marshall University on the GI Bill. After graduation, he worked as an accountant and in 1970 moved to Grand Island to become comptroller of FMC Corporation in Tonawanda; where he stayed until he retired in 1988. For many years he held the West Virginia and World record for a muskellunge he caught in the Elk River of West Virginia in 1955. He was a former collegiate bantam weight boxing champion in West Virginia, and a member and past 4-time champion of the National Archery Association. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed bow hunting, muzzle loading hunting, fishing and managing the woods in which he lived. A celebration of his life will be held in September at the family home and burial will be in Cunningham Cemetery, St. Alban's, W. Va.
Joyce M. (nee Depczynski) Sander - May 6, 2016, of Grand Island; wife of the late Thomas G. Sander; mother of Jennifer (Tim) Wadell, Brian T. (Eva) and Michael (Autumn) Sander all of Grand Island; grandmother of Victoria Joyce, Michelle, Jillian, Aiden, Taylor Marie and Stanley; sister of Sandra (Tim) Ostrander; daughter of the late Raymond and Nancy Depczynski; also survived by many family and friends. Friends may call Monday 4-8 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo; Together forever with her love Tommy.
Diane M. (nee Podlas) Dubiel - Of Grand Island, entered into rest March 8, 2016 at her seasonal residence in Spring Hill, FL. Diane, age 70, was born May 15, 1945 in Buffalo to the late Adam and Regina (Milinski) Podlas; beloved wife of Gerald J. Dubiel Sr.; mother of Gerald J. (Michele) Dubiel Jr.; grandmother of John, Anna and Amanda Dubiel. A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, May 14 at 1 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall 1841 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials to the Grand Island Lions Club, PO Box 71, Grand Island, 14072, or the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Kevin Patrick Kelly
- Age 54; of Grand Island (formerly North Tonawanda and Albion). Unexpectedly May 2, 2016. Beloved husband of Roseann (nee Kudla); proud father of Andrew (Alexandra), Michael, and Matthew; predeceased by his parents James F. Kelly and Teresa (Marshall) Kelly, and sister Patricia; survived by his loving siblings Maureen Kelly, Katherine (Alton Lyons), Margaret, Daniel, and Elizabeth Kelly and by his mother and father-in-law Paul and Delores (nee Topolski) Kudla; as well as cherished sisters and brothers-in-law Katharine (Bradley) Karagin, Mary Beth (David) Farrell, Paul (Amy) Kudla , and Amy (John) Atkinson; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and new puppies Walter and Gus. Kevin was kind hearted and supported many charities. He was involved in many activities including North Tonawanda Catholic School, Grand Island Soccer Club, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute Crew team, and Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. He could often be found tending to his gardens and vegetables, chatting with neighbors, bird watching and walking his golden retrievers. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda on Friday from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. from Our Lady of Czestochowa R. C. Church, 626 Oliver St., in North Tonawanda. If so desired, memorials can be made to FurEver Friends Dog Rescue of WNY, at www.fureverfriendsofwny.com, or a charity of your choice . Guest register available at frettholdfuneralhome.com.
Donald A. Kew - April 29, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of 56 years of Jacquelyn Kew; father of Susan Fadel and Stephen Kew; grandfather of Nicolette (Christopher) Bidell, CJ and Peyton Fadel; survived by his beloved dog, Belle; brother of Judith (Hans) Mayden, Joel (Dorothy), David (Margaret) and the late Lawrence (survived by wife Connie) Kew, Jr.; also survived by nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Assoc. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Harry A. "Dirty Harry" Adams - Age 73, April 27, 2016, formerly of Grand Island, father of Jennifer Zientek, Scott Zientek, Christopher Adams, Betty Jo Steinman, Wendy Zito and the late Kenny Adams; brother of Marissa Fournerat, Lori Greco, Rhonda Miller, and the late Cara (survived by husband Harry) Kowaleski; son of the late Esther Wilson; dear friend of Hilary Hillock. Friends may call Wednesday 4-8 PM followed by a Prayer Service Wednesday at 8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart Animal Rescues & Adoption Team (heartforanimals.org).
Warren H. Mobley IV - Unexpectedly, April 23, 2016, age 24; beloved son of the late Warren H. III and Delores (nee Canada) Mobley. Warren will be sadly missed by many loving family friends at his Heritage Center's Group Home in Grand Island, NY. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive (corner of Parker Blvd) at 10 AM. Friends invited. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Donavan Elsworth Wasson, WWII Veteran, Foreman - November 3, 1921 - April 21, 2016
Donavan Elsworth Wasson, a World War II veteran and retired foreman for Blaw Knox Co. died April 21 at home in Grand Island, NY. He was 94. Mr. Wasson was born in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota and completed coursework at Hawthorne Vocational School. He became a Welder at Blaw Knox Co. in Mora, MN. He was drafted and entered service in August 1942 where he spent two years in the 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He later volunteered and joined the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team. Mr. Wasson served in the Battle of Corregidor. His most prominent honors include the Good Conduct Medal Distinguished Unit Badge, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars. He was also on guard when General MacArthur returned to Corregidor to raise the American Flag. Mr. Wasson was a proud Veteran and enjoyed telling his stories from the War and his days in service.
He met his wife, Anita (Kunde) after returning home to Mora, MN. They were married on June 14, 1947 and together raised five children. Mr. Wasson worked for Blaw Knox Co. until 1960. He also spent some time working as a sales representative for Air Power Equipment Corp and Lutheran Brotherhood Ins. Co. In 1964 he returned to Blaw Knox Co. as general foreman when the company moved their dairy equipment division to Buffalo, NY. Anita and their five children joined him in Grand Island, NY in 1965.
Mr. Wasson retired in October 1986. Throughout his life he was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also maintained his membership at the American Legion Post 201 in Mora, MN for 70 years. After retirement he became involved with wood working and had many of his projects sold at local craft shows. As a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora, MN he served as president of the church council. Also, he served on the church council when his family joined St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in Grand Island, NY.
Donavan was a loving man, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Having his family together made him the happiest. He is predeceased by his sisters, Ruth (Duane) and Elaine (Everett) and his parents Elmo and Bertha Wasson. Donavan is survived by Anita, his loving wife of 68 years. Their five children John, Michael (Cheryl), Don, Kathy (Tim) Fowler, Robert; their grandchildren Marisa (Ricky) Lucas, Sarah, Michelle (John) Mesmer, Matthew, Danielle (Shawn) Jordan, Colton Fowler, Elisabeth, Brittany, Aaron and their great grandchildren Lennon, Haylie and Ella. A celebration of life service to be held at 11am Saturday at St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church on Staley Road.
Diane Lawrence - Formerly of Buffalo, NY and Grand Island, NY, died at her home in Greenville, SC on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. She was born in Wilmington, DE to Clifford and Florence Rutter. She graduated from Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA and became a high school English and Spanish teacher in New Jersey. She then pursued a career in real estate and retired from a mortgage insurance Regional Supervisor position with Crestar in 2005. Diane was married to Charles Lawrence, III in 1985 and the couple moved to Greenville, SC in 2005. Diane was active with the Adirondack Mountain Club and became a 46er after hiking the 46 high peaks in that range. She was also a competitive race walker, competing in the Marine Corps Competition and Senior Olympics winning her age range in both. While in Greenville, she and Chuck continued to participate in outdoor activities as well as attending classes as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on the Furman University Campus. She is survived by her son, Mickey McMullin; sisters, Gerry and Louise (Lana) and brother, Larry (Ramatu) in addition to three nephews and two nieces, and is remembered by Chuck's sons, Steve, David and Todd. Diane is predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Chuck Lawrence (7/2015). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memoriam to the charity/fund of your choice or to one of the following: Regency Hospice, 880 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Suite 1A, Greenville, SC 29607; Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1135 State Park Rd., Greenville, SC 29609; OLLI at Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613-1511. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 2 PM at the Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Greenville, SC.
Thomas P. Insalaco - April 21, 2016; beloved husband of 45 years to Maria (nee Colla) Insalaco; dearest father of Denice (Vincent) Allen, Jennifer (Christopher) Pendola and Nicole (Christopher) Czaplicki; cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren; dear brother of Nicholas (Grace) Insalaco, Samuel (Judith) Insalaco and the late Rose (Michael) Barile; also survived by nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 AM in St. Stephen RC Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. Please assemble at church. Entombment to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made to American Diabetes Association or Buffalo Hospice, Inc. Thomas was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. Share condolences online at www.GRECOFUNERAL.com.
Theodore M. Kessler, Sr. - April 18, 2016, of Grand Island; beloved husband of 60 years of the late Eleanor A. Kessler; loving father of Ted (Lisa) Kessler, Jr.; cherished grandfather of Christian Kessler; brother of Jon H. (Marilyn) Kessler, Joan Gregory and the late Marianne (survived by husband Donald) Harter; brother-in-law of Robert (Kathy) and the late Joe (survived by wife Alice) Shivinsky son of the late Maynard and Violet Kessler; also survived by many nieces and nephews; friends may call Thursday 4-8 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Niagara Hospice.
Vera B. (Neureuther) Dutka - April 15, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late Walter J. Dutka; mother of John (Maryann) Dutka, Barbara (James) Riley, Michael (Nancy) and the late Walter and Frederick (survived by wife Maryanne) Dutka; also survived by 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; she was the last of 12 children. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 6-9 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
COPE - Destanne M.B. Age 18, of Grand Island, April 12, 2016; granddaughter of Ronald (Patricia) Cope; daughter of Cristy (Brian) Wagner; granddaughter of Robin Urban; great-granddaughter of Diane (the late D. Thomas) Cope, and William (the late Patricia) Baetzhold; loving companion of Ted Dionne; sister of Justin, Stephanie, Shoshana, Evan, Noelle, Jake, Joe and Arianna, also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 at 3 PM. If desired, memorials may be made to Make a Wish Foundation or Muscular Dystrophy Foundation.
Ramona M. Blackmore - Memorial Service - March 14, 2016, age 95, of Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a visitation will be held Saturday, April 16, 10-11 AM, followed by Memorial Services at 11. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home. -
Dr. James J. Mezhir - Memorial Service - Age 42, passed away February 3, 2016, after a nearly two year battle with gastric cancer. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 16th at 11:30 AM at St. Stephen's RC Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Robert D. "Dennis" Falcone - Of Grand Island, entered into rest April 2, 2016. Loving son of the late Cosimo and Frances (nee Epoleto) Falcone; dear brother of Dr. Dolores (Dr. Akram) Tamer; predeceased by eight brothers and sisters; cherished uncle of Dana (John) Sciortino, Bonnie (Scott) Balsano, Robert (Sandy) Myers, Nyna Tubb Carbonell, Marilyn (John) King, Cheryl (James) Nelson, Debbie Harris, Wende (Dennis) Dickey, Linda (Ben) Bramble, Leslie (Chris) Hosclak, Patrick Aquilina, Nabil (Ana) Tamer, Samir (Barb) Tamer, John (Linda) Tubb and James (Elizabeth) Falcone; also survived by family, friends, great-nieces and nephews. Thanks to care takers Angela (Glenn) Critoph and Tim Carboni, neighbors Todd (Rhonda) Tollner, and to his AVIATION FAMILY. No prior visitation. Memorial service to be announced. Mr. Falcone was an Army veteran. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel). Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Donald T. Wiant - 78 of Copeland Oaks in Sebring, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. He was born on March 31, 1938 in Gloucester, MA to the late Reverend Howard J. and Betty (Poole) Wiant. Don served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a graduate of Kent State University and worked for British Petroleum/Carborundum in Niagara Falls, NY. Don loved the outdoors, traveling to Wiant's Island in Apsley, Ontario, genealogy, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by five children; David (Betsy) Wiant of Pittsford, NY, Michael (Kristi) Wiant of Copley, OH; Mindy (Jason) Koschuk of Grand Island, NY; Dale Charles (Ellen) Engelhart, Jr of Hilliard, OH and Emily Wiant of Findlay, OH. Don is also survived by a sister, Janet (James) Rogers of Ocala, FL and ten grandchildren; Kyle, Jack, Chase, Sebastian, Skylar, Carson, Ava, Landon, Ivy and Claire. A private graveside service will be held in Tremont City, OH at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Don's honor via www.myevent.com/babyb. Arrangements entrusted to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Condolences can be sent via www.coldrencrates.com.
Donna Marie (nee Webber) Goss - Donna Marie (nee Webber) April 2, 2016, of Grand Island. Loving mother of Charlie (Wendy), Brian (Elizabeth), Jenny Lynn Goss and AnnMarie (Jason) Perry; proud and loving grandmother of five; caring daughter of the late Richard and Donna Marie Webber; sister of Margaret (Donald) Hooper, Anne Smith, Kimberly Marshall and the late Michaeline Riening, Patricia Majtyka and Thomas Webber. Friends may call Saturday 2-5 PM followed by funeral services Saturday at 5 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Mitochondrial Foundation.
Ronald A. Venturini Lt. Col. (Ret.) - April 1, 2016, of Grand Island, father of Amy E. and Alissa M. Venturini; grandfather of Quin Student; brother of Donald E. (Sharon) Venturini, Barbara A. (Matt) DiTeresa and Joel W. (Kim) Venturini; loved by Marilyn and Danny Kwiatkowski; son of the late Anthony and Josephine Venturini. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post #9249 on Grand Island. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
Virginia D. "Gini" Mathews - March 27, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of Herman "Al" Mathews; mother of Kimberly (Rick) Gelinas of Nashua, NH and Jeff (Cindy) Riel of Lockport; stepmother of Chris (Nicole) Mathews of Claremont, NH; grandmother of Jason, Sarah and Brian Gelinas, Courtney Riel, Dylan, Mason, Austin and Kaylee Mathews; sister of Richard (Diana) Clang and Patricia (Bill) Byrne; memorial services will be held Saturday April 30 at 2 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society . Mrs. Mathews was a member of Loyal Order of Moose Chapter 1922 on Grand Island and enjoyed cooking, gardening and bowling.
Martha Switzer - Of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2016. She was 88. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Switzer, in 2013. They were married for 63 years at the time of his death. She is survived by her son, Ron (Laura) Switzer, of Danbury, CT; a daughter, Jane Switzer, of Powell, OH; a daughter-in-law, Rosemary Switzer, of Webster, NY; five grandchildren, Ed, Samantha, Vicki, Greg and Lauren Switzer; sisters-in-law Joyce Switzer and Sandy Rueter and brother-in-law, Paul Beatty. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her beloved son, Robert (Rosemary) Switzer, and siblings Jack Johnstone and Mary Biggs. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 PM at the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Riverdale Cemetery in the Town of Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Martin-in-the-Fields or the American Heart Association .
Patricia "Patti" Mae (Griffin) Burns - was called to her Eternal Home...on, Saturday, March 26, 2016, at age 77 years-old, after "fighting the fight" of terminal cancer, while in Hospice Care, where she resided in Ashland, Kentucky. Patti was born November 11, 1938, to Jefferson Davis Griffin and Lola (Vance) Griffin (birthplace) Merced, California, she was their only child. Patti, (as most family and friends, know her by) is preceded in death, by both of her parents and 2nd husband, Lawrence "Larry" Burns, of Grand Island. Larry and Patti were married in Las Vegas, December 16, 1966, when they then moved to Grand Island, New York and resided there until Larry was transferred to Ashland, Kentucky, in the mid 1980's.
Survivors are oldest daughter, Sonya Renae Barnes Murphy and youngest daughter, Terry Lynn Burns Millette, three grandchildren, Amber Lenae Irvin, Joshua Curtis Millette and Victoria Michele' Breaker. Seven great-grandchildren, Destiny Irvin, Dustin Irvin, Austin Fralick, Joshua "Gage" Millette, Dezmond "Dez" Nelson, Dakota "Kody" Lee Millette, DaniLynn Breaker and another great-grand baby, due September 25, 2016. Patti is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, brother in laws , sister in laws and many friends of all ages, some know her has "Patti mom".
Patti worked many years at clerical and secretarial work, she also worked at the Holiday Inn, Grand Island and Fantasy Island, Grand Island. Patti attended St. Stephens Church, with her husband, Larry Burns (deceased) and daughter, Terry Lynn. Patti was also a 5th grade CCD teacher at St. Stephens for many years. Patti loved to draw and paint on canvas, she loved arts and crafts. She loved animals and has had several different kinds of animals in her lifetime. Patti loved to dance and she loved to go out to different restaurants to try different kinds of foods. Patti enjoyed camping, traveling, spending time with family and friends. She belonged to a Sorority "Beta Sigma Phi", for many years, in Ashland, Kentucky. Patti also belonged to the Eagles Women's Auxiliary and was deputized as a Kentucky Colonel.
In Ashland, she attended the Holy Family Church. Patti volunteered at hospitals and loved helping others and bringing joy to their lives and a smile to their face. Patti also loved to go to swap meets, flea markets, thrift stores, always hoping to find a special treasure, which she did find many. She had also sold some of her paintings at local flea markets, as well. Patti always smiled and laughed and was a joy to be around. Patti was a very LOYAL and DEDICATED Elvis Presley fan! Although, she loved lots of different kinds of music, Elvis stole her heart, many years ago and she had collected a LOT of Elvis Memorabilia. Patti loved to read and she loved to share her own fond/happy memories of her childhood and her adult life experiences, with friends and family. Patti didn't know a "stranger"...being, she would talk to someone standing next to her in a grocery store line and soon became a friend. Patti and her husband, Larry (deceased) traveled to Las Vegas and California many times, as well as their timeshare in Florida. Patti (our mom, grandmother and great grandmother) will truly be missed, by many friends and family members. Cremation was taken care of by Brown's Funeral Chapel Funeral Home, of Ironton, Ohio. (across the River from Ashland, Kentucky, where Patti resided with daughter, Terry Lynn and was called home, by our "Father in Heaven") In lieu of flowers please give memorials to any reputable charity, in honor of Patti's name to Breast Cancer research. Memorial Service to celebrate Patti's life is pending,time, date and location, will be announced at a later date.
Frank E. Ciszek - Long-time resident of Grand Island, passed away at home on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at the age of 91; born in Niagara Falls, September 14, 1924, to Frank and Mary (Kaczor) Ciszek; predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Bernice (Mietlowski) Ciszek, and three brothers, Joseph, Henry and Eugene Ciszek; survived by his sister, Helen (Ciszek) Bogal of Niagara Falls, and his four children, Melanie (Ciszek) Magee of Shrewsbury MA, Christopher J. Ciszek and Stephen F. Ciszek of Grand Island, and Ian Patrick Ciszek of Lutz, FL., as well as his grandson Ryan S. Magee and his great-granddaughter, Caroline J. Magee, of Medway, MA; also survived by his sister-in-law Emily (Mietlowski) Kajfasz; and many nieces and nephews and their children. Mr. Ciszek was a veteran of World War II, participating in the Normandy Invasion and serving in France for over two years. He married Bernice in 1948 and in 1952 they moved to the house on Grand Island where he lived the remainder of his life. He was employed as the head custodian of Huth Road Elementary School until his retirement in 1987, but returned frequently as a classroom volunteer. He was a founding member of the school credit union and served on its loan committee, and enjoyed a number of volunteer activities as a Friend of the Grand Island Public Library, and also in various roles at St. Stephen's Church. In earlier years, he was noted for raising farm animals, including goats, a cow, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks and geese, as well as growing a comprehensive vegetable garden, and was fond of reporting that everything on the dinner table, with the exception of the coffee, came from his own property. He was also an excellent family and community historian, and could be relied upon to recall colorful details of events from long ago, both those that he personally witnessed and those that he heard about from older friends and relatives; he was a great storyteller. He will be remembered for his extremely kind nature and charitable disposition, and will be greatly missed by his family and his numerous friends. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to a charity of your choice .
Beverley L. Mikulski - March 27, 2016, at age 75, beloved wife of the late John Q. Mikulski, 55 years of marriage, dearest mother of Bob (Beth) Mikulski, John F Mikulski, David Q (Lynn) Mikulski and Anne (Randy) Mazurkiewicz. Loving Nana to: Brad, Ashley, Chelsey, Chelsea, Quinn, Travis and Jack. Sister of Syd (Joan) Samuels. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Beverley was an active member of the Queen City Jazz. No prior visitation. Her remains have been donated to UB Medical School. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, March 30 at 10am in St. Stephens Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of Buffalo or Grand Island Fire Company.
Patricia A. (Heavey) Pullano - Longtime Islander, Patricia Pullano, passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born in Buffalo to Martin and Genevieve Heavey in 1933. She graduated from Niagara University with a degree in nursing and worked in the field until after her marriage to John (Jack) Pullano in 1959. They moved to the Island in 1963 where they raised six children and were foster parents to over a dozen more; as well as being known as “Ma P” to many of her children’s friends. Pat was active until her death; she taught nursing for many years at NCCC, was a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels, and at Elderwood on Grand Island. She was a giving and generous person who enjoyed helping others, playing bridge and reading. She was most proud of and devoted to her nine grandchildren; and was happiest when she was attending one of their events; whether it was at a rink, a field, a performance or a concert.
She was predeceased by her husband John in 1998. She is survived by her children; Josephine (William) Malesky, John (Joanne), Joseph, Peggy (Robert) Carroll, James (Kelly), and Jeremy (Jennifer) Pullano. She was devoted to her grandchildren; Allison, Franklin, Megan, Bobby, Anthony, Jack, Anourine, Anna and Dominic. She is also survived by her sister; Sr. Mary Judith Heavey, SSMN; her brother, Martin (Kathryn) Heavey, in-laws Antoinette (late Patsy) Pullano, Dominic (late Peggy) Pullano and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. There will be an Irish wake held in Pat’s honor for family and friends at Peggy's home-170 Old Carriage House Rd, Grand Island, on Friday, April 1st starting at 4 PM, and a memorial mass on Saturday, April 2nd at St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island at 10:00AM. If desired, memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur Memorial Fund, 241 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo 14213.
Susan L. (nee Raham) Walsh - March 24, 2016, of Grand Island; wife of William D. Walsh III; mother of Shawn M. (Danielle) Walsh and Jessica S. (Daniel) Drechsel; grandmother of Olivia and Coulson Walsh; sister of Rodney (Brooke) Raham; daughter of the late Richard and Barbara Raham. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society .
Helen M. (nee Bullock) Andrews - March 22, 2016, of Grand Island formerly of Youngstown; wife of the late James Douglas Andrews; mother of David D. (Phyllis) Andrews, Pamela S. (Dennis) Karski, Priscilla L. (Paul) White and Angus F. (Donna) Andrews; also survived by nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; daughter of the late Franklin and Elsie Bullock; predeceased by three sisters. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Nicolas M. Sendlbeck - March 17, 2016, of Grand Island, father of Andy and Jake Sendlbeck; son of Christine and the late Michael Sendlbeck; brother of Colleen Sendlbeck. Friends may call Wednesday 6-8 PM followed by a time of shared memories at 8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
Dorothy D. (nee Prentiss) Hunt - March 18, 2016, of Grand Island, beloved wife of Samuel C. Hunt; devoted mother of Samuel D. (Pamela) and Guy S. (Rachel) Hunt; also survived by three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; dear sister of Brother Warren O.S.F. and Charles (Beverly) French. Friends may call Tuesday 3-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church (old church).
Mildred "Joanne" "Tootsie" Dennis - Of Grand Island, NY, January 31, 1941-March 16, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Robert V. Dennis Sr.; devoted mother of Robert V. (Tina) Jr., Denise A. (Mark) Finch, Michael A. Dennis and Darlene J. Rowe; grandmother to Lyndsay, Robert (Kate) III, Chelsea (Jeremy), Jonathan, Kira, Nellie (Bobby), Tiffany, Erica (Kevin), Michael Jr, Haley and Matthew; great-grandmother of Ryan and Madilynn; daughter of the late Charles J. and Nellie Mae Swanekamp; sister of the late Charles J. (survived by Kathleen), Bernard (survived by Barbara) Swanekamp and the late Mary Ann (Joseph) Leber; also survived by nieces and nephews and many loving relatives and friends who may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 266 East St. at Austin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 19 at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island, Please assemble at church. Burial in Acacia Park Cemetery.
John Kimmel - March 13. 2016, was born in Meester Cornelis (after 1949, the name was changed to Djatinegara) on the island of Java, Indonesia. In a family of eleven children (10 boys, 1 girl) he was the second oldest son of Johannes Kimmel and Im Moy Tjia. During WWII, John's schooling was interrupted during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia and he spent a year in a work camp during the war's final year. After the war, he finished his schooling and became a Merchant Marine. During this time, he met the teenage Ellenor Alting-Siberg of Medan in Sumatra (she was 12 years his junior) when delivering a present from his brother to her sister. Years later John and Elly met again in the Netherlands and eventually were married in 1958 in Helmond. In 1960 they had their first son, Terence. Three months later the family moved to the United States where they settled in Buffalo. They had a second child, Larry, who died as an infant in 1961. Besides working at Bethlehem Steel, John was Chief Stationary Engineer at the downtown Buffalo & Erie County Public Library until his retirement. After Elly's death in 2007, John became a regular visitor of the Grand Island Golden Age Center, hanging out with the local pool sharks there and enjoying the hot lunches.
A fan of public broadcasting television and documentaries, he was also fascinated by anything on the subject of World War II, always interested in learning more about the war he was a civilian participant in. Due to his son's involvement in the Buffalo micro-budget filmmaking community, in recent years John became an unlikely but easygoing patron of the cinema arts, helping co-produce (with John's money and Terry's suggestions) a few local feature films under the company name Impulsive Indo Investments, starting with the 2011 zombie film The Final Night and Day ("Can you actually make money doing this?"), and including the more recent horror-comedy Killer Rack (2015) and also co-sponsoring last year's Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival. He is survived by his son Terry (wife Amy). The rest of his family are in the Netherlands and Australia: siblings Hank (deceased), Frans (deceased), Emile (deceased), Dora (deceased), Wim, Kees, Janus, Gerard, Tony and Frederik (deceased); plus nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and -nieces. Friends may call Saturday 10 AM -1 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave, where funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association .
Ramona M. Blackmore - March 14, 2016, age 95, of Grand Island, mother of Denise A. Blackmore and Judy (Lew) Testa; grandmother of Brian Paul (Alison) Testa and Kimberly (fiance Tim Hoover) Testa; aunt of Jeffrey (Sue) Beich; great-aunt of Amy Beich. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a visitation will be held Saturday, April 16, 10-11 AM, followed by Memorial Services at 11. Ramona was a teacher for 20 years at Kaegebein Elementary School and was a member of Trinity Church for 65 years. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
Scott Vincent Wiesenberg - Passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at age 73 from aggressive cancer complications. Born November 3, 1942 to Vincent and Adeline Wiesenberg in Appleton, Wisconsin. Predeceased by his parents, and brother-in-law, Thomas Mischler. Survived by wife: Marcia (Metzger) Wiesenberg; two sons: Paul S. (Suzanne) Wiesenberg of West Grove, Pennsylvania and Eric V. (Kimberly) Wiesenberg of Henrietta; four grandchildren: Ryan and Kyle of West Grove and Kieran and Abigail of Henrietta; mother of his children: Patricia (McNulty) Yensan (Alfred) of Peoria, Arizona; sister: Mary Mischler of Combined Locks, Wisconsin; sister-in-law: Jean Metzger of Northwood, Ohio; brother-in-law: Steven Gemane of Stanwood, Washington and furry canine friends, Meeya and Diamond.
Scott spent a portion of his adult life living on Grand Island, NY and over 40 years, in Henrietta. Scott was employed for 30 years by Syracuse Supply Co., followed by approximately 10 years at O'Connell Electric. He was a volunteer for the local Henrietta nonprofit organization, FISH/RHAFT Inc. Children were always dear to his heart and he loved interactions with them, including his own children and this love extended greatly to his grandchildren. Scott enjoyed boating, bowling, fishing, camping, music, kids’ sports, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills. A special thank you to Dr. Cahn-Hildalgo, Dr. Fung and staff at Wilmot Cancer Center, and Dr. Herman and staff at Leo Center for Caring.
Calling hours will be SATURDAY, March 12th at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Private interment service will be held at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leo Center for Caring, 1500 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621 or The Center for Youth, 905 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14620. Scott will be loved and cherished forever.
Yvonne E. Travis - March 7, 2016, of Grand Island; wife of the late Leo N. Travis; mother of Michael (Roberta) Travis, Janice Zaborowski, Cynthia (Michael) Stamler and Jill Travis; also survived by seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sister of Beverly Hertig and the late Donald Sutherland and Jean Vannest. Friends may call Friday 1-4 PM followed by prayers Friday at 4 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
Dexter Corson Lewis, Jr., - 74, of Trenton, Florida, went home to be with our Lord on March 4, 2016. He was surrounded by his family at St. Anthony's at de Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis, Missouri and spent his last days sharing memories and watching the birds and squirrels outside his window.
Dexter was born on December 24, 1941 in Lockport, New York to Charlotte (Armstrong) Lewis and Dexter Corson Lewis, Sr. On December 22, 1962 Dexter and Karen Christine King were united in marriage in Fitchburg, MA. They were blessed with three children and made their home in Melrose, MA. In 1979 the family moved to Farmington, New Mexico. In 2001 Dexter retired as the Assistant Fire Marshal of the Farmington Fire Department after 17-1/2 years of dedicated service to the Department and the citizens of Farmington. Dexter was also a Volunteer Firefighter and Chief of the San Juan County (NM) Fire Department District 2 (Flora Vista).
In 2005 Dexter and Karen moved to Trenton, Florida where they enjoyed gardening, cooking, home improvement projects, and reading. Although "retired", Dexter continued to unselfishly serve his fellow citizens as the On-Call Fire Investigator with Gilchrist County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department until 2015. Dexter proudly served in the United States Navy until 1964 as a Fire Control Technician (FTG), Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD-850). He was Honorably Discharged in 1966.
Dexter is survived by his brother Collin Lewis (Susan) of Santa Rosa, CA; his three children, Kristina Lefever (Randy) of Farmington, NM, David Lewis (Amanda) of Wentzville, MO and Andrew Lewis (Anita) of Arlington, AZ; nine grandchildren, Savannah, Sasha, Nathan, Zachary, Emily, Jordan, Kyle, Isabella and Charlotte; and three great-grandchildren, Molly, Vivian and Carmen. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Karen (King) Lewis in October 2015, Dexter C. Lewis, Sr. and Charlotte (Armstrong) Lewis. A Memorial gathering and Graveside Service for both Dexter (with military honors) and Karen will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made to St. Anthony's at de Greeff Hospice House, 10024 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128.
Patricia C. (nee Dilger) Stumm - March 5, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late Norbert Stumm; also survived by friends. Patricia's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Dr. Lani Johnson Burkman - March 4, 2016, of Grand Island, a Research Scientist in human reproduction; wife of Thomas W. Burkman; mother of Heather (Zack Schildhorn) Burkman and Wesley (Aleea Davis) Burkman; grandmother of Hailey, Alex and Austin Gworek and Asher Burkman; stepmother of J. Bradford (Kathleen Guinnane) Burkman and Mary Gworek; daughter of J. Archie and the late Elizabeth Johnson; sister of Rena Sperling, Rod (Sandy) and Steve (Cindy) Johnson. Memorial Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, March 19 preceded by visitation from 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Journey's End Refugee Services, 2495 Main St., Suite 313, Buffalo, NY 14212. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Judith N. (nee Gallery) Milley, the former Judith Anderson - formerly of Grand Island, Florida and North Tonawanda, entered peacefully into Heaven on February 14, 2016 in Niagara Hospice. Mother of Tammy Miazga, David (Eileen), John (Laura), Jennifer and Russell (Jill) Anderson, Grandmother of Aimee (Jasen) Cooper, David, Melanie, Joleine and Tyler Anderson, also survived by several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, former sister-in-law and best friend to Joanie Anderson and former mother-in-law to Nancy Anderson. Private services arranged by family.
Kathi Stickl- March 1, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late John Stickl; mother of Kathi (late Helmut) Stinner, Martha (Nikolaus) Jaeger Gattschling and John W. (Kem) Stickl; grandmother of Steven Stinner, Lisa Wozniak, Paulette Wolski, Michael and Stephen Gattschling, Johnny, Jaimie, Jessica and Jordan Stickl; also survived by 19 great-grandchildren. No prior visitation. Funeral services will be held Friday at 4 PM at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buffalo Dream Center, P.O. Box 934, Buffalo, NY 14201. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Rosemarie (nee Tomasula) Reeves- Of Grand Island, February 28, 2016, wife of the late Earl L. Reeves; dear mother of Paul (late Patricia), Robert (Laura), Daniel (Christine) Reeves, Victoria Strano; loving grandmother of 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and the late Gavin Reeves; sister of the late Pasquale (Inez) Tomasula and Angela (Liborio) Piazza; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Wednesday 4-8 PM, where funeral will be held Thursday at 9 AM. Mass of Christian Burial from St. Andrew's RC Church at 9:30 AM. Interment Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Dr., No. 6, Williamsville 14221 are preferred. Visit www.ginnanefuneralhome.com.
Charlotte A. (nee Wojciechowski) Last- February 27, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late Herman J. Last; mother of the late Roger Last; sister of Helen (late Joseph) Kolock, Rose (late Joseph) Parylo, Mary (John) Domagala and the late Stella (late Edward) Kwiatkowski, Genevieve (late Richard) Stronka and Joseph (survived by wife Barbara) Wojciechowski; also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM.
Marilyn D. Koziol- February 27, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late Richard Koziol; mother of Richard Koziol, Jr. of Santa Clarita, CA, Susan L. Gerow of St. Catherines, Ontario, Robert Koziol of Niagara Falls and Sherri (James) McMahon of Grand Island; grandmother of Michelle Christine Wheeler, Michael and Shawn Gerow and Joshua McMahon; sister of Sharon (Victor) Shakarjian; daughter of the late James and Margaret Wilson. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Leslie A. Morgan- Lake Orion, MI formerly of Grand Island. February 20, 2016. Leslie is survived by her husband of almost 30 years, Robert; daughter, Jessica Morgan; mother, Shirley; sisters, Linda (Ed) Miller and Jackie (Mike) Mertens; nephews, Ben, George and Eddie; niece, Maggie; several aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and her dog, Prince. Friends may call at HARLOFF FUNERAL HOME, 803 S. Washington St., East Rochester, Thursday 4-8 PM. Leslie's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10 AM at St. Joseph's Church, 43 Gebhardt Rd., Penfield. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to a charity of your choice in her memory.
Sheila J. Jensen - February 15, 2016 of Grand Island. loving and devoted daughter of the late Edward W. and Agnes B. (Birkby) Jensen; sister of Diane Dubnicky and Anita Smyntek; aunt of Mike, Dan and Nick; feline mother of Sunshine "Sonny"; favorite cousin of Glenn Grayson and David Heron; dear friend of Lynda Erick and Michele Coughlin. Memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 AM at Elmlawn Cemetery, Chapel of the Elms, 3939 Delaware Ave., Tonawanda. Flowers gratefully declined, memorials to American Lung Assoc ., American Diabetes Association or the SPCA. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
Michael S. Cebulak, Jr. - After a lengthy illness, February 16, 2016 of Grand Island. Beloved husband of Gayle Cebulak; father of the late Michael Cebulak; grandfather of Joshua Cebulak; brother of Sandra (Jerry) Lasher; son of the late Jane and Stephen Cebulak, Sr.; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services private. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
Ann Fries - February 13, 2016, of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Jack Fries; beloved mother of Janet (Hans) Mobius and Gail (George) Petrie; grandmother of HJ (Dana) Mobius, Pamela (James) Armstrong, Jennifer Petrie and Kevin (Krista) Petrie; also survived by four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Women's Board of the Buffalo Zoo. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Mary J. (nee Franklin) Riley - February 10, 2016 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of the late Clinton L. Riley; adored mother of Lawrence, James, Robert (Debi), Linda Benns, Sharon (Robert) Kish, David (Lynn), Patricia (Frank) Pfonner, John (fiance;e Amanda), Adam and Lawrence Riley Jr.; dearest gammi of 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; special aunt of Peggy Riordan. Mary was predeceased by her parents Margaret and CJ, three sisters, two brothers and granddaughter Jennifer. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC., FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Monday at 10:00AM at St. Martin's in the Fields Episcopal Church 2587 Baseline Rd. Grand Island, NY. Rest in Peace Mom.
Kenneth R. Hoover - February 10, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of Babette (nee Goss) Hoover; son of Ralph and the late Jean Hoover; brother of Kathi (Harry) Applegate, Donald (Darlene) Hoover and Nancy Anderson; also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday 2-6 PM, followed by Funeral Services at 6 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice .
Peter M. McKee, Feb. 12, 1948 - Feb. 8, 2016, of Grand Island, former director of purchasing for the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, died Monday in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston, after a lengthy struggle with an autoimmune disorder. He would have turned 68 on Friday.
Born in Buffalo, he was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. After working for a year in New Jersey, Mr. McKee moved to Grand Island and worked as a chemical engineer for Lucidol, Polymer Applications and other companies, then joined the Diocese of Buffalo after he received a master's degree in business administration from the University at Buffalo. As director of purchasing from 1984 to 2007, he and a staff of 13 at one time oversaw purchasing and accounting for 350 parishes, 100 schools, seven hospitals and 15 nursing homes. He was a past president and board member of the National Catholic Group Purchasing Association. Through that group, he met Pope John Paul II.
In 2008, he returned to engineering with Lender Consulting Services in Buffalo, where he provided technical oversight for construction and brownfield cleanup projects. A senior vice president with the company, he retired in 2012. Mr. McKee served on the Town of Grand Island Zoning Board of Appeals for 16 years and was its chairman for 10 years. He also served for six years on the Town Planning Board and was a member of the town's Long Range Planning Committee. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Town Board in 1999. He also was a member of the Erie County Environmental Management Council and the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House.
Active in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, he was president of the Parish Council in the 1980s and served on the Committee for the New Church. He was a past president of the Notre Dame Club of Buffalo and Western New York and a recipient of its Award of the Year honors in 1981. He helped run a weekend bus trip for 100 fans to Notre Dame football games for more than 40 years and served on the Notre Dame National Alumni Board. He was an avid golfer. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, the former Diane Wallace; a son, Christopher; a daughter, Kathleen; and a grandson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Newman Center at UB North, 495 Skinnersville Road, Amherst.
Eleanor J. Smith - February 4, 2016, peacefully, surrounded by family at her home, of Grand Island. Beloved wife of Clifford R. Smith, Sr.; dearest mother of Suzanne (Paul) Ackendorf, Clifford (Lisa) Smith, Jr. and Timothy (Marijane) Smith; loving grandmother of Steven (Ashley) and Sheri Ackendorf, Emma and Evan Smith, Brett and Brooklyn Morton; dear sister of Arlene (late Donald) Kukulka, Ralph (Edith) Touvell and Linda (Gerald) Roberts; loving daughter of the late Ralph and Casey Touvell. Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.Dr. James J. Mezhir - Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, passed away February 3, 2016 after a nearly two year battle with gastric cancer. James Mezhir was born June 28, 1973 in Niagara Falls, New York. He and his wife, Priya George Mezhir, have two young daughters, Malinee and Anjali. Dr. Mezhir's journey to becoming a physician is a unique experience in that he was a 25 year survivor of cancer. When he was a teenager, James was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma after undergoing a Whipple procedure for bile duct obstruction. He underwent 12-months of chemotherapy and had been cancer free since that time. Being cured of cancer is what drove Dr. Mezhir toward caring for cancer patients and into the research field. He wanted to show children diagnosed with this disease that there is a future and life after cancer.
Dr. Mezhir attended medical school at the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York and he completed his residency at the University of Chicago under the training of Drs. Mitchell Posner and Jeffrey Matthews, at which time he completed two years of dedicated basic science research in the laboratory of Dr. Ralph Weischselbaum. Dr. Mezhir continued his training as a fellow in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City where he worked closely with Dr. Ron DeMatteo and Dr. Murray Brennan. Dr. Mezhir was recruited to the University of Iowa in 2010, where he became a valued member of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery in the Department of Surgery.
As a Surgical Oncologist, his primary clinical practice was in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other GI cancers. He collaborated with many basic scientists and clinicians in multiple disciplines in an effort to advance the field of pancreatic cancer research. Through his laboratory efforts, which focused on elucidating the complex biology of pancreatic and gastric cancer, Dr. Mezhir made novel discoveries in the biology of pancreatic and gastric cancer that will continue to have important translational implications that will eventually lead to novel therapies for these GI malignancies. Dr. Mezhir had over 50 peer reviewed publications and was on the editorial board of 6 surgical and scientific journals. Through these activities and his publications, he made a substantive impact on the medical literature. His laboratory was supported by an American Surgical Association Foundation fellowship, the Department of Surgery, and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Grateful patients and their families also generously supported Dr. Mezhir's research endeavors.
Dr. Mezhir was named as one of Castle Connelly's America's Top Doctors in 2015; he was a nominee for the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award in 2014; he received the Teacher of the Year Award from the General Surgery Residents at the University of Iowa as well as the Teacher of the Year Award from the General Surgery Medical Students at the University of Iowa in 2012. Prior to his years at the University of Iowa he received awards for Most Outstanding Clinical Research at the Charles Huggins Research Competition in Chicago, IL in 2004 and Most Outstanding Surgical Research at the Chicago Surgical Society in 2005. He will be deeply missed by his peers, trainees and patients.
Memorial services will be held at 3pm Saturday, February 6, 2016, at the River Community Church in Iowa City with the Reverend Tommy Roberts Officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for his daughters, Malinee and Anjali's education.
Ruth M. (nee Wind) Wojtas - January 13, 2016, born August 16, 1919 to the late Joseph and Victoria Wind; of Grand Island, formerly of Eggertsville. Wife of the late John J. Wojtas; mother of Joanne (Robert) Gesl, John (late Patricia) and Gary (Pamela) Wojtas; also survived by seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; predeceased by three sisters and two brothers. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday February 13, at 10 AM St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mass offerings. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
Lynn Goodwill - January 25, 2016, of Grand Island. mother of Karen (Jacob Messing) Goodwill and the late Christopher Goodwill; grandmother of Chelsea, Jenna, Jason, Caleb, Parker and Olivia; stepmother of Janice, Andrew and Angela; sister of Tony, Billy and Jean. As per her request, no service will be held. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.
John A. "Buzzy" Buscaglia - January 23, 2016, of Grand Island, loving father of Patricia (Dennis) Hooper, Jeannette (Derek Malis) and Georgia C. Buscaglia; cherished son of the late John C. and Georgia B. Buscaglia; dear brother of Louise (Alvin) Klenk, Georgia (Raymond) Owczarzak, Carol Lynn, James (Syndi) and Jeanne Buscaglia; husband of Patricia (Giarrano) Buscaglia. Friends may call Tuesday 3-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stella Niagara Education Park.
Mary Lorraine "Lorry" (nee Moran) Kehoe - Mary Lorraine "Lorry" (nee Moran) January 22, 2016, of Grand Island, wife of the late John A. "Jack" Kehoe, Sr.; mother of Patricia (Douglas) Harding, Maureen (Steven) Toth, John A. Kehoe, Jr., Colleen (Peter) Romano and James S. (Michelle) Kehoe; grandmother of Daniel Harding, Kari (Daniel) Klos, Kristen (Joseph) Lee, Peter (Cyndy) Montana, Tammy Iannello, Joshua Kehoe, Angie (Justin) Nesbitt, Vincent, Marissa and Samuel Romano, Kellie and Jacqueline Kehoe; also survived by 11 great-grandchildren; sister of the late Katherine Hastins. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 30 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors or Wings Flights of Hope. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME. Eugene E. Belstraz - January 20, 2016, of Grand Island, husband of the late Elaine L. Belstraz; father of Leloni (Nicholas) Cordilione, Henry (Valerie) Lundy, Lance (Gayle) Lundy and Cynthia Nagler; grandfather of Alex (Tiffany) Lundy, Ryan Cordilione, Alyssa (Kevin) Kersch, Kayla (Chris) Hammond, Bradford Lundy, Leah and Melanie Nagler; also survived by six great-grandchildren; predeceased by six brothers and sisters. Friends may call Sunday 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 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.
Gregory J. Olson - Age 55, of Grand Island, NY, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016, son of the late Alvin and Isabelle (Rizzo) Olson; loving husband of the late Cynthia (Innes) Olson; beloved father of Jennalise E. Olson; brother of Morris A. (Louise) Olson, Charles J. (Maureen) Olson, both of Niagara Falls, John T. (Maureen) Olson of Lewiston; son-in-law of Fern (late Walter) Innes of Tonawanda; brother-in-law of Stephen (Jelene) Innes and Elaine (Kader) Laroussi; also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation Friday from 4-8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls (please assemble at church). Interment in Whitehaven Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorials to Breast Cancer Network of WNY, 3297 Walden Ave., Depew, NY 14043. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Antonio Mastrangelo - January 19, 2016 of Grand Island at age 93, son of the late Eupilo M. and Felecia M. (Rampino) Mastrangelo. Antonio was predeceased by his wife Josephine M. (Passanese) Mastrangelo; father of Felicia (Ronald) Lepine and Anthony L. Mastrangelo and the late Laurie Ann Mastrangelo; grandfather of Laurie Lepine, Jennifer (Nate) Carr, Nina Mastrangelo and Anna (George) Ihle, four great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by seven brothers and sisters. Visitation on Friday 4-8 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 23rd at 10 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Ave. (everyone please assemble at church). Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Please visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Louis Albert "Ramblin Lou" Schriver - Age 86, of Grand Island, January 17, 2016. He was President and General Manager of WXRL and a lifetime member of the "Country Music Association," and a member of the "Buffalo Music Hall of Fame," the "WNY Broadcasting Hall of Fame," and the Country Music "Disc Jockey Hall of Fame." For 51 years "Ramblin Lou" and his family played at the Erie County Fair. He received the "Distinguished Broadcaster Award" from the Buffalo Broadcaster Pioneers. He was a Lifetime member of Musicians Local #92 of Buffalo and Musicians Local #209/106 of Tonawanda. He was the son of the late Louis and Edna Schriver. Beloved husband of Joan Schriver for over 54 years; dear father of Linda Lou Schriver-Sukennik (Bruce), Louis Edward Schriver, Lori Ann Schriver, Lynn Carol Schriver-Supparits (Steve); grandpa of Lindsey Carol Supparits, Crista Marie Sukennik, Louis Albert Schriver V, Luke Austin Schriver, and Raj Kumar Arumugam; brother of Doris (late Franklin) Wenske, the late Beverly (Joe) Sionko, Carol (Larry) Gerber, also survived by nieces and a nephew. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda on Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:30 AM from Salem United Church of Christ, 114 Morgan St., Tonawanda. The Rev. Jeremy Lopez will officiate. Interment will be in White Chapel Memorial Park. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Salem U.C.C. Memorial Fund.Judith A. Pagano - January 11, 2016, of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Pagano; dear mother of Lynn (Grant) Yi of West Chester, CA, Tracy (Eric Eggars) Schmidt and Michael (Jenny) Kleinschmidt, both of Grand Island; loving grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of one; daughter of the late Paul and Loretta Connelly of Erie, PA; sister of the late Richard Connelly. Friends may call Thursday 6-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM St. Stephen's Church.
Francis P. Quinn - January 10, 2016, beloved husband of Mary (nee Lipiec) Quinn and the late Molly (nee Shear) Quinn; devoted father of Mary Pierre (Gene) Stanbro, Frank (Jolynn) Quinn, Kim (Steve) Rebmann, Faith (Mark) Lemke, Ken Quinn, Joe (Misty) Quinn, John (Lindsay) Quinn, Christian Quinn, Mary Grace (Jim) Battaglia, and Kelly (John) Arnone; cherished grandfather of 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; dear brother of Mary Ellen (Gene) Thirolf and the late William and Thomas Quinn; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. The family will be present Thursday from 7-9 PM and Friday from 3-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive (corner Parker Blvd.) Family and friends are invited to assemble Saturday at 10 AM in St. Stephen R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. Mr. Quinn served as Buffalo Police Officer for 31 years and retired in 1997. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Share condolences online at www.AMIGONE.com.Elizabeth A. Budd - passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family, on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the age of 73. Elizabeth was originally from Buffalo, daughter of the late Michael and Mary (nee Kita) Szuflita. In 1996 she relocated to the Tampa, Florida area where she enjoyed the warm weather, sandy beaches and the beautiful ocean view. She worked for school districts in Erie County, including Grand Island, before retiring to Clearwater, Florida. Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, Michael A. Budd, her son, Michael D. (Tricia )Budd, her grandchildren; Gracie Budd and Benjamin Budd, her sister, Lorraine Slazak. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice.
Albin J. Cich, III - January 7, 2016, age 57, beloved father of Albin J., IV (Lindsey) and Anthony S. (Rachel); loving grandfather of Charlotte and Clark; dear brother of David (fiancee Patricia Hoinski), Dale (Nancy), Roberta Shafer, the late Daniel and Joseph; adored friend and ex-spouse of Josette Cich; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Sunday from 2-6 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.), where a Funeral Service will immediately follow at 6 PM. Friends invited. Interment to be held privately by the family. Albin was the Co-Owner of the family business, North Drive Window Cleaning, Inc. in Grand Island, NY. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.Patricia Marie (nee Leach) Gress - Unexpectedly, January 1, 2016, of Grand Island, age 47, beloved wife of Darren; devoted mother of Marissa; loving daughter of Pat and the late Ralph Leach; siblings, Dawn (David) Hanes, Thomas (Connie) Leach and Judy (Mark) Hasenauer; in-laws, Carol and the late Don Gress, Don (Jill) Gress, Doug (Kyoung hee) Gress and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 73 Adam St., Tonawanda. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the ASPCA.
