Deaths 2018

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   Lindy O. Allen, E8 AOCS USN (retired) - formerly of Grand Island, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the age of 94 in Hurley, Wisconsin. Lindy is survived by five children - Linda Pettitt, Rex (Debby) Allen, Karen (James) D'Ingillo, Matthew (Noreen) Allen and Justin (Jillyn) Allen; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivar and Rose Marie; his two wives, Dorothy and Susan; his daughter Andrea; his two brothers, Clyde and Douglas; and his two sisters, Sigrid and Annette. A memorial service will be held in the spring in Bessemer, Michigan. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetary in Bessemer with military rites.

   Jean M. (nee McGaffin) Brennan - December 27, 2018, of Grand Island, wife of the late Martin Brennan; mother of William (Marilyn), Gary (Marilyn) and Cindy Brennan; grandmother of Lori, Cheryl, Dennis, Erin and Ian; also survived by six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sister of Michael (Judy) McGaffin; daughter of the late Harry and Leona McGaffin. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 5th, at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

    Donna Jean (nee Newell) McGilveary - December 25, 2018, of Grand Island. Loving wife of 53 years of Murray O. McGilveary. Mother of Murray C., Tammy, Brady and Jason McGilveary and Lynn (nee Gilmer) Tepley. Grandmother of Joshua, Travis, Jordon and Zachary McGilveary. Great-grandmother of Olivia and Grant. Sister of Gerald (Nancy) Newell and Diane Smith. Daughter of the late Charles and Mary Newell. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 1 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SPCA or the American Cancer Soc. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

   Leslie A. Brozek - December 23, 2018, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of North Tonawanda. Daughter of Lena (nee Pallotta) and the late Richard Brozek. Sister of Kyle (Chris) Aronica of Grand Island. Aunt of Christopher and Michelle Aronica. Also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. 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 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summit Life Outreach Center, 1622 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

   Dolores DiTullio - December 23, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late James DiTullio; mother of Judy (Gary Steele) Penque, Diane (James) Muscoreil, Dick (Debi) and the late Puppet DiTullio; grandmother of Nicole (Carlton) Buscemi, Jaimey (Dan) DeLorenza, Frank Jr. (Amber Storr), Nick and Louis (Amy) Penque, Michele (Ted) Penque Szarzanowicz, David (Elisa) and AJ (Jess) DiTullio, Jimmy (Michelle) and Kevin Muscoreil. Also survived by 17 grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister of the late Nettie Garrett and Lt. Col. James Smith. Friends may call Friday, 4-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where prayers will be offered Friday at 6:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gates Vascular Institute.

Charles Daniel Webster, Sr. - December 15, 2018, age 86, beloved father of Nancy (Clifton) Snyder, Patrick (Sussette) Webster, Mary Lou Curtin and the late Charles Daniel (Jean) Webster, Jr.; dearest companion of the late Barbara Kozlowski; loving grandfather of eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brother of James (Mary) Webster, Gerald Webster and the late Jeanne Aiple. There will be no prior visitation. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorials may be made in Dan's memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. Please share your condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

   Christopher J.Taylor, Sr. - age 60, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland, Florida on Sunday, December 16, 2018 after a long illness, and courageous fight against cancer.
    Chris is survived by his loving children Christopher Taylor, Jr (Michelle) of Grand Island, NY, Shawna Ware (Cedric) of Buffalo, NY, Mathew Key (Stephany) of Lakeland, FL, and LCpl Justin Taylor currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune; five beloved grandchildren, Kara, Cedric, Jr., Sofia, Annalise, and Clayton; siblings Stephen Taylor (Susan) of Lakeland, FL, Timothy Taylor (Kim) of Covington, GA and Janice Green of Yardley, PA.; Uncle Robert Rohde of Horseheads, NY, Aunt Evelyn Taylor of Elmira, NY, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Doris Taylor and his brother SGT Philip Taylor.
   Chris was born on July 19, 1958 in Elmira, NY. His family moved to Grand Island, NY when he was 9, and he attended Grand Island Sr. High School. From there, he began his service to our country in the United States Army. His choice to go into the Army was fueled by a desire to follow in his older brother, Phil’s, footsteps. His career in Air Defense Artillery took him overseas to Korea and Germany, but his time in Key West, FL was by far his favorite. Key West became his favorite place in the world.
   Once Chris left the Army with an Honorable Discharge, he chose to move to Lakeland, FL in 1984. In Lakeland, Chris started his carpet cleaning business, Taylor Bros. Carpet Care. His success was due to his attention to detail and desire to do the best work possible for all of his customers. He was a hard working man, and it was not easy for him to stop working when he was forced to do so in 2013 due to illness.
    Late in 2012, Chris was informed that the pain he has been experiencing was related to the fact that he had liver disease caused by a genetic disorder called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. He fought to live long enough to get a liver transplant in February 2014, all the while suffering with great pain. Once he recovered from the transplant surgery, Chris felt he has a new lease on life and was incredibly grateful to everyone who cared for him and prayed for him through that time, but mainly grateful to the donor and their family for making the life saving decision to be an organ donor.
   Unfortunately, Chris began having discomfort again. The liver doctors told him that his new liver was fine. As the pain continued, Chris’s doctors did further testing and, in September 2015, he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. He vowed to fight the cancer with all of his might for as long as he could, and he did. He wanted to live long enough to see his son, Justin, graduate from high school, and he wanted to live long enough to meet his grandson, Clayton, both of which he succeeded in doing. In the last few years of his life, Chris made beautiful memories with his family and friends.
    Chris’s family was first and foremost in his life. He enjoyed spending time with his siblings, nephews and nieces and, of course, children and grandchildren as often as possible. He was someone in the family that everyone knew they could turn to for guidance, help with their car, or just a listening ear or hug. He loved to tease, laugh and wrestle with everyone. Being a grandfather brought such happiness to Chris. He loved his grandchildren and loved every second that he could spend with them. He was guilty of spoiling them with a candy or two, but especially guilty of letting them know how much they were loved. As a father, Chris taught his children to be respectful, kind, polite and hard-working. He taught them to do their best at work and school, take care of one another, and he taught them to love an appreciate that they are fortunate to live in the United States of America.
    Patriotism was another passion of Chris’s. He instilled that in his children, teaching them to respect the flag, thank a veteran, participate in Patriot Guard rides and laying wreaths with Wreaths Across America, He was incredibly proud of each of his boys when they all chose to serve our country in the military -- Chris, Jr. in the Air Force, Mat in the Navy and Justin in the Marines. Between him and his boys, they covered as many branches of the service as they could.
    We have lost a good man to a horrible disease. Chris would often remind us with a pin that he regularly wore, “Cancer Sucks”. As much suffering as Chris has endured in the past six years with his liver transplant and his cancer, he always gave credit to his doctors and nurses at the VA Hospitals in Pittsburgh and Tampa for taking excellent care of him. He always felt that he had the best care and felt that the doctors truly did their very best for him. We, his family, thank the VA for all that they did to allow us to have Chris in our lives for as long as we did.
   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church 333 Terrace Way, Lakeland, FL. After Mass there will be a Patriot Guard escort to Oak Hill Cemetery where a military honor graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris’s name to The American Cancer Society, the Wounded Warrior Project, or The Vietnam Veterans Association.

   George Hill Cady - December 1, 2018
    George Hill Cady, former International Sales Manager at Columbus McKinnon in Buffalo, NY passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018. He was 93. Born in Greenville PA, he grew up on the Niagara River in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. He married the love of his life, Kathryn DeBlieux from Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1948 and they resided on the west river of Grand Island, NY until Kathryn’s death in January 2004. George moved to The Redwoods (a community of Seniors) in Mill Valley, CA in 2013.
    He is survived by sons, Jeffrey Cady of San Rafael, CA, Drew Cady of Del Mar, CA and Judd Cady of New York City; grandchildren Amelia Cady, El Cerrito, CA, Wesley Cady, NYC & Casey Cady, NYC.
    For a boy from small town Ontario, George had an interesting life. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, was sent to officers’ school in the US, in New Orleans, which he had heard of, and as a Commissioned Officer, served as Port Director at Leyte-Samar in the Philippines after the end of WWII. He returned and received his engineering degree from Tulane University, and with his brothers and father founded Cady Metal Fabricating Co in North Tonawanda, NY. He joined Columbus McKinnon Chain Co., at first selling and servicing mining equipment, working in most of the coal and salt mines in the U.S and eventually serving as their International Sales Manager, selling industrial chain around the globe. He finished his career at J.C. Towne Co as a manufacturer’s rep selling industrial anti-pollution equipment.
    George was a devoted father, grandfather, husband and friend. He loved camping, travel, sailing, barbecuing on the patio, golf and planting trees. Blessed with a modest demeanor, a wonderful gentlemanliness, and a quiet sense of humor, he led his life looking for opportunities to enrich the lives of those fortunate enough to have passed his way. Many people thought him about the nicest person they had ever met. He will be very, very missed.
    Memorial donations can be sent to The Redwoods scholarship fund, 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941. A small memorial service is planned to be held at the Redwoods after the new year and another on the east coast.

   George A. Riscili - 93, of Grand Island, husband of the late Rose T. (Gaetano) Riscili, on Friday, December 14, 2018 in Elderwood of Grand Island. Born in Westfield, NY he was the son of Joseph and Pauline Riscili. Father of Joseph (Melanie) Riscili and Thomas (Rosemarie) Riscili; grandchildren, Michael (Christine) Riscili, Mathew (Kathleen) Riscili, Leigh (Paul) Smith, Amy (Mark) Gardner, Jennifer Riscili, Thomas (Emily) Riscili, Jr. and Jessica Riscili; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Elliana, Andrew, Benjamin, Gabriel, Gavin, Trip, Samantha and Elizabeth; sister, Angie (late Peter) Patruno; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Demico and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Riscili was predeceased by his sisters, Frances Natale, Carrie Cammarata, Jennie Virga, Josephine Herkey, Rose Ungaro and Santa Ferro.
   Visitation Sunday from 2 - 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where Funeral Services will begin on Monday at 9:15 AM followed by George's Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Holy Family Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Burial with Military Honors in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, PO Box 426, Clarence, NY 14031. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

   Milton L. Keeney - December 13, 2018, of Amherst, NY. Beloved husband of Betty (Bouton) Keeney; dear father of, Kathy Demonte, Michael Keeney, Sean (Yvette) Keeney, Cheryl (Chris) Jordan, Mark Callen, Todd (Chris) Callen and Jim (Rebecca) Lewis; brother of Pat (John) Brown and the late Dennis Keeney; also survived by 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 pm, at the Lester H. Wedekindt, Inc. Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service, on Wednesday at 10:30 am, at Kenmore Presbyterian Church, 2771 Delaware Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be shared at, www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com

Milo G. Wuslich - December 11, 2018. Beloved husband of Sofia (nee Zdjelar) Wuslich; dearest father of Mark (Natalia); beloved grandfather of Melania; son of the late Miller and Mildred (nee Perich) Wuslich; brother of Melissa (late Arthur) Marrion; also survived by nieces and nephews. Family, Kumovi, and friends may call at THE COLONIAL MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC., 3003 South Park Ave., Lackawanna, NY, on Friday, December 14th from 4-9 PM. Pomen at 7. Visitation will continue on Monday, December 17th at Tatalovich Funeral Home, 2205 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Pomen at 7:30. Funeral Service Tuesday, December 18th, 11 AM at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin St., Aliquippa, PA.

Sandra Elizabeth (nee Armstrong) Jones - of Grand Island, NY for 30 years and of Fort Myers Beach, FL for 20 years, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018. She was 81 years old. Sandra was daughter of the late Neil and Marion Armstrong of Lewiston NY. Sandra is survived by her husband Thomas H. Jones, married for 55 years; of Fort Myers Beach, FL, her son Daniel N. Jones of Buffalo, NY, her daughter Deborah A. (Phillip) Rotella of Sherrills Ford, NC., granddaughters, Felicia Christine Rotella (Steven Marchello) and Ashton Elizabeth (Richard) Hernandez. In addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Grand Island at the convenience of the family this upcoming spring.

   Louise Alessi - Passed away on November 27, 2018 at age 80. A Grand Island resident for the last 36 years, formally from Niagara Falls. Beloved wife for 63 amazing years to Leonard Alessi; with their two daughters Lynn and Lisa, devoted grandmother to Alyssa, Vincent, Alysse and Alec, loving sister to Ann D. (the late William) Bishara. Aunt to William, Michael (Jennifer) and David (Susan) Bishara, special friend to Linda (Joseph) D’Antuono, Linda Tomkiel, Noreen Panzarella and Jackie Martin, daughter of the late Joseph and Bella Medzadourian.
   She lived a full life surrounded with love, never a dull moment, sharing all the laughter and joy. She was always willing to listen to your problems while enjoying a cup of coffee with you. She owned and operated the following restaurants: Lenardo’s in Niagara Falls, Main Street Ice Cream and Lu Lu’s at the Summit Park Mall and Town Cafe on Grand Island, each one being her pleasure to serve. As per Louise’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life for friends and family will be on Saturday, December 29th, from 2pm-5pm at the Town Cafe on Grand Island.

    Nancy M. (nee Denver) Luescher - December 2, 2018. Beloved wife of Thomas C. Luescher; dear mother of Jennine Erhard and Tiffany (Kasey) Morgan; loving grandmother of Kearney, Keelan, McLain, Malcolm, Colin and Brennan; sister of Kathleen (William) Reese; survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Keeping with Nancy's wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements by JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

   Barbara Ann Jordan - Passed away November 30, 2018, while a resident at the Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Ann (Peters) Palko. Mrs. Jordan moved to New York City after high school and worked as a secretary for a Cardinal. She then worked as a switchboard operator at the Taft Hotel. She eventually moved to Niagara Falls, and was a secretary for one of the Vice Presidents of the Carborundum Company. She was also employed as a buyer for Moore Business Forms for 20 years.
   She was predeceased by her husband Frank in August 2018, and a daughter Kathleen Jordan. She is survived by a son Philip Jordan; two grandchildren Sara and Michael Jordan; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no prior visitation. A Funeral Mass for Barbara will be held December 5th, at 10:00 am at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY, followed by interment in St. Stephen Cemetery.

   Sara "Sally" (Dillingham) Trippe - Of Grand Island, formerly of Wheatfield, wife of Russell D. Trippe; mother of Rachele (Ian) Sutherland of Grand Island; grandmother of Eva, Cora, James and Pierce Sutherland; sister of Walter (Carol) Dillingham; sister-in-law of Dorothy Trippe; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends may call Monday 5:30-8:30 PM, followed by memorial services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo. She passed away in the loving care of the Brompton Heights staff.

   Richard Charles Stack - October 29, 1951-November 19, 2018
   Age 67, of Douglasville, GA, passed away on Monday, November 19. He was born October 29, 1951 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Mr. Charles Thomas Stack and the late Mrs. Phyllis Rank Stack. Mr. Stack enjoyed riding his motorcycle and restoring old cars. He worked with Hudgins and Company in Atlanta since 1995.
   He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lee Popiel Stack of Douglasvilee, sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Corrine Stack of Douglasville, Jeremy and Erin Stack of Smyrna, GA, Anthony Stack of Savannah, GA; sisters and brother-in-law, Deborah Stack of Grand Island, NY, Denise and Tom Dewey of Grand Island, NY, Charlene "Sam" Stack of Grand Island; brother Daniel Stack of Buffalo, NY; four grandchildren, Alexander Stack, Benjamin Stack, Madeline Stack and Caleb Stack; several nieces and nephews also survive.
    According to Mr. Stack's wishes he was cremated. Memorial Services will be conducted Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. from the Church on the Word in Douglasville. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com.

Jean (nee Thorpe) Niland - November 27, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late J. Michael Niland; mother of James M. (Eileen), William "Bo" (Kim), Michael (Maryjo), Mary and the late Jane Niland; grandmother of Sarah (Eric) Soehnlein, Ryan (Keegan) and Kaitlyn Niland, Amanda and Thomas Brown, Jamie, Annie, James, Jane and Edward Niland; great- grandmother of Jack Soehnlein; sister of the late Donald and Robert Thorpe. Friends may call Friday 3-8 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buffalo City Mission or Hospice Buffalo.

   Roy Milton Ehlenfield - Of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest on November 15, 2018 at the age of 84. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Patricia Marie Ehlenfield (West); loving father of Daryl (Molly), Bryan (Angela) and Wendy Roddy. Also survived by six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Roy served in the US Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, he owned and operated Ropat Auto Electric Service for nearly 40 years. He was a recreational pilot, avid skier, and a fan of boats and cars. He held leadership positions and membership in the Amherst Shrine Club, and the Judges and Police Conference of Erie County. He was a member of the 100 Club of Buffalo, 200 Club of Cheektowaga, WNY Powerboat Association, and WNY Corvette Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roy's memory may be directed to Hospice of Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227 or to U.B. Foundation, Anatomical Gift Program, SUNY at Buffalo, P.O. Box 900, Buffalo, NY 14226. A Celebration of Life Service for Roy is being planned for family and friends for a future date.

   Thomas E. Vickers - November 19, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Helen C. Vickers. Father of Dorothy (Karl-Heinz) Lenz, Barbara Vickers, Cheryl (Joseph) Graf and Lisa (Brad) Burton. Also survived by four grandchildren. Predeceased by one brother and one sister. Friends may call Friday 1-5 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.

   Norman Kessner - Of Grand Island, November 12, 2018. Loving husband of Donna (nee Buchholz); dear father of Bonnie (Steve) Buirge, Heidi Falzone and Scott (Tammy) Kessner; also survived by five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, five sisters and three brothers. Donations in his name may be made to Hospice Foundation of WNY or to the UB Anatomical Gift Program in his memory.

Theodora "Teddy" (nee Klingel) Linenfelser - November 16, 2018, of Grand Island, wife of the late James E. Linenfelser; mother of James M. (Laury) Linenfelser and Julie (Donald) Dee; grandmother of John (Samantha) Bidell, Amy (Isaac) DeRego and Evan Linenfelser; great-grandmother of Francis Pio and Samson DeRego and Taylor Bidell; sister of Mary Ellen (the late James) Stewart; daughter of the late Theodore and Marion Klingel. 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. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Historical Society or the Grand Island Fire Co. Teddy was the founder and Director of Teddy's Islettes Baton and Drum Corps., and was the Grand Island Town Historian and a journalist for numerous local newspapers.

   Lorene F. Soares - Passed away peacefully at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on October 28, 2018. Lorene was the wife of the late Joseph Soares Sr; mother of Susan (Stephen) Taylor, Joanna, Joseph Jr, the late Jane Ann, and David (Jessica); grandmother to Matthew (Michalina), Joseph, and Katherine; great-grandmother to Mason; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
    Born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, on April 30, 1932, Lorene, her husband Joe and their two eldest children became Island residents in 1957. Special memories included her work with the Jr. Bills Football League; the Golden Age Center, where she worked for several years; and the many neighborhood children who, throughout the years, filled her days with joy and laughter.
    Lorene’s children would like to express their gratitude to the many family members, friends, and neighbors who were a special part of their mother’s life. Your friendship, love, and support always brought much comfort and joy. It is greatly appreciated.
    The family would also like to offer their thanks and appreciation to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital for the dedication, loving care, and support provided their mother. Private services and interment will be held in Kentucky at a later date.

   Elizabeth J. "Betty" Smith - Of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest October 30, 2018. Devoted wife of Donald C.; beloved mother of Diane (Michael) Annalett, MD; dearest grandmother of Elizabeth (Richard) Molinski and Margeaux (Landrey) Mack; and loving great-grandmother of Benjamin, Caleb, and Logan. There will be no prior visitation, as Elizabeth made an anatomical gift of her body to SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine for the training of future physicians. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Stephen's RC Church, Baseline Road, Grand Island, on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at 10 AM. Flowers and gifts gratefully declined.

Richard F. Kaczmarek - October 28, 2018, of Grand Island. Beloved husband of Sheila Kaczmarek. Loving father of Lindsey (Eric Kozakiewicz) Kaczmarek. Loving grandfather of Tyler and Zachary. Also survived by children, grandchildren, other family members and many friends. Friends may call Friday 6-7 PM followed by memorial services at 7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. His concentrated efforts towards bettering family, friends and community will be remembered by all. He was the go to guy, jack of all trades, that knew something about everything.

    Gerald F. Langgood - Of Grand Island, NY, formerly of North Tonawanda, Monday, October 29, 2018, at the age of 92; beloved husband of the late Marianne Kornacki and the late Helen (nee Bartkowiak) Langgood; dearest father of Rosemarie (Vincent) Baudo and Daniel (Dr. Sherry Bradford) Kornacki; loving grandfather of five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; also survived by nieces and nephews. Family will be present to greet relatives and friends FRIDAY, November 2, from 4-8 PM at the SABER FUNERAL HOME, 549 Oliver St., North Tonawanda (692-0271), where prayers will be offered on Saturday at 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church (Oliver St.) at 11 AM. Interment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Gerald was a retired employee of DuPont and a member of the Pioneer Club. Gerald was a US Navy Veteran of WWII and a member of Stephen Sikora Post 1322 American Legion. Flowers graciously declined. Memorial gifts may be made in Gerald's honor to Buffalo Hospice.

    Mary L. (Clear) McClive - 70, of Grand Island, Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Wife of Richard McClive, Sr.; mother of Winnoa (Raymond) Lara, Richard Jr. (Karen), and Charles (Jacqueline) McClive; predeceased by one sister and six brothers; grandmother of 10; great- grandmother of two; also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Kaiser Funeral Home, Inc., 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, where Funeral Services will follow. If desired, memorials may be made to the Golden Age Center, Grand Island, NY.

    Roger W. Thaler - October 20, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Judith (Nee Brem) Thaler; father of Christopher (Melissa) Thaler, Andrew (Sarah) Thaler and Kimberly (Adonis) Baptiste; grandfather of Averie and Abigail Baptiste; brother of Kenneth (Patricia) Thaler; son of the late Alfred and Ruby Thaler. Friends may call Tuesday 4-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM at St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Assn.

David W.Anstett - Of Hamburg, NY, October 19, 2018, beloved and devoted husband of Lynn (nee Opiel) Anstett; loving Dad to Allison (Jonathan) Ferree and Christopher Anstett; cherished Pepe to Levi; dearest son of Wayne and Jeanne Anstett; dear brother of John Anstett, Susan (Peter) Marston, and Michael (Kristen) Anstett; also survived by in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and many loving friends. The family will be present on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Blasdell/Lackawanna Chapel) JOHN J. KACZOR FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3450 South Park Ave., and where prayers will be said Friday morning at 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Dave was a die hard Buffalo Bills fan and supporter. Memorial donations may be made in Dave's name to Penn Medicine or the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Share condolences at www.kaczorfunerals.com.

Barbara (nee Zadrozny) Dus - Of Grand Island, NY. October 13, 2018, at age 81. Beloved wife of the late Richard L. Dus; loving daughter of the late Waclaw and Justyna Zadrozny; dear sister of the late Wieslaw (Elizabeth) Zadrozny; fond sister-in-law of the late Frances (Daniel) Kovach; dearest aunt of Piotr (Malgorzata) Zadrozny, Derek (Jennifer) Kovach, and Wayne (Mary) Kovach; also survived by cousins and many friends. Visitation at the KOLANO FUNERAL HOME, 396 Amherst St. (near Grant), Sunday 4-7 PM, where prayers will take place Monday at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption Church at 9:30 AM. Entombment St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Please share your condolences online at www.KOLANOFUNERALHOME.com.

Buffalo News Obituary
Julie Anne (nee Roth) Neville - Age 40, of Grand Island, October 16, 2018. Beloved wife of 12 years to James J. Neville; loving mother of Jonathan, Jayden, Jameson and Jaxson Neville; precious daughter of Jon and Jean (nee Pino) Roth; dearest sister of Jeffrey (Andrea) Roth; daughter-in-law of Lawrence and Kathryn Neville and sister-in-law of Kolleen Neville, Christine (Paul) Janik and Kimberly (Phil) Onevelo; also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday (October 19) from 4-8 PM at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad Sts.) in Tonawanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (October 20) at 10 AM in St. Stephen's RC Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. on Grand Island. Everyone welcome. Please assemble at church.
Julie grew up, lived and worked in Grand Island, NY. She was a beloved school teacher and coach for 18 years. Julie graduated from Grand Island High School in 1996 where she was an exceptional student and three-sport athlete. She was the school's first female 1,000 point scorer in basketball and still holds the school's record for wins in tennis. From there, Julie went to Xavier University and played Division 1 tennis. After earning her degree, Julie returned to her alma mater and began her teaching career at Huth Road Elementary School on Grand Island. Julie Neville was loved by her students, athletes and colleagues. She was an exceptional mother, wife, friend, daughter and sister. Everyone who knew Julie was a better person because of her. Above all else, Julie's greatest passion was her sons, Jonathan, Jayden, Jameson and Jaxon. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Neville Boys Education Fund and sent to 6839 Ava Lane, East Amherst, NY 14051. Online condolences may be shared at www.rothfuneral.com.

Thomas Francis Finn - Age 86, of Grand Island, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Buffalo Veterans Hospital. Born in Buffalo on October 25, 1931, he was the son of the late Francis and Mary (O'Brien) Finn. Tom attended St. Joseph Collegiate High School, graduating in 1949. Tom will be remembered as a loving and caring person, amazing father, and a wonderful husband to the love of his life Barbara for 61 years. He was proud of his Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland to visit family. He was a US Navy veteran, serving on the destroyer USS Arcadia. He enjoyed playing basketball, competing on the court until he was 79. He will be sadly missed by his wife; seven children: Kathleen (Peter) Winzig, Molly Beyer, Patrick (Amy) Finn, Kelly (Mark) Vettraino, Colleen (Robert) O'Donnell, Kevin (Maria) Finn, Kerry (Jackie) Finn; 16 grandchildren; and 5 2/3 great-grandchildren. 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.

Edward P. Lewis - October 12, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of 63 years of Nancy J. (Gerspach) Lewis. Father of Paul (Sandra) Lewis, Lynn (James) Salisbury, Matthew (Peggy) Lewis and the late Mark Lewis. Grandfather of Crystal, Brandie, Andrea, Matthew, April, Autumn, Jessica, Tori and Conner. Great-grandfather of Ayden and Grace. Son of the late William and Beatrice Lewis. Brother of the late William and Frank Lewis. 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 may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Brian L. Schorb - October 12, 2018, of Grand Island, at age 79. Beloved husband of 54 years to Judith (nee Christopher) Schorb; devoted father of Jodi and the late Christopher (Heather Thomson) Schorb; loving brother of Karen (late Robert) Zeller; dear brother-in law of Michael Christopher; cherished uncle of David (Cara) DiPasquale, Dana DiPasquale and Danielle (Charles) DiPasquale-Buscher. The family will be present to receive friends on Monday from 4-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, 10:00 AM at St. Stephen R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. All are asked to assemble at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brian's name to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. or St. Stephen R.C. Church. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

   Dennis Patti - October 1, 2018 of Gulfport, Florida. Beloved husband of Cheri (nee Lawhead) Patti. Loving father of Garrit Patti, Christopher Patti, Nicci Patti Rowley and three blessed granddaughters. Born in Dunkirk, NY, Dennis attended Grand Island High School and operated the original Shell gas station on the Island. A celebration of life was held on October 7, 2018 at his home in Gulfport.

   Thomas J. Dougherty, PhD - Of Rochester, NY, Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at age 85. Predeceased by his parents, Norma and Joseph Dougherty; and brother David Dougherty. Tom is survived by his sister Carol Perry of Syracuse, NY; brother Joseph (Jenny) Dougherty of Webster, NY; sister-in-law, Carol Dougherty of Colorado; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews. Tom lived in Grand Island, NY.
   He was a renowned cancer research scientist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute where he discovered and developed a cancer treatment called Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT). Dr. Dougherty has authored or coauthored over 200 scientific journal papers and has received numerous awards including The American Society of Photobiology Lifetime Achievement Award, The Sullivan Award (Ohio State University's highest honor for a graduate who has contributed most to the status of the university), the Benjamin Franklin Award for the Betterment of Human Health, Western New York Inventor of the Year, the Pioneers of Science award established by Professor Hauptman (himself a Nobel Laureate) and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Canisius College where he received his undergraduate degree.
   Thomas Dougherty was an exceptional human being, a shining light when it came to being creative and when it came to caring for others he was magnanimous beyond compare. His faith was as profound as his scientific brilliance. He thought about others before himself. His genius led him to cures. All this gave the world a genius and a saint without a halo. Tom was a profoundly humble man. He attributed his success to serendipity. He described his process of discovery with the words: "If your heart is open, if it is free of meanness, destiny takes us to wonderful places." Although the work goes on we have lost a very bright light.
    As per Tom's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Memorial Service will be on October 27, 2018 at 10:30 at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY. In honor of Tom, memorial contributions may be directed to The David Jay Dougherty Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Detection & Treatment c/o Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm and Carlton Sts., Buffalo, NY 14623.

    Carlo Lamancuso - October 5, 2018, of Grand Island, beloved husband of the late Jacqueline E. (nee Parisi) Lamancuso; loving father of Carol A. (Frank M.) Vacanti, Maria (James) Benson and Michelle Fiels; very devoted grandfather of Shandra (Ben) Gallegos, Frank R. Vacanti, Ryan, Jeremiah (Tisha) and Michael Benson, Robert C., Christopher M. and Jennifer M. Fiels; also survived by ten great-grandchildren; son of the late Michael and Catina Lamancuso; dear brother of the late Josephine, Mary, Tina, Betty and Michael. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   Peter Allen Stovall - 69, 23-Aug, Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob, MO.

   Gregory J. Hejmanowski - October 14, 1939 - August 23, 2018. Gregory Hejmanowski, 78, died on August 23, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL, following a decade long battle with Parkinson's Disease. The family would welcome friends and relatives at the Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28th, and at a mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29th at St. Stephen R. C. Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Donations may be made in his honor to the Mayo Clinic Development Office, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, designated for Parkinson's Disease research.

   Marianne Christensen - 87, of Clymer, NY, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing, Bemus Point, NY.
   She was born March 28, 1931, in Cleveland, OH, a daughter of Albert and Mary Smolk. Marianne was raised in Findley Lake, NY and graduated from Clymer Central School in 1949. Following her marriage to George Christensen in 1952, she helped with the bookkeeping for the family business, C. Christensen Motor Co., in Corry, PA; however, her main priority was raising and caring for her family. Marianne moved to Grand Island in 1973, returning to Clymer in 2013. In addition to her parents, Marianne was preceded in death by her husband George in 2013; and an infant son, Chris Albert Christensen.
   She was a member of the Clymer United Methodist Church and the Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island. She was also a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Clymer VFD and Grand Island Fire Company. Marianne enjoyed singing, sewing, riding her bicycle and most of all, her family.
    Marianne is survived by a daughter, Julie Ganske and her husband, Michael, of Clymer; two sons, Kurt Christensen and his wife, Diana, of Lorton, VA, and Kris Christensen and his wife, Michelle, of Grand Island; a brother, Richard Smolk, of Zephyrhills, FL.; and a former sister-in-law, Judith Smolk of Brandon, FL. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Melissa Christensen, Mary Kate Ganske, Lindsay (David) Zappala, Michael Christensen and Brooke Christensen; and three nieces, Lisa Duke, Shawn Smolk and Gina (Don) Robinson.
    Family and friends are invited to call at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 201 E. South St., Corry, PA, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life Service there at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Brian Eiss will officiate. Memorials may be made to Clymer Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 31, Clymer, NY 14724; or Findley Lake Historical Society/Community Center, P.O. Box 522, 2883 North Road, Findley Lake, NY 14736. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Bracken Funeral Home Inc., 315 N. Center St., Corry, PA. To sign the guest book or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com.

   Barbara A. (nee Leising) Anderson - March 11, 1938 – September 20, 2018, from Williamsville, NY, spent much of her life between Grand Island, NY and Ormond Beach, FL. After brief respiratory and cardiac complications, Barbara passed unexpectedly on September 20, 2018 to rejoin her late husband, Donald, after 19 years apart. Barb is survived by a family who loved her: 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as 3 brothers and sisters.
   On May 10, 1958 at St. Peter and Paul Church in Williamsville, NY, Barb was married to Donald Anderson, with whom she remained physically until his passing on March 23, 1999, and spiritually forever. Together they had five children: Mark Anderson (Kim Beatty), Michael (Alma) Anderson, Pattie (Mark) Frentzel, Cathie (Bill) Shaw, and Carol Riley (Steve Reiger). While Barb loved the work she did in and for her community, nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren: Ashley (Brian) Aligood, Lee (Nikki) Richard, Matthew (Julia) Riley, Tina Anderson, Andrew Anderson, John Frentzel, Justin Frentzel, Donny Anderson, and Patrick Anderson, as well as her great-grandchildren: Luke Aligood, Cecilia Kress, Landon Aligood, Declan Richard, Camille Racutt, and Danica Richard.
    Barb grew up in Williamsville, NY, attending Bishop Neumann High School. The first of 5 children born to the late Jim and Mary Leising, Barb was predeceased by her brother Dennis Leising and is survived by 3 siblings: Jean (Clemens) Braunscheidel, James (Leah) Leising, and Wayne (Kim) Leising. A devout Roman Catholic, born leader, and matriarch, Barb spent her life in service of her family, friends, community, and the church. As a parishioner of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, Barb acted as bookkeeper, creator and director of the hot lunch program at St. Stephen’s school, chairwoman of the Neighbor Days Lawn Fete, and mastermind behind the church’s Friday Fish Fries, which are an ongoing community tradition more than 40 years later. Barb was also a lifelong member of the Grand Island Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. She worked as a dispatcher for the GI Fire Company and organized chowder sales, anniversary dinners, and meals for the firefighters. Her efforts and achievements did not go unnoticed; in her lifetime Barb received both the St. Joseph’s Service Award and the Grand Island Citizen of the Year Award.
    Possibly Barb’s most recognized trait was her love of and penchant for cooking. In addition to all of the work she did in the kitchens of St. Stephen’s and the Fire Company, she owned her own catering business. Friends and family knew her as a wonderful chef, and her cooking was the heart of hundreds of parties thrown by her and Donald, from which no one left hungry and everyone, as was Barb’s way, was made to feel like a part of the family.
    Family and friends are welcome between 1pm and 4pm and again from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday, September 25 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY. A mass to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 26 at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island, NY. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Grand Island Fire Company, 2275 Baseline Rd, Grand Island, NY or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach, Fl. 32118.

    Patricia Anne Fitzgerald - Forest Hill, Maryland, April 8, 1954 – August 16, 2018
   Born to Sibylle Helwig Fitzgerald and James Edmund Fitzgerald Jr. on April 8, 1954, "Patti" was raised in the LaSalle neighborhood of Niagara Falls, New York. A precocious kid, she flourished at Rita Moretti's 95th Street School, making friends she kept throughout her life. When she reached ninth grade the family moved to West River Road on Grand Island, the place her heart subsequently considered home no matter where else she lived. At Grand Island High School Patti studied under the innovative Humanities teacher and Christian preacher Paul Houser, a pedagogical adventure she treasured until her death. Patti accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior on April 27, 1972; she has now run her race with endurance, perseverance, and resolve, not aiming for perfection but for progress every day.
   Patricia is the beloved wife of Paul R. Gartelmann of Forest Hill, Maryland. They married in June 1978 after meeting in an English class at the State University of New York at Buffalo five years earlier. She is the esteemed sister of J. Edmund Fitzgerald (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin), Daniel P. Fitzgerald and his wife Dawn C. (Grand Island, New York), Mark N. Fitzgerald (Rio Rancho, New Mexico), and Matthew C. Fitzgerald (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania); welcomed member of the Robert and Marilyn Gartelmann family of Long Island, New York; devoted cousin and aunt to many; and surrogate mother to Richard J. Griffiths and his brood in Nether Heyford, England.
   Pat was also blessed with an abundance of loyal friends (notably longtimers Janet and Doug Schollenberger of Glen Arm, Maryland; Lori and Kurt Olszewski of Forest Hill; and Terry Hickox of Tampa, Florida), caring neighbors along Pleasantville Road, and supportive colleagues from her careers in marketing and consulting architecture/engineering. These relationships sustained her spirit, particularly when her lymphoma diagnosis hobbled her ability to travel, cook, attend concerts, and follow numerous other enthusiasms. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held later at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined but anyone moved to donate to the Humane Society of Harford County at 2208 Connolly Road, Fallston, Maryland 21047 will receive the Summer the Wonder Dog Seal of Approval.

   Michael E. Freer - September 6, 2018, of Grand Island. Mike Freer lost an 8 year, hard fought battle with cancer and is now free to drive his beloved Shelby Mustangs and target shoot all he wants. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy (Kennedy) and his prized children, Sean (Susan) and Shannon (Shawn) Strange. He had a chosen brother and sister, Bruce and Dee Herringshaw, whom he loved dearly. Mike was predeceased by his parents, William and Catherine Freer and his sister, Laura Romashko.
   Mike attended Holy Spirit Elementary School and graduated from Hutch-Tech Vocational High School, where he also taught for 36 years. He received his undergraduate degree in vocational technology from SUNY Buffalo and his graduate degree from Canisius College. Mike proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961-1967. While in the Marines, he served in Vietnam and as an instructor at the rifle range at Paris Island Marine Corps Recruiting Station. He joined the NYS Army National Guard in 1973 and retired in 1993. During his time in the guard, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was called to active duty for the Prison Guard Strike, the Blizzard of '77, the Connecticut St. Armory Fire and Desert Storm. Mike also taught at the NCO School at Fort Smith.
   He was a member of the National Educational Association, NYS United Teachers, Buffalo Teachers Federation, Mohawk Gun Club, American Legion Post 0721, Marine Corps Association and Foundation, 74/174 Veterans Association and the WNY Shelby and Mustang Club. Mike will be sadly missed by all those who came to know him.
   Friends may call Sunday, September 9th from 4-8PM at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 3070 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, where a Service will be held Monday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Mike wished that donations be made to Hospice, Grand Island Public Library, Teacher's Desk, Paws for Heroes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice. Please share you condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.

   Adela Marie (nee Espina) Huff - September 8, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Charles G. Huff; mother of Elena M. (Donald) Smith, Michelle A. Huff and Charles M. (Barbara) Huff; grandmother of Nicole, Andrew, Kalie, Hannah and Anthony; also survived by 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister of Ramona (Albert) Gazy; sister-in-law of Penny Fickett. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church or the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Daniel "Dutch" Cole - Feb. 4, 1925 - Aug. 30, 2018 , a retired sales executive and sailing enthusiast, died Aug. 30 in Buffalo General Medical Center after a period of declining health. He was 93. Born in Buffalo, he was the son of the automotive editor at the Buffalo Courier-Express and the grandson of a tailor who pioneered ready-to-wear men’s suits.
   He attended School 54 and Nichols School, then enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He became an officer, trained as a pilot, then served as an engineer stateside. Returning from service, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, then returned to Buffalo and began a career in sales at Franklin-Cowan Paper Co., later Seneca Paper Co. He retired as executive vice president of sales in 1990.
   He was 8 years old when he acquired his first sailboat, a gift from his grandmother, and he went on to sail and race throughout the Great Lakes. "It was about winning," his daughter Cynthia said, "but it was more about being on the water. His raison d'etre in life was to be on a boat. It was what he loved more than anything." For years, he cruised and raced a Knarr sailboat, then switched to a Lyman boat in the 1980s. He continued boating until a few years ago.
   He was a member of the Buffalo Yacht Club, the Buffalo Canoe Club and the Bertie Bay Yacht Club. He was a founder and commodore of the Royal Vicars Yacht Club. He also enjoyed fishing, skiing and golf. He was a member of the Cherry Hill Golf Club, the Cambria Hunt Club and the Concord Ski Club. He served on the board of the Pythonga Fish and Game Club in Quebec, where he spent many summers. He also was a board member at the Park School and Beaver Meadow Audubon Center. He was a youth hockey coach, coaching teams at the Park School, and served as a volunteer reader in the Buffalo Schools.
   He acquired his nickname, Dutch, as a boy after his parents vacationed in Holland and brought home a pair of wooden shoes, which he then wore while playing with his friends.
   A longtime Grand Island and Buffalo resident, in recent years he spent summers in Abino Hills, Ont., and winters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
   He was married in 1948 to the former Jane Reed, a dedicated naturalist who had been board president at Beaver Meadow. She died in 2001. He was remarried in 2003 to the former Ruth "Dufie" Knight. In addition to his daughter, survivors include a son, John; two step-daughters, Barbara Evans and Susan Blair; a step-son, Barton Schneider; a sister, Marion "Polly" Clancey; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services were private.
Buffalo News Obituary by Dale Anderson.

Jan Arthur Wilde - Of Grand Island, entered into rest suddenly on August 30, 2018. Beloved significant other of Margaret Vucetic; dear father of Mickey Wilde; loving son of Carole (nee Lewis) Wilde and the late Jan (Sandra) Wilde; devoted brother of Julie and Michael Wilde; adored uncle of Shelby, Samantha, Luke, and Isabelle; also survived by relatives and many friends Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan on Wednesday from 3-7PM. A funeral service will immediately follow. Share condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

Clarice S. (nee Alexander) Samland - Of Grand Island, entered into rest August 30, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Bernhard Samland; devoted mother of Michael (Debra) Samland, Darlene Simmons (David Fuest), Karen Fischer (James Sturtz), and Lisa (Michael) Gallagher; mother-in-law of the late Colleen (nee Clements) Samland; cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren, including the late Kevin; adored great-grandmother of 7 great-grandchildren; loving daughter of the late Frederick and Leona Alexander; dear sister of Frederick Alexander; also survived by relatives and friends.
Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Sunday from 2-6PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island, Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Please assemble at church. Entombment St. Stephen's Cemetery Grand Island. Donations in Clarice's name to St. Stephen's Bereavement Committee would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

   Harold "Hal" Fleischman Jr. - August 28, 2018, formerly of Mattituck, NY. Loving companion of Lisa Burnett. Father of Harold Carl (Patti) Fleischman III and Virginia Dawn (Ryan) Mullarkey. Grandfather of Julia Eve, Olivia Claire and Alexis Nicole. Brother of Charles A. (Karin) Fleischman and the late Dorothy Elizabeth Vann.
   Friends may call Thursday 2-6 PM followed by funeral services Thursday at 6 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc., the National Kidney Foundation or Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters.
   Hal was a 2017 inductee into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. He was past President of the New York State Snowmobile Assoc. and the Grand Island Snowmobile Club. He is the current President of the Erie County Federation of Snowmobiles.

   Michael Moshman - Formerly of The Bronx, Grand Island, and New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanne; twin brother Richard (Joanne); children Evan (Eboni), Meredith, Gretchen, and Gabe (Staci). Michael cherished his six grandchildren: Ryan, Damien, Mia, Max, Molly, and Isla, who all adored him. His life was full of the love of good friends and a passion for cooking and a cappella doowop singing. Arrangements entrusted to the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to doowopcafe.org.

    Charles James Price Jr. - July 7, 1929 – Aug. 22, 2018,, of Clarence Center, a retired business owner and Korean War veteran, died unexpectedly Aug. 22 in Buffalo General Medical Center. He was 89.
   Born in Buffalo, he attended Canisius High School and Bennett High School before enlisting in the Air Force. He served in the Korean War as a medical technician, working on airborne evacuations, attaining the rank of airman first class.
    Returning from service, he attended the University at Buffalo and became a car inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad. From the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, he owned and operated Green Acres Dry Cleaners on Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Town of Tonawanda. In 1982, he became a manager for Budget Car Rental at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga, retiring in 1999. A Grand Island resident until 1970, when he moved to Williamsville, he had lived in Clarence Center for the past 10 years.
   Active in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, he was a Bingo caller and a chairman in the Catholic Charities campaign. He also was a member of Charles N. DeGlopper Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, on Grand Island. An avid golfer, he shot two holes-in-one and received the Golfer of the Year Award from the St. Gregory’s Men’s Golf League. He played a nine-hole round of golf on the day before his death. He also enjoyed traveling, working out at the gym and playing bridge.
   Survivors include his wife of 62 years, the former Angeline Viafora, a registered nurse; two daughters, Debra Page and Lynn Elibol; three sons, Paul, Frank and Charles D.; two brothers, Frederick and Robert; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Gregory the Great Church, 200 St. Gregory Court at Maple Road, Amherst.

    Hazel Florence Mallwitz (nee DeGlopper) - passed away on July 4, 2018, in Pahrump, NV at the age of 98. Hazel had just turned 98 on June 26. She was formerly of Grand Island. Hazel is mother to Dan (Debbie) Mallwitz of Pahrump, NV, and the late Clare Mallwitz, Grandmother to Ted Mallwitz of the Town of Tonawanda and Great Grandmother to Jonathan. Wife of the late Clarence De Forest Mallwitz. Sister of the late Walter, Earl, Marion (Fitsimmons) Coats, and Bernice Bailey.
   Hazel drove a school bus for the Grand Island School District for 20 years. Memorial Service to be held on May 5, 2019 at the Charles N DeGlopper VFW Post 9249. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charles DeGlopper Memorial Park.

    Weston B. "Wes" Hoddick , Jr. - Age 66, of the City of Tonawanda, passed away on August 15, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Barbara "Port" (Folio) Hoddick for 44 years; loving dad of Jenni (Christopher) Parks and Weston B. "Bo" (Angela) Hoddick III; proud papa of Maddie and Emmie Parks, Drew and Dylan Hoddick; son of Margaret "Maggie" (late Richard) McBride and the late Weston B. Hoddick, Sr.; brother of William (Diana) Hoddick, Deborah (Neal) Smatresk and James (Jenny) Hoddick. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.
   Wes was a 1969 graduate of Tonawanda High School. He retired from Electrolux Major Appliances in 2016. Wes was a lifetime member of the Buffalo Launch Club where he served as Commodore in 2002. He was a member of the Ken-Ton Masonic Lodge 1186 and the Royal Order of Jesters Buffalo Court #22. Wes had a passion for life, family and friends.
   The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, August 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad Streets) in Tonawanda. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions are preferred to Ismailia Shrine Temple 1598, 1600 Southwestern Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14224. Your condolences may be shared at www.rothfuneral.com. As Wes would say, "Who-ah PARTY ON!"

    Nancy (nee Hein) Colbert - August 18, 2018, died after a brave battle with lung cancer, formerly of Grand Island; loving wife of Arnold Colbert for 54 years; devoted mother of Michelle Salvatore (Arthur Webb) and David (Roberta) Colbert; cherished grandmother of Talon Colbert, Brandon, Nicolas and Jessica Salvatore; great-grandmother of Sienna and Caden Salvatore. Nancy will always be remembered for her love of life, an accomplished artist, an avid boater and a sports enthusiast (with a hole in one to her name). She will be missed by numerous friends and family. Friends may call Monday, August 20th, 4-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services private. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

    Joann (nee Nesbitt) Hall - August 13, 2018, of Grand Island, mother of David Shearer, Rick Hall and the late Michelle Nesbitt; grandmother of Willie Harris IV, David Shearer Jr. and Zach Shearer; great-grandfather of Xavier Barber; daughter of the late Clark and Ruth Nesbitt; sister of the late Patricia Green and Clark Nesbitt. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 8, at 2 PM at Central Park United Methodist Church, 216 Beard Ave., Buffalo. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

    Nunzio "Norman" Parisi - Passed peacefully at his Grand Island home on August 16, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 89. A master tradesman, plasterer and proprietor of Grand Island Quality Cleaners, Nunzio was best known for his gentle strength, and deep love for his large family, especially his wife of 66 years, the late Mary. Nunzio was the beloved father of Cathy, Stephen, Natalie, Lisa and Jennifer; as well as 11 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren.
   Nunzio loved music, painting and his favorite teams the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Church 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Saturday, August 18 at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations can be made in Nunzio's name to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

    Jayne (nee Hughes) Olrogge - August 11, 2018 of Grand Island, NY. Daughter of the late Walter and Nell Scorey; wife of the late Peter Olrogge; survived by Kenneth J. Gribble, Sr., the father of her three children; dear mother of Kenneth J. Gribble, Jr., Susan (Geary) Nugent, and Timothy Gribble; loving family friend of Tracy Grace; grandmother of Melissa (Gary) Hoage, Jeremy (Tawnji) Gribble, Kristie (Shane) Jewitt and the late Jerrad; also survived by 8 great-grandchildren; sister of Nancy (late Skip) Andrews and the late Bobby (late Shirley) Hughes; also survived by many nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by BUFFALO NIAGARA CREMATION SERVICE

   Jacqueline B. Atkinson - August 11 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Richard F. Atkinson. Mother of Kyle A. (Paul) Kroening and Wendy L. A. (Art) Baldwin. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Sister of the late Bruce L. Berlt. Memorials may be made to Bible Fellowship Center, 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Funeral Services were held on Sunday, August 19th at 1 PM. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

    Patrick Henry Dinsmore - Passed away on Thursday, August 9th. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 11th at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Friends are invited.

   Bernhard Samland - Of Grand Island, entered into rest on August 8, 2018, beloved husband of Clarice (nee Alexander) Samland; devoted father of Michael (Debra) Samland, Darlene Simmons (David Fuest), Karen Fischer (James Sturtz), Lisa (Michael Gallagher); father in law of the late Colleen (nee Clements) Samland; cherished grandfather of thirteen grandchildren including the late Kevin; adored great grandfather of seven great grandchildren; loving son of the late Bernhard and Agathe Samland; dear brother of Elizabeth, Joseph, Johann, Hildegard and the late Marie, Anton and Siegfried his twin. Also survived by relatives and friends.
   Relatives and Friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan on Friday from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock (please assemble at church). Entombment St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island. Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

    Su B. (nee Yu) Pieri - August 3, 2018 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of Kenneth H. Pieri. Dear mother of Jooae Shim (Matthew Morris). Step mother of Scott (Kathy) Pieri, Lisa (Bob) Wood and the late Mark K. Pieri. Grandmother of Lindsay, Jenna, Lucas, Robert and Julianna. Sister of the late Joung Pilarz. Survived by a brother in Korea. Friends may call Thursday 11- 1:00 at the Lester H. Wedekindt, Inc. Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave., where a Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Online condolences may be shared at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com.

    Dorothy F. Ginsburg - August 2, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of 56 years of Robert Ginsburg; mother of Glen (Diane) and Eric (Maria) Ginsburg; also survived by 3 grandchildren; sister of Susan (Lawrence) Imhof. Friends may call Monday, August 6th, 5-8 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 the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

    Ronald H. Rezabek - Of Grand Island, entered into rest August 3, 2018, Beloved husband of Denise (nee Reed) Rezabek. Devoted father of Ronald J. and Jeffery S. Rezabek and David M. Meyers. Dear brother of the late Sharon Rezabek McDonough. Son of the late Herbert and Jessie Rezabek. Loving son-in-law of Patricia (late Dennis) Reed. Friends may call Sunday, August 5th, 2-4 and 6-9 PM and Monday 10-11 AM followed by Funeral Services Monday at 11 AM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

    Betty (nee Bates) Papke - Age 96, died on June 4, 2018. Wife of the late Lorry Papke. Survived by her children Linda (Stuart) MacLeod, Barbara (Charley) Bell, and Richard (Jill) Schopp. Grandmother of 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Also, survived by her stepchildren, Charles Papke, Nancy Skelton, Howard Papke, Roger Papke and their families. Betty was an elementary school teacher in North Tonawanda. A Memorial Service will be held at a future date.

    Dale Loder - Island native Dale Loder passed away peacefully June 4, 2018 in Lutz, Florida. He is survived by his loving daughter Audrey (Ryan) Shaw, and his granddaughter Caitlin who he adored. He is also survived by his father Donald, his siblings Donald, Jr. (Karen), Diane (William) Kerner, Douglas (Patricia), and his nieces and nephews. His mother, Dorothy predeceased him.
   Dale was the long time owner of Auto Restoration Depot in Wauchula, Florida where he restored a number of award winning vehicles. His Cadillac powered, chopped, lowered, and shaved '49 Merc was his pride and joy. Services were private.

    Marie F. (nee Dolan) LaMarco - Of Grand Island. Entered into rest on July 21, 2018, at age 89. Beloved wife of the late Albert LaMarco; devoted mother of Susan (Dennis) Goldin, Timothy LaMarco, and the late Ronald LaMarco; cherished grandmother of Gena, Jennifer, Gino, Tonja, Stephanie, Paige, Tony, Sara, and nine great-grandchildren; loving daughter of the late Francis Howard "Red" and Lucy Dolan; dear sister of Kathleen (late Bobby Joe) Vied, the late Lucille (late Donald) Gerlach, the late John "Jack" (Lois) Dolan, the late Joyce (late Daniel) O'Brien, the late Patrick (Judi) Dolan, and the late Barbara (James) Edel; cherished friend of the late James Coyle, Jr.; also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
   Marie worked as a secretary for the Lipsitz Family Law Firms for over 65 years, serving three generations of lawyers. Relatives and friends may visit LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., Thursday 4-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, on Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Please assemble at church. Interment St. Stephen's Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

   Carol R. Ennis - of East Amherst, formerly of Grand Island, died July 6th, the day after her 84th Birthday. Carol was a music teacher at several City of Tonawanda schools, a member of Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls and an organist at numerous local churches over the years.
   Born Carol Louise Robbins in Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 5, 1934, where she spent her childhood, developing a love of singing and piano playing, Prior to marrying in 1954 and moving to the Falconwood area of Grand Island. Carol raised her three children on the Island as she worked toward a teaching degree in Music Education, eventually earning her Masters degree from the University of Buffalo.
   After retirement from teaching in 1996, Carol continued to lead an active life. As a member of the Amherst Senior Center, she performed in theater groups and musical combos as well as playing tennis regularly. Carol was also a member of the Buffalo chapter of the DAR, and traveled to numerous worldwide locations, spending her winters in the south surrounded by family.
   Carol was the wife of the late George Ennis, mother of Stephen Jamieson (deceased), Robin Jamieson Mosher (Greg), and Glenn Jamieson (Wendy). She is also survived by four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great- grandchild. Visitation was at Lane Funeral Home in Niagara Falls, NY, followed by burial at Acacia Park Cemetery.

   Patrick M. Thompson - July 19, 2018, of Grand Island. Brother of Diane (Mitchell) Essig, Colleen Nicholson, Randall (Paula) Thompson, Cheryl (Lou) Gonda and Shawn (Dee) Thompson. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and his beloved dogs Oscar and TeeQue. Son of the late John and Irene Thompson. Friends may call on Wednesday at 2-4 PM followed by Funeral Services on Wednesday at 4 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.

   Virginia S. Wendel - July 29, 2018, formerly of Grand Island, wife of late John A. Wendel; mother of John Jr., Theresa W. Ruddy (Matthew J.) and Christine W. Bost (F. Geoffrey); grandmother to Samuel W., John (Jack) E., Ella C. Bost; Colin W., Henry Q. (Quin), Addison R. and Christian J. Ruddy; daughter of the late Gerard D. and Mary S. Schumacher; sister of Antoinette (late John) Herman, Sister Helen Marie Schumacher, Barbara (Robert) Klocke, Margaret (Terry) McManus, Joseph (Maureen) Schumacher, William (Kathy) Schumacher and the late Mary Louise (late Alvin) Gerold and Gerard D. (late Mary Ellen) Schumacher; also survived by many nieces and nephews.
   A private burial service for the family will be immediate and a memorial service will be planned in early August. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Sisters of St. Francis of Stella Niagara, 4421 Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara, NY 14144. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

William R. Kantenwein - 67, of Amherst, died Monday, July 2, 2018. Mr. Kantenwein was born on May 25, 1951, in Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from Niagara County Community College with a bachelor's degree in computer science. He served in the U.S. Army reserve for six years. He was the owner of KNK Remodeling from 1967 to 2017. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, fantasy football and guitar, and was a huge Bills and Sabres fan.
Mr. Kantenwein is survived by his wife, Rena (nee Dugger); two children, Kelly Rice and Douglas Kantenwein; four grandchildren; and one sibling, Elizabeth Foley. Visitation was held on July 6th at the Amigone Funeral Home Inc. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

    Patricia (Geary) Kostenbauder - Born February 7, 1947 passed away July 12, 2018, one day after her 48th wedding anniversary to be rejoined with her late husband Jack Kostenbauder. She was born in Buffalo, then moved to Grand Island in 1949. She attended Kaegebein Elementary School starting as a kindergartner the first year it was opened, Sidway Jr. High and graduated in 1965 from Kenmore East (because Grand Island High school was not finished).
   As a teenager she started lifeguarding along with helping to teach swimming for the Grand Island Recreation Department. She took the Red Cross Instructors course in 1968. She continued teaching swimming and lifeguarding throughout the years at Grand Island Recreation, Grand Island Community Education, GI Holiday Inn, Maryvale Community Education as well as at smaller pools. Additionally she instructed in water aerobics starting in 1982 at various locations. She also taught CPR, AED and First Aid.
   She received her accounting degree from Bryant and Stratton in 1988 with a 4.0 GPA. She worked in the accounting field for Seneca Niagara Casino, People Inc. and Delaware North Co. Some additional activities include: Masters Swimming, Down river swim race (Niagara River), scuba diving/snorkeling, camping, and raising three boys. Family and friends will miss her laugh and kind heart.
    She is survived by her sister: Sue Stone and husband Ken, brother: Larry Geary and wife Peggy. Sons: Edward Passno and wife Donna, Donald Kostenbauder, Adam Kostenbauder. Grandkids: Victoria, Raeann, Hailee, Michael, Alex, Daniel. Great-grandson: Barryn. Niece: Laura Lubelczyk and husband Chuck. Nephew: Jason Stone and wife Tammy. Grand-nephew: Treyton. Pat is predeceased by her husband Jack Kostenbauder, her parents Bernard and Ruth (Crane) Geary, and grandson Anthony.
   In lieu of flowers please send donations in her name to either the American Red Cross or Roswell Park Cancer Center. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Timothy Church, 1453 Staley Rd, Grand Island, NY at 11AM on October 6th.

    Susan L. (nee Sopczyk) Piazza - July 16, 2018; beloved wife of 27 years to Joseph Piazza; devoted mother of Joseph and Callan Piazza; beloved daughter of the late Alfred and Theresa Sopczyk; dear sister of Dale Sopczyk, and Karen (Rich) Schlager; dear aunt of Candace and John Schlager; daughter-in-law of Liborio (Betty) and the late Angela Piazza; sister-in-law of Judith Piazza, Doreen (Peter) Meglin, Barbara (Mark Mistretta) Piazza, and Lorie Piazza. The family will be present Friday from 4 to 8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner Parker Blvd.). Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 9:15 AM at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Ridge Road at South Park Avenue, Lackawanna. Please assemble at church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc or Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Share condolences online at www.amigone.com.

   Michael Wayne Wagner - July 15, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Anna May Wagner. Father of Michael J. (Jeanine) Wagner, Kimberly A. (Michael) McDonnell, Jeffrey J. (Cathy) and Daniel S. (Ann) Wagner. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Brother of George (Laurie) and Jim (Martha) Wagner and the late Anita Brown, Barbara White and Jack (survived by wife Carol) Wagner. Son of the late Alvin and Evelyn Wagner. Friends may call Friday 5-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Autism Society of WNY or the SPCA.

   Emma R. "Sis" (nee Lengfelder) Whitney - July 8, 2018, of Kenmore. Wife of the late Calvin W. Whitney. Mother of Susan (Leonard) Nowocien and John (Lynn Dingey) Whitney. Grandmother of Lee (Jennifer) Nowocien, David (Jennifer Cammarano) and Lauren Whitney. Great-grandmother of Brett and Luke Nowocien. sister of the late Warren Lengfelder. A Celebration of Emma's Life will be held Sunday, July 29, 2-6pm at the Grand Island Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

Ina H. (nee Poliakoff) Kramer - Was born on January 31, 1928 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. As a toddler her family fled across the Bering Strait to Japan and as a teenager they moved to China where at the age of eighteen she met her future husband, Raymond Kramer, who was working in the country after his service in the Navy during World War II. They married in China and moved back to Ray's home in Brooklyn, NY, eventually moving to Grand Island, NY. This unlikely union created four children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She was loved deeply and unconditionally by all of them. She passed on with her children by her side on June 27, 2018.

   Hans Rutger Koritz, M.D. - With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dearly cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, Hans, on July 2, 2018. Surrounded by his loved ones, he passed peacefully at home on Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of Eva M. (nee Kirsebom) Koritz; devoted father of Joy D. Koritz; loving son of the late Gosta and Doris Koritz; loved brother of Bjorn Koritz and the late Rolf Koritz; dear brother-in-law of Leif Kirsebom.
   Hans was born on February 15, 1946 in Uddevalla, Sweden and grew up in Djursholm, Sweden. He attended medical school at the University of Zurich, Switzerland and completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. Hans was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, who was one of the first pain management specialists in Canada. He chose to specialize in pain management because of his deep belief that people should not lose quality of life because of pain. Dr. Koritz was a physician and pain management specialist in Western New York for over 25 years. His smile, humor, laughter and positive attitude brought happiness to everyone he met and hope to his patients.
   His hobbies and passions included photography, traveling with his family, his many pets and staying up to date on new advances in medicine. Hans was proudly a longtime Rotarian in both Canada and Western New York. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many skilled and compassionate professionals who were involved in Hans' care during his illness. Throughout his life's journey, he always said "there is hope." Family, friends, colleagues and patients may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Sunday (July 15th) from 2-4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors without Borders. The family would appreciate letters, notes, cards and pictures that can be dropped off during visitation, which will later be assembled into a memory book of Hans. Condolences are available online at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

Anita J. (nee Tunde) Wasson - June 18, 2018, of Grand Island, NY. Wife of the late Donavan E. Wasson; dear mother of John, Michael (Cheryl), Donald, Kathy (Timothy) Fowler and Robert Wasson; also survived by 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. No prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Timothy's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Flowers gratefully declined. Arrangements by BUFFALO NIAGARA CREMATION SERVICE, 855-1411.

   Sheila K. (nee Coyle) Walker - July 5, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Donald C. Walker. Loved by her children Mary (Marty) Bobak, Barbara Walker, Kathy (Randy) Bougard, Mark, Paul (Sherry) and Peter Walker, Ann (Ken) Strott and the late Daniel Walker; and her grandchildren Melanie, Robyn, Sean, Kelly, Christian, Brian, Maura, Michael, John-Paul, MaryClare, Danny, Corey, Kacey, Patrick, Rachael, Sarah, Matthew, Luke, Elizabeth, Mary Helen and Sheila. Also survived by 21 great-grandchildren. Sister of Joan (late Donald) Clark and the late Peter Coyle. Daughter of the late Francis and Helen (nee McDonald) Coyle. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or National Right to Life. Nothing was more important to her than faith and family.

   Bohdan Pikas - July 4, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Anastasia (nee Nikel) Pikas. Father of Bohdan Jason Pikas (fiancee Caroline Rebecca Berry) and Susan Havens. Survived by his beloved grandson Ryan Havens. Brother of Michael, Harry (Lana) and George Pikas. Son of the late Ivan and Katherina Pikas. Visitation will be held Friday (July 6th) 3-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles DeGlopper Memorial Park. Mr. Pikas was a professor at Niagara University for 50 years.

   Nancy J. (nee Gawronski) Robinson - June 30, 2018. Of Grand Island. Beloved wife of James L. Robinson; dear mother of Jim (Melanie), Renee (Chris) Fitzsimmons, and Jeremy Robinson; loving grandmother of T.J., Cayleigh, and Chloe; sister of Bonnie (Bill) Bolling, Cheri (Gary) Carter, and Harry (Brenda) Gawronski; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday 1-3 and 6-8 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME where funeral services will follow at 8 pm. Online condolences, please visit www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com.

   Steven T. Meyer - June 22, 2018, of Grand Island. Loving father of Tyler and Rachel. Step-father of Andrew. Son of Butch and Julie Meyer. Brother of Robert W. Meyer. Loving friend of Jessica Vrba. Grandson of the late Robert A. and Marie Meyer, Margaret and William Diefenbach. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 4-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 9:30 AM at Bible Fellowship Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.

    Emilie J. Burk - 90, formerly of Grand Island, passed away June 13, 2018 at home in Largo, Florida. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, William F. Burk, and is survived by children, E. Suzanne (Daniel) Ryan and William F. Burk III; two grandchildren, William F. Burk IV and Stephen (Lisa) Ryan; and one great-grandson, Daniel Ryan. Memorial service and interment will be July 2, 2018 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Largo.

   MaryJane Conschafter - A longtime resident of Grand Island, passed away June 15, 2018 at the age of 91.
   She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. MaryJane was predeceased by her husband, William (1992). She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Richard) Ungaro of Grand Island, and two sons, Gary (Gail) Conschafter of Grand Island, and James (Katie) Conschafter of Richmond, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Kristin Ungaro and Cassandra Ungaro of Louisville, Kentucky, and Adam Ungaro (Kelsey Abbott) of Buffalo, Shawn (Nicole) Conschafter of Grand Island, Lynn Conschafter of Grand Island, Laura (Daniel) Hoffman of Richmond, Virginia, Stephen Conschafter (Miguel Perez) of Atlanta, Georgia, Michael (Amanda) Conschafter of Reston Virginia; and 9 great-grandchildren, Avery and Colton Conschafter, Verelynn Conschafter, Abigail, George, and Knox Hoffman, and James, Hugh, and Amelia Conschafter.
    A family interment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York at a date determined by the family. Memorials may be directed to: Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, New York 14072 in MaryJane's name. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home, Grand Island, NY.

   Rita J. DeGlopper - January 8, 2018, of Grand Island. Friends may call Wednesday, June 20th, 9-11 AM followed by prayers at 11 AM for Rita and Earl at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the DeGlopper Memorial Park Fund Expansion Committee c/o VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island 14072.

    Margaret M. Deifenbach - June 13, 2018, of Grand Island and Elizabethtown, KY, wife of the late William F. Diefenbach; mother of Julie (Butch) Meyer, William C. (Susan) Diefenbach and the late Paula (survived by husband Charles) Grimm; grandmother of Robert W. Meyer, Jason (Amber) Grimm, Steven Meyer, William F. and Katherine Diefenbach and the late Sarah Grimm; also survived by eight great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held in Elizabethtown, KY at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   James M. Shanor - June 9, 2018 of Grand Island, NY, age 53, beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Wolfe) Shanor; dearest father of Joseph (Alexandria) Shanor, Thomas (Nicole) Shanor, Candace Bonilla and Kelly (Adam) Brown; son of John R. "Jack" Sr. and Susan (nee Sanscrainte) Shanor; dear brother of John R. Shanor, III and the late Richard (Genelle) Shanor; brother-in-law of Jane Guthrie and Jody (Rob) Richards.
   The family will be present to receive friends Wednesday, June 13, 2018, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (Cor. Parker), Tonawanda. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorials may be made in Jim's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Arrangements by Anthony E. Greco, GRECO FUNERAL HOME. Please share your condolences at www.GRECOFUNERAL.com.

   Margaret H. Hoffman - June 7, 2018, of Grand Island, mother of Bobby (Valerie) and the late Donald Fraser; also survived by eight grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Margaret was a retired Buffalo School Teacher. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   James E. Linenfelser - June 6, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Teddy (nee Klingel) Linenfelser. Father of James M. (Laury) Linenfelser and Julie (Donald) Dee. Grandfather of John (Samantha) Bidell, Amy (Isaac) DeRego and Evan Linenfelser. Great grandfather of FrancisPio and Samson DeRego, and Taylor Bidell. Brother of Dan (JoAnne) Linenfelser, Mary Cook, John (Carol), Michael (Penny) and Paul (Donna) Linenfelser. Son of the late Daniel and Kathryn Linenfelser. 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. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.

   Bertha S. (nee Falk) Pellow - Of Tonawanda, entered into rest May 31, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Donald E. Pellow; devoted mother of Terry (late Bernard) Thole, Sharon (Richard) Benson, Diane (Brian) Lind and Donna (Robert) Meidenbauer; cherished grandmother of 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; loving daughter of the late Wilho and Esther Falk; dear sister of the late Hilka Falk, Helen Meyerhofer and Earl Falk; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Tuesday from 4-8 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment White Chapel Memorial Park. In lieu off flowers, donations to Buffalo Hospice in Bertha's memory would be appreciated. Share online condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

   Carolyn E. (nee Shear) Winter - October 11, 1928 - May, 29, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late John J. Winter. Beloved mother to James Michael (Regina Truitt) and Gary Norman (Kim) Winter. Grandmother of David (Caitlin), Zachary and Shaun Winter and Nicole (Zach) Kelly. Great-grandmother of Ronon Winter. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo or Trinity United Methodist Church 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 30 at 11 AM. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Elizabeth M. Franckowiak-Geiser - June 1, 2018, of Grand Island, formerly of Niagara Falls. Wife of the late Stanley J. Franckowiak and Alan H. Geiser. Mother of Terrance (late Marie) and Joseph Franckowiak. Grandmother of Melissa and David (Jill) Franckowiak. Great-grandmother of Roman, Lauren and Denali Franckowiak. Aunt of Theresa Mahon. Sister of the late William and Joseph Myers. Dear friend of Sandy Aughtmon. Friends may call Monday 4-7 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 the Erie County SPCA. We would like to thank the Our Lady Of Peace staff for their wonderful care.

   Timothy R. Ehde - May 29, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Irene (nee Austin) Ehde; father of Rene (Larry) Acklin and Stacy (Matthew) Genco; grandfather of Kayla, Joshua and Ryan Acklin, Isabella and Alex Genco; brother of Brenda Abdelnour and Marjorie Sanders; son in law of Janet and the late Charles Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, where Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 10 AM. Mr. Ehde served 10 years in the US Navy in the Submarine Service on the USS Robert E. Lee SSBN 601. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Muriel M. (nee Kratzenburg) Walker - May 28, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late John E. Walker; mother of Michael J. (Eva), Craig L. (Marjorie) and John C. "Jack" (Margaret) Walker; grandmother of Rick and Christopher Walker, Kimberly (Brandon) Gravino, Nicole (Keith) Lesika, Jason (Laura) and Allison (fiancee Andrew Hetkman) Walker; great-grandmother of Mara and Max Gravino, Leland and Cody Lesika and Isabella Walker; sister of the late Thelma Mafelt and Earl Kratzenburg. Friends may call Friday 4-6 PM followed by prayers at 6 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

    Dolores I. Moore - May 22, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late William G. Moore. Mother of Cathleen Moore. Grandmother of Shaun Moore. Great-grandmother of Shaun Jr., Alaina and Alexander Moore. Dear companion of Edgar Kowalski. Funeral services private. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   Robert W. Carter - May 17, 2018, of Buffalo. Father of Corrine (Ben) Stadler, Kristen (John Rubino) Carter, Sean Carter, Kyle (Joy Ryan) Carter and David Beland. Grandfather of Lianna, Kaden and Ava Carter. Former spouse of Renee Josa. Brother of Debbie (Bob) Johnson, Jim (Tammy), Tim (Lisa) and the late Richard Carter. Son of the late Herbert and Irene (nee Foley) Carter. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved dogs Charlie and Ralphy. Friends may call Wednesday 4-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a Memorial Service will be held Thursday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mental Health Association of Erie County or the SPCA.

   Christa A. Bihler - May 23, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Frank Bihler. Mother of Monica (Bart) Gout and Mark Bihler. Grandmother of Austin and Elise Gout. Sister of Reinhard (Gertie) Wissmeier and the late Ilse Piwecki. Also survived by many dear friends. The family will be receiving friends Friday 1-4 PM at her home, 3331 Warner Dr., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Golden Age Center. "We love you mom". Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   Michael Cope - May 21, 2018, of Grand Island. Husband of Trish Cope. Father of Shaunna (Bob) Grimm, Jamin (Michelle) and Tom (Carly) Cope; Oompa of Tyler, Amelia, Madison and Brianna. Son of Diane and the late D. Thomas Cope; brother of Ronald (Patti) Cope, Karen (Jerry) Knight and Cheryl (Steve) Surprenant. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 4-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Mr. Cope was the owner of Cope Bestway Express.

John S. Kapus - Of Grand Island on May 7, 2018, age 79. Survived by his wife of 53 years Anna (nee Zawisky); daughters Kathleen, Susan and Theresa; and grandsons Stephen and Colin. Dr. Kapus was a chiropractor for 40 years at Riverside Chiropractic. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and attended Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He was a member of the NY Chiropractic Association and received the Chiropractor of the Year award in 1974. He was also a member and former President of the Riverside Business Association. Private funeral services were held.

   Horace David Myers - Horace David Myers passed away at 97 years of age in the Town of Tonawanda, NY on May 13, 2018. He fought until his final minutes.
   H. David Myers is known as the "Father of Grand Island Athletics". He was instrumental in the expansion of the Grand Island School system. He oversaw the construction of all the athletic facilities in the elementary, middle and senior high schools and was honored for his efforts in September 2014 when the new GI High School Athletic Complex was dedicated to him.
    H. David Myers was a champion of public school athletics. He named the Grand Island athletic teams the "Vikings." He always felt he had the support of the Grand Island residents and was proud of all the GI Viking athletes and the men and women he hired as teachers and coaches.
    H. David Myers was born August 19, 1920 in Hornell, NY, only child of Horace David and Gertrude Bunker Myers. He grew up in Eden, NY with his childhood sweetheart and later wife Alice Jean Baldauf. He spent his formative years playing sports, hunting and working odd jobs.
    In 1938, H. David attended Springfield College, but a family emergency forced him to return to Buffalo. He restarted his education at SUNY Cortland where he ultimately graduated with a degree in physical education, however his return and graduation were interrupted by WW II. Rejected by the armed forces due to residual lung scarring, he supported the war effort building aircraft engines at the General Motors-Chevy Aviation Plant. His co-workers nicknamed him "Heavy Duty" because of his compact strength and his initials "H. D."; the nickname "Heavy" followed him.
    He married Alice in 1943 and moved to Lockport, NY before settling in the Town of Tonawanda. In 1949, Veronica Connor hired him to teach at Sidway Elementary School and together they inspired athletic and academic excellence for four decades. Alice passed away in 1994 from Parkinson's and in 1998 he married Julia Hill Laing (deceased 2013) of Eden, NY. He and Julie then "snow-birded" between Deland, FL and WNY enjoying traveling, new friends and bowling.
    While in high school and college, H. David excelled in gymnastics, tennis, boxing, badminton, chess, hockey and above all soccer. He received numerous trophies and awards throughout his career. A soccer scholarship has been established in his name. As a parent he took great pride in the academic and athletic achievements of his children and their spouses as well as the achievements of his grandchildren and their spouses.
    From his first marriage, he is survived by his sons Douglas D (Jean) Myers and David E (Patricia) Myers MD of Williamsville NY, his daughter Deborah L (Cliff) Myers Meilun MD of North Kingstown RI. Grandchildren include David Scott (Michelle MD) Myers, Gwendolyn (Jonathan) Gingrich, Daniel (Elana Korn DDS) Myers, Kimberly Meilun, Rachel Meilun, and two great grandchildren Margaret Myers and Camille Gingrich.
   From his second marriage he is survived by his step-sons David (Rose) Laing, William (Jill) Laing, and Harry (Karen) Laing, and is predeceased by a step-daughter Sue (Stevan) Light. He is also survived by seven step-grandchildren, four step- great grandchildren and five step-great great grandchildren.
    Visitation is being held at the Laing Funeral Home Inc. www.LaingFuneralHome.com located at 2724 W Church St, Eden, NY 14057, (716) 992-9172 on May 17, 2018 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM and 6:00PM - 9:00PM. A private funeral and internment is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the H David Myers Soccer Scholarship Fund during visitation hours or mailed to 353 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14223.

   Jane A. (nee Anderson) Duffy - May 11, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Francis P. Duffy. Mother of Michael J. (Carol) Duffy of Roscoe, IL and the late Andrea Switzer. Grandmother of Christopher M. (Lisa) Duffy. Great-grandmother of Zoe Duffy. Sister of the late Howie, Eddie, Alfie and Dick Anderson and Nina Hildebrand Cooley. Friends may call Friday 10 - 11 AM followed by funeral services Friday at 11 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Geneva, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Grand Island Historical Society. Mrs. Duffy was a Home Economics teacher at Kenmore West for 25 years and then was a substitute teacher in the Kenmore School System for 14 years. She received the Teacher of the Year award in 1987.

    Martin J. Mazzara - Of Grand Island, entered into rest May 9, 2018; beloved husband of Carolyn M. (nee Maranto) Mazzara; devoted father of Maria Mazzara, Martin G. (Lorry) Mazzara, Michael C. (Linda) Mazzara and Torre (Gina) Mazzara; cherished grandfather of Anthony (Brooke) Guadagna, Martin, Gabrielle, Michael, Joey, Ella, Victor, Lucia and Adriana Mazzara; adored great-grandfather of Valentino and Luca; loving son of the late Gasper and Mary Mazzara; dear brother of Jack (Christine) Mazzara, Dottie (late Frank) Bellanti, Audrey (Patrick) Cosentino and the late Bart (Jeanette) Mazzara; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Monday from 3-8 PM where prayers will be said on Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Amelia Church at 9 o'clock. Entombment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

   Eleanor R. (nee Meyer) Stephan - May 10, 2018, of Grand Island, wife of the late Frederick J. Stephan; loving mother of Gregory A. Stephan Sr. and Donna L. (Michael) Doknovitch; cherished grandmother of Patrick M. (Danielle) and Ryan G. Finnegan, Gregory A. Jr. and Jason F Stephan and Ivy E. Doknovitch; great-grandmother of Brayden P. and Landon S. Finnegan and Leyton M. Doknovitch; daughter of the late Carl G. and Elsie Meyer. Friends may call Tuesday 4-7 PM followed by funeral services Tuesday at 7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Apostolic Church, 3753 N. Troy St., Chicago, IL 60618 or the Grand Island Golden Age Center. Mrs. Stephan was a regular at the Grand Island Golden Center and enjoyed the time she spent there with her cherished friends.

   Maryann Dirmyer - 70, of Knox, PA, passed away at her home on May 8, 2018. Born on June 21, 1947 in Kingston, Luzerne County, PA, she was the daughter of John and Catherine (Fember) Vinovrski. She was married to David R. Dirmyer who preceded her in death in 2005. After high school, Maryann attended trade school and began a career as a phlebotomist. She enjoyed watching television shows, and was especially looking forward to the new season of Oak Island. Maryann was a country music fan, loved the oldies and Elvis.
   She is survived by her sons, David J. Dirmyer and Daniel J. Dirmyer, both of Nebraska; her daughters, Kelly L. Lasher, of Niagara Falls, NY, Robin M. Dirmyer, of Knox, and Tiffany A. Dirmyer, of Lockport, NY. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition, Maryann is survived by her brothers, Joseph Vinovrski, of Franklinville, NY, and James Vinovrski, of Grand Island, NY; her sisters, Marlene Golden, of North Tonawanda, NY, Julie Goodwin, of Grand Island, NY, Lillian Killian, of Lockport, NY, Karen O'Lay, of North Tonawanda, NY, Cathleen Latz, of Grand Island, NY, and Caterina Garrett, of North Tonawanda, NY. She will also be missed by two close friends, Judy Pfendler and Tom Cyphert.
   Maryann was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine, her husband, David, two grandchildren, and her brother, John. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to assist the family with funeral expenses may be made by visiting www.goblefh.net. Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory in Clarion. As per Maryann's expressed wishes, there will be no visitation or services.

    Thomas H. Bennett - May 8, 2018, of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of Teresa (nee Monkelbaan); dearest father of the late Trisha Kruithoff; grandfather of Thomas Kruithoff and the late Arron Camarda; son of the late Harold and Emma Bennett; brother of the late Joan Wuest; survived by aunts, uncles, niece, nephew, and special friend of Daren, Greg, Kim and Tim. Relatives and friends may call at THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY (south of County and N. French Rds.), Thursday 3-7 PM. Chapel Service Friday at 12 noon.

Winifred R. (nee Costantino) Zarbo - May 6, 2018, age 97, of Grand Island. Beloved daughter of the late Pauline and Antonio Costantino. Sister of Raymond (Janette) Nola and the late Claire (late Peter) Binghiemer and the late Rudolph (late Rose) Costantino. Loving mother of Annette "Penny" (George) Panepinto and Paula (Bob) Zucarelli. Devoted grandmother of Joan Marie and Susan Panepinto, Teresa (Tom) Duffy, Annette (Frank) Grandinetti, James (Lynn) Panepinto, Mary Catherine (Kenneth) Fick, Giorgio (Lisandra) Panepinto, Lisa, Christy and Gina Zucarelli. Cherished great-grandmother of Melissa (Phil) McCraith-Mastantuono, Katie McCraith-Sclafani (Matthew Daniels), Victoria and George McCraith, Anthony Daubney (Alexa SantaLucia), the late Stephanie Ali, Sarah (Jason) Grant, Sam Ali, Tommy Duffy, Travis Kelley, Nicholas, Charles, Isabella and Lily Panepinto, Carmela and Angelo Bartolomeo, Alena, Giavana and Giorgio Panepinto Jr., Thomas Cutler-Zucarelli, Jessica and Alyssa Zucarelli. Great-great-grandmother of Isaiah, Salvatore, Winifred "Wini" and the late Grace Ingalsbe. And also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church. Arrangements: Kaiser Funeral Home.

Theodora (Luke) Gondek - Of Grand Island, passed away April 29, 2018. Loving mother of Jeffrey Gondek, Molly Jo Musarra (Gondek), Lynette Reda (Gondek) and William Gondek III (deceased); grandmother of six grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Theodora donated her body to science (University at Buffalo Anatomical Donor Program). Service to follow at a later date.

   William R. Casseday - By Buffalo News reporter Dale Anderson.
   Dec, 21, 1926 - March 27, 2018
   Bill Casseday helped pave the way for all of the Buffalo area's major highways during his 50-year career with the State Department of Transportation. Beginning in 1948 as a surveyor's helper with what was then the state Department of Public Works Bureau of Highways, he surveyed the route for the Kensington Expressway and helped lay out the Thruway, the Scajaquada Expressway and the Youngmann Highway. Later, as regional construction engineer, he oversaw the building of the Route 219 Expressway and the Southern Tier Expressway. He died March 27 in his home in New Freedom, Pa. He was 91.
    Born in Cleveland, William R. Casseday came to Buffalo when he was 14. He attended Lancaster High School and Buffalo Technical High School, where he graduated in 1946 after interrupting his studies to serve in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He took night classes at the University of Buffalo and earned a diploma in civil engineering from the International Correspondence School in Scranton, Pa. In his youth, he delivered newspapers, worked on a farm, caddied at Lancaster Country Club and worked at the Curtiss-Wright aircraft factory. His first job after high school was in the parts and collision departments at H. S. Nielsen Oldsmobile at Bailey Avenue and Genesee Street.
   He joined the DOT in November 1948 and was the department's liaison to the State Thruway Authority during construction of the superhighway. He became regional construction engineer for Western New York in 1973, supervising a staff of about 200 and overseeing contracts for bridge and highway projects in four counties. Among his many innovations was the lump-sum bridge contract, which streamlined the contract process. In 1974, he was named this region's first DOT Engineer of the Year. He also represented the DOT on the Erie Community College advisory board for about 10 years and taught a night course on highway engineering and design on the ECC North Campus in Amherst.
    In 1997, he received the John K. Mladinov Award for outstanding service - the department's highest honor - becoming the first employee outside DOT headquarters in Albany to receive it. Upon his retirement in 1999, he was recognized for his work by the New York State Association of General Contractors.
    A longtime Cheektowaga resident, he was active for 50 years in Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, where he was a trustee and a lector. For his service to the parish, he received the Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker in 1997. After moving to Grand Island in 1998, he became a parishioner at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Since 2003, he lived in New Freedom, near York, where he was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus. In retirement, he enjoyed volunteer work, Bible study, genealogy research and golf.
    He was an usher at the Commodore Theater on Genesee Street when he met his first wife, Arline Kaufman. They were married in 1947 and lived at first above her family's tavern at Genesee Street and Union Road in Cheektowaga. She died in 1986. He met his second wife, Claudia Allen, on an Alaskan cruise. They were married in 1995, had a winter home in Hudson, Fla., and traveled extensively around the world. Survivors also include two daughters, Linda Brozek and Cindy Guido; two step-daughters, Elizabeth Levy and Hilary Holmes; a sister, Patricia Birnie Jacobs; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 5 in the chapel of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 4125 Union Road, Cheektowaga.

Ashley Nicole Schmidt - April 22, 2018, of Grand Island, mother of Elijah James Schmidt and Raeven Ann Yaksich; daughter of Shari Ann Schmidt and John Carlson and the late John Michael Schmidt; sister of Jason Rolland (Angela) VanHattum, Tracey Lynn Schmidt and Tiffany Carlson; granddaughter of Joyce and the late Rolland VanHattum; also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may call Saturday 2-7 PM followed by funeral services Saturday at 7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. For those who wish to honor Ashley's life and legacy, a benefit fund has been established for her children. Please make checks payable to Shari Schmidt for the benefit of Elijah Schmidt and Raeven Yaksich. Send to P.O. Box 294, Buffalo, NY 14209. Go Fund Me Page.

Karen A. (nee Coon) Kerr - Of Grand Island, entered into rest April 22, 2018; beloved wife of Paul R. Kerr; devoted mother of Julie (Brian) Smith, Salena Sutch and Erik Sutch; cherished grandmother of Ryan, Jada, Olivia, Dennis, Serenity, Elizabeth, Brian Jr. and Johnny; loving daughter of the late Henry and Linda (nee Seibert) Coon; dear sister of Beth, Colleen and the late Sharon; also survived by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr., on Saturday from 1-3 PM. Funeral service will immediately follow. Please Share your condolences online at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

Karen (nee Kay) Jablonski - April 21, 2018, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Robert S. Jablonski. Mother of Kelly L. Smith, Tamara K. Kaczmarowski and Robyn S. Jablonski. Grandmother of Joel Morris, Taylor Bedford, Morgan Kaczmarowski, Cassie and Jacob Gilcart, Noah Jablonski, Eian Rebon and the late Shayla Smith. Great-grandmother of Lukas Domagala and Deegan Jimerson. Sister of James (Linda) and Howard (Judy) Kay. Special cousin of Kathy Gray. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Graveside service will be held Thursday at Whitehaven Cemetery, 3222 East River Rd., Grand Island at 12 PM. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

    Daniel Gruber - Age 88, of Grand Island, surrounded by his loving family passed into the arms of the angels on April 20, 2018, son of the late Daniel and Irene Gruber, he was the beloved husband of Patricia (nee Wolf) Gruber for 65 years. Daniel was the devoted and loving father of Debra (Marvin) Pawlowski, Diana (Gary) Kornacki, Dana (Randolph) Mirowski, Daniel Gruber, Dale Gruber, Major David (late Karen) Gruber, Richard (Kimberly) Gruber, Donna (Chene) Middleton, Douglas Gruber and Damon (Cathy) Gruber. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Daniel proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was employed for 30 years at the GM Tonawanda Engine Plant. He enjoyed his retirement with his family, traveling with his wife and wintering in Sarasota, FL. Daniel was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree and the Disabled American Veterans. The family will be present at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, Thursday 1-3 PM and 5-8 PM. Family and friends are invited for a Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice Buffalo.

    Ronald C. Headley - April 15, 2018, of Grand Island, husband of the late Gertrude (Neville) Headley; survived by a sister in California, a niece in Maryland and a nephew in Virginia; son of the late Francis and Marion Headley. Mr. Headley was a U.S. Navy radar man aboard the USS Kearsarge during the Korean War. He was formerly head Electrical Engineer at DuPont in Niagara Falls and traveled worldwide for DuPont. He had a Masters Degree in Engineering from the University of Delaware and was an avid genealogist and traced his roots to the 1600's. Funeral services private. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   David S. Kaiser - April 20, 2018, of Grand Island. Father of Cathy (Eddie) Parras, April and Autumn Kaiser. Grandfather of Megan Parras and Ayden Kaiser. Brother of Deborah Jenkins and Donald J. Kaiser. Son of the late Donald R. and Katherine Kaiser. Dear friend of the Lewis and Hahn families. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday at 11 AM at Whitehaven Cemetery, 3222 East River Rd., Grand Island.

Connie May (nee Maxson) Payne - April 7, 2018, age 38, beloved wife of Barth Alan Payne, Jr.; loving mother of Collin, Aidan and Cian Payne; daughter of Alan (Marcia) and the late Nancy Maxson; sister of Michelle (Jeremy) Neitzel, Michael (Lesa) Oakes, Marshall (Angela) Oakes, Janice (Edward) Thomas and Matthew (Jennifer) Maxson; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday April 28th from 1-4 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) where services will follow at 4:00 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

    Robert M. Stroka - April 16, 2018, of Grand Island, NY. Beloved son of Susan L. Stroka (Mark Previte). Loving brother of Dylan J. Stroka, Jennifer (David) Guizzotti, Kelly (Chris) Pritt and Eric (Gayle) Fagan. Special grandson of Marie (late Thaddeus) Stroka and beloved godson of Maryrose and Rocco DeSantis. Also survived by aunts, uncles, close cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. At the family's request, private services were held last Thursday. Please share your condolences at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com.

    Donald R. Wietan, Jr. - April 20, 2018, of Grand Island, husband of Sheila (McNamee) Wietan. Father of Cheryl (Christopher) Andreana and Kelly (Dustin) Cross; grandfather of Olivia Cross; son of Donna and the late Donald R. Wietan Sr.; brother of Diana (Larry) Moore; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 5-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

   Joyce (nee Carey) Bedford - April 18, 2018, of Grand Island. Mother of Dawn (John) Mazur, Ryan Bedford and the late William J. Bedford. Grandmother of Taylor Bedford, James Mazur and Sommer Bedford. Great- grandmother of Deegan Jimerson. Daughter of the late Mildred Carey. Friends may call Sunday, April 22nd from 1-4 PM followed by memorial services Sunday at 4 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

   Norman J. Mrkall - Highway Superintendent, Town of Grand Island. Volunteer Fire Chief, Grand Island Fire Company, January 7, 1937 - April 17, 2018.
    Norman J. Mrkall, life long resident of Grand Island, a retired Highway Superintendent and long time firefighter, died peacefully in his home on April 17, 2018. He was 81 years old. Mr. Mrkall was credited with building a modern highway department for the Town of Grand Island; starting such programs as safety striping roads, year-round branch pickup service, drainage program/tiling of miles of town road ditches, and extensive road paving programs. Local media credited Norm for many years with an A-1 rating for town-wide snow removal. Norm's dedication to the Highway Department was recognized and his programs published in state-wide magazines.
    Mr. Mrkalls community and government involvement was recognized and honored through the Citizen-of-the-Year award in 1974 and again in 1999. Mr. Mrkall also served his country as a U.S. Army Sergeant, earning his veteran status after serving overseas with honorable discharge, December 1957.
   Mr. Mrkall was also a 64-year member of the Grand Island Fire Company. He served many years as Fire Chief and 21 years as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was honored and received credit for building a very modern fire company by rebuilding three fire stations and starting many new programs. Mr. Mrkall facilitated the programs for the fire company such as a 911 dispatch center, conducting the first on-air radio tests, helping to start a paramedic service and acquiring property for future fire stations.
   In his personal life, his wife of 52 years, Charlotte (Smith) Mrkall, died in 2012. Mr. Mrkall is survived by two daughters, Brenda Ann and Cynthia Ann, and a son, Norman J. II (Lisa), and two wonderful, loving granddaughters, Maisie Ann and Marissa Ann. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Magdolna Mazepa - 91, of Grand Island, died April 9, 2018. She is survived by Robert, her beloved husband of 66 years; daughters Dr. Erzsebet Mazepa, Edith (Gene) Block and Emese (Vincent) Pedroza; grandchildren Nathan (Kerri), Stephen (Lindsay), Douglas Block, Rachel (Anthony) Miracle, Marilia (Michael) Wimberly, Victoria, Joshua (Mairi) and John (Julia) Pedroza, along with 10 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The St. Jude Center, 760 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, Saturday, April 14, at 9:30 A.M. Her legacy of love, faithfulness and kindness toward all, lives on in all who knew and loved her. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

Dr. Frank Costanzo
Gladys M. Costanzo - A Memorial Mass will be held for Dr. Frank and Gladys Costanzo on Saturday, April 14th at St. Stephen R.C. Church at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Costanzo died in Durham, North Carolina, on Monday, July 17, 2017. Mrs. Costanzo passed away in Oxford, North Carolina, on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Legendary Boat Racing Champion Howie Benns Passes Away at 78 - April 2018

   Born April 7, 1939 in Buffalo, NY passed away in Fort Myers, Florida on March 12, 2018 with his daughter Linda by his side, along with very dear friends Thomas Moss who he considered a son, friends Sal, Shirley and Joan.
   Howie thrilled thousands of fans in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. In 1957 he began his racing career that spanned 40 years. In 2015 he was honored at the Buffalo Launch Club by the APBA Boat Racing Association as he was presented the Lifetime Achievement award.Going back many years, in 1968 Howie won his first national championship aboard the sk 401 "Chevy to Much" , his first time in the boat. In 1972 he broke the straight away award. 1973, Howie won the 7 liter division I American National Championship aboard the "Sudden Seven" followed by the unlimited Rookie of the Year in 1974.
    Prior to the unlimited season, the famed Miss Budwieser owner Bernie Little called the American Power Boat Association President Bob Wannamaker to ask who he would recommend as a driver for 1974, without any doubt, Bob's recommendation was Howie Benns for the seat. Once hired, Howie went on to win 3 title events in his rookie year, a record that stood for years, and was reconized as "Rookie of the Year" by the Unlimited Racing Commission. 1988 brought Howie the American, Canadian and World champion. Howie was also the triple crown winner at Valleyfield, Quebec, taking home the Grand Prix World Championship, as well as the Canadian and American championship titles in the "Lebeouf" GP-1001. 1991 brought the Griffin Cup in New Zealand.
   Some of the famous hydroplanes Howie piloted where the Miss Budweiser, Sudden Seven, Miss Gangway, Lebeouf and Miss Dinomite to name a few, finally retiring at age 55. Howie was a proud Marine serving our country from 1956 to 1958.
   A memorial service, with military honors will be held at Kaiser's Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island on Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club, 1083 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. In honor of Howie, please put on your jeans and racing shirt and have a drink with him, share your good, funny and sad stories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the APBA Historical Society, APBA Vintage and Historical division or the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club.

   Howard Benns - "Howie" April 7, 1939 - March 12, 2018, passed peacefully in Fort Myers, FL with his daughter Linda by his side and his son in law Tom Moss and friends Shirley, Sal and Joan. Surviving besides his daughter Linda Emanuele is her husband Kevin, daughters April Wright and Cynthia Moss. Grandchildren James Wright Jr., Christine Wright, Kimberlee Moss, Ryan Moss and great grandson Wesley James. Predeceased by sons Howie and Tommy. True and faithful friends Charlie and Barbara (bugger lips) Miller and Mike and Lynn Yensan. A memorial will be held at Kaiser's Funeral Home on Saturday, April 14th at 11 am followed by a celebration of Howie's life at the Rod and Gun Club. In honor of Howie please put on your jeans and racing shirts as the 5 minute gun is about to go off..... Howie raced hydroplane boats such as Sudden Seven, Dinomytes and Miss Budweiser locally, nationally and as far away as Valleyfield, Quebec and New Zealand.