DEATHS - 2003
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John C. Pace, of Lake Worth, Florida, formerly of Baseline Road, Grand Island and Niagara Falls passed away on December 15, 2003 at his home in Florida in the care of Hospice. He was a retired machinist from Carborundum in Niagara Falls. He and his wife also maintained a summer home in Point au Baril, Ontario for many years where they enjoyed entertaining many friends, fishing and the outdoors. He was a talented clarinetist, and as an active golfer, he was a member of the Grand Island Masonic Golf Association (GIMGA). He was member of the Moose in Lake Worth and a Mason for over 50 years, most recently a member of Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge #1138 F & A M. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, a Daughter Diane (Dan A.) Martinez of Lake Worth and four granddaughters: Danielle, Andrea, Leighann, and Dianna Martinez, all formerly of Fix Road. Services were held at the convenience of the family.




Loraine F. Caraotta (Ruszczewski), December 23, 2003, formerly of Grand Island and Tonawanda, mother of Janice (Leonard) Nancett, Cathi Jo (Russell) Potter, Linda (Raymond) Perry and the late Russell Caraotta; grandmother of Michael, Jennifer, Robert, Russell Jr. and Tommy; also survived by three sisters; daughter of the late Marion and Margaret Ruszczewski. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Loraine was an active member at the Grand Island Senior Citizen's Center and volunteered for the Meals On Wheels Program.





ITHACA. . .Annette Fuhr, 61, died Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at her home with her family at her side after a courageous struggle with cancer. Her family especially thanks Kathy Smith of Grand Island for lovingly caring for her and driving her to her trips to Roswell. Annette was born in Buffalo, NY on April 28, 1942, the daughter of Anne (Kinghorn) and Henry Boehm. Before moving to Ithaca 18 years ago, Annette lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Grand Island, NY. She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, sewing, and her women's book group. She always made a annual trip to Platters Chocolates in Tonawanda to bring back Easter candy. Annette found great joy spending time with her grandchildren, especially when they joined her at the piano, and swimming. She will be greatly missed by all of them: Logan and Mason Bonn, Casey and Elle Trevits, Gillean, Aaron and Dustin Fuhr. She is also survived by her children, Nancy Fuhr Bonn (Fred), Amy Fuhr, John Fuhr (Shelby), and her siblings Andy Boehm (Connie O'Brien), Marilyn Vogel (Alan), Tom Boehm and Jack Boehm (Sharron), and cousins in the Buffalo/Rochester area. A gathering to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.




George T. Trader, 85, passed away on December 23, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Veronica and a son, Thomas Trader of Elkton, Maryland. The Traders were longtime residents of Redway Road, Grand Island.




Arthur James Witnauer, 79 of Palm Desert, CA; formerly of Buffalo, NY; December 23, 2003; husband of the late Rita (nee Thibeau); father of Cheryl Azzollini of San Clemente, CA, Charles of Palm Springs, CA, Gregory of Missouri, Jeffrey of Cathedral City, CA and Robin Witnauer of Anaheim, CA; brother of Audrey Leising, Edna Jurek, Thelma Dugan, Ralph Witnauer and the late Alvin Witnauer; also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Monday, January 12, 2004 at 11:00 AM in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Inurnment Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Arrangements by FITZHENRY FUNERAL HOME (Palm Desert Chapel), (760) 776-8866.




Cecilia L. (Rooney) Horrigan, 56, died Saturday, December 27, 2003, of Grand Island under Hospice care in Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a monthlong illness. She was the wife of John E. Horrigan, Jr.; daughter of Gertrude Rooney of Anaheim, Calif. and the late John Rooney; sister of Jack of Great Falls, Mont., Ginny Rooney of Buffalo, Joseph of Boston and Chris of Anaheim, Pat Leal and Loretta Duquette, both of Cape Coral, Fla., Jean Rooney, Mary Price and Ronnie Derwent of Anaheim; best friend of Rex and Belle. Friends may call Tuesday only 4-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. She was born Cecelia L. Rooney in Buffalo and moved to Hamburg as a young child. She attended Hamburg schools. She worked in the editorial department at the Buffalo Courier-Express and, after the newspaper closed in 1982, spent 16 years in The Buffalo News data processing department. In recent years, she worked in the Town of Grand Island Zoning Department. Mrs. Horrigan also assisted her husband, John E. Jr., a Buffalo Public Schools engineer, with clerical work. She and her husband enjoyed boating on the Niagara River and raising their pet dogs.




Bernard F. Williams, December 18, 2003, of Grand Island, husband of the late Rosemary D. Williams; father of Bruce (Mary), Bradley (Enza), Barry (Barb) and Bill (Roxanne) Williams; grandfather of Alec, Samuel, Rosemary, David, Isabel, Brandon and Olivia; brother of Eileen (Bill) Hawkins and the late Jean Quick. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Assn.




Caroline Leitner, December 16, 2003 of Grand Island, NY; wife of the late John 'Hans' Leitner; mother of Hans J. (Audrey) and Elizabeth B. Leitner; grandmother of Danielle (Kevin) Poole; great-grandmother of Shauna; sister of Emma Kootz and Irmgard (Heinz) Schoenborn. Memorial services will be held Friday at 2:00 PM at Messiasic Congregation Brith Hadoshah, 2608 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.




Nicholas F. Radius, 90, December 16, 2003 - 45-year resident died in his Grand Island; devoted husband of the late Gertrude A. (Hooper) Radius who died in 1994; beloved father of JoAnn E. Vanderheite; brother of Betty T. Martin of East Aurora; uncle of Michael, Mark, Peter and Patrick Martin. Nick was a retired agent for the Internal Revenue Service. Born in Buffalo, he was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving stateside. He worked in the Buffalo IRS office for 30 years, retiring in the 1970s. He was a member of the American Legion and Elks Club, and was a former member of Buffalo Launch Club. He was devoted to his dog, Buster. Friends may call Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Stanley Robert Hill Sr., Peacefully at home after a lengthy illness on December 14, 2003, in the loving care of his family. Stanley Hill Sr. age 82 years, beloved husband of Alma (Wilson) Hill, loving father of Russell S. Hill, Janet E. D'Alimonte, Richard W. Hill Sr., Stanley R. Hill Jr. and the late James F. Hill; dear grandfather of 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; also survived by sisters Margaret, Leona, Mary and Eleanor, brother Fred Hill, predeceased by Evelyn VanEvery, Edith Wilson, Laura, Janet, Kathleen, Florence, Tony, Bill and Clarence. Stan served in the U.S. Navy in WWII as a Metalsmith first class and a deep sea diver, he worked for 30 years at Local 6 International Brotherhood of Ironworkers, also a well respected bone carver, winning hundreds of awards in recognition of his artist achievement. Stan is a Mohawk of the Turtle Clan. The family will honour Stan's life with a visitation at the STYRES FUNERAL HOME, Ohsweken 2-4 and 7-9 PM Thursday. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Friday at 11 AM. Interment Church of Jesus Christ Cemetery. As an expression of your sympathy, donations may be made to the Buffalo Hospice or other home care agency.





Walter A. "Lefty" Kendzierski, 87, December 16, 2003, of Grand Island, Husband of Arvilla (Webb) Kendzierski; father of Frank M. (Sheila) Kendzierski, Patricia G. (Dale) Kratz and Kathleen M. Kendzierski; grandfather of Julie Hardy, Christine Smith, Joel Kendzierski, Michelle Reed, Adam and Mindi Kratz and Heidi Pitcher; also survived by 12 great-grandchildren; brother of Virginia (Adam) Hans, Alfrieda (Edward) Plewniak and the late Stella Toth, Helen, Frank, Edward and Casimer Kendzierski, Pearl Palaszewski and Florence (survived by husband Frank) Czelusta. Friends may call Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, where Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to V.F.W. Charles DeGlopper Memorial Post #9429, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island 14072. Mr. Kendzierski was a former POW during WWII and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.





Doris Rees, 77, of Grand Island, died unexpectedly Monday, December 15, 2003 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after becoming ill in her Grand Island home. She was the wife of the late George A. Rees; mother of William (Sheila) Rees of Kokomo, IN, Daniel (Judy) Rees of Brandford, PA, and Carol (Joseph) Kobza of Grand Island; grandmother of William, Britta, Daniel, Juliane, Kristen and Joseph; sister of Louise (Joseph) Harazin of Sycamore, Ill. Friends may call Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, where funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 11 AM. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Born Doris Lange in Riverside, Ill., she lived on Grand Island since 1953 except for five years in the 1960s when her husband was transferred to Kokomo, Ind. Active in historic preservation on Grand Island, she was a past president of the Grand Island Historical Society and a member of the Grand Island Historical Preservation Committee. She also was a member of the Bridgeview Garden Club, the River Lea Quilters and the River Oaks Ladies Nine Hole Golf League. She was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church and its church council. A member of several bridge clubs on Grand Island, she was an accomplished player. She also enjoyed traveling and cooking. Her husband of 51 years, George A., a chemical engineer for Union Carbide Corp., died in 1998.




Anna T. Goodman, 78, of West Palm Beach, Florida passed away December 2, 2003. She was born in 1925 in Buffalo, NY. Mrs. Goodman was founder of the Grand Island Recreation Commission, serving as its director until 1962. She was also active at St. Stephen's Church. "She treasured her issues of the Island Dispatch and read them right up to her last week always interested in the little Island we all loved to grow up on," a family spokesman said. Mrs. Goodman, who moved to Florida in 1969, was a former supervisor for the Loxahatchee Water Control District, owner of Goodhaven Farms in Loxahatchee Groves and raced many horses at Pompano Park Harness Track, founder and charter member of St. Rita Roman Catholic Church, member of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church Parish Council/ CCW, and a member of Maurawood Community Outreach Advisory Board for 15 years. She is survived by her loving family: four children: Phillip (Pat) Goodman of California, Margaret Goodman of Loxahatchee Groves, Mari Lou (Ron) Polvi of Oregon, and William Goodman of Wellington; and five grandchildren. A Funeral Mass was celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2003 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. She was put to rest in Lake Worth, FL next to her late husband, Theodore. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 390 South Sequoia Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33409; (561) 686-8128.




Allene Florence Spiller, 76, of Wallace Drive, Grand Island died Thursday, December 11, 2003 in Schoellkopf Health Care Center following a brief illness. She was born in Niagara Falls, New York on October 24, 1927, the daughter of the late Stephen and Evelyn (Sinko) Sioda. She attended local schools. Mrs. Spiller was employed in earlier years for the former Spirella Garment Company as a seamstress and later worked as a beautician from her home. She enjoyed Tai Chi, ceramics and tap dancing. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Frederick J. Spiller; three daughters, Cheryl (Donald) Young of Grants Pass, OR, Deborah (Martin) Remmes and Diane (John) McDonough of Grand Island; a son, Frederick Spiller; a sister, Dorothy (Lewis) Schram of Niagara Falls; a stepbrother, Stanley (Mary Jane) Zak of Niagara Falls; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two nephews. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2003 at the Lane Funeral Home, Inc. 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls where funeral services will be held Monday, December 15, 2003 at 11 a.m. Entombment in Mount Olivet Mausoleum, Town of Tonawanda, NY.




Michael B. Cole, of Blasdell, NY, (formerly of Grand Island, NY) entered into rest suddenly December 7, 2003. Beloved husband of Linda A. (nee Conahan) Cole; devoted father of Jeremy and Aaron; loving son of Byron and the late Nancy (nee Swallow) Cole; dear brother of Cindy (Bruce) Ensminger; fond uncle of Katy Domagala; dearest son-in-law of Carol (late Richard) Conahan; also survived by relatives and many friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd, near Lake Ave. on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the funeral and service will be held on Friday morning at 9 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.




Joyce C. (Chlipala) Schlifke, December 8, 2003, of Grand Island, on her 65th birthday, after a yearlong battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of 44 years of Ronald H. Schlifke; devoted mother of Ronald J. (Kathleen) of Grand Island, Rebecca S. (David) King of Buffalo, Alyssa (Thomas) Holden of the Town of Tonawanda and Shawn T. Schlifke of Grand Island; Also survived by a brother, James Chlipala of Pennsylvania and seven grandchildren. She was the sister-in-law of Terance (Gail) Schlifke. Born Joyce Chlipala in Buffalo, she was the daughter of Walter Chlipala, an outfielder who played for the Buffalo Bisons and the Brooklyn Dodgers. A graduate of Mount St. Mary's Academy and Erie Community College, she worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Samuel Albert of the Town of Tonawanda for 30 years, until five years ago. Mrs. Schlifke was a Campfire Girls leader when her children were young. For many years she gave lectures and workshops in meditation and astrology. She also took part in a class-action suit brought against the state Thruway Authority to open its books on tolls charged on the Grand Island bridges. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the BURY & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3070 Delaware, Kenmore. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2003 in Unitarian Universalist Church, 695 Elmwood Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Cancer Society.




Ilona "Lonie" Petkovsky Klocke, suddenly, December 9, 2003. Beloved wife of former Grand Island resident James E. Klocke; dear sister of Suzanne Stibik Kamman; aunt of Melissa, Craig, Alexis and the late Eric Kamman; great-aunt of Teagan R. Kamman and Sam Petkovsky. Friends may call Friday 4-8 and Saturday 12 noon-2 PM at GEORGE J. ROBERTS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, where funeral services will be held at 2 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Teagan R. Kamman Educational Fund.




Mildred M. Dingey, December 5, 2003 of Grand Island, wife of the late Paul F. Dingey; mother of Linda Dingey, Sharon (Melvin) Ullrich and Tom (Lynn) Dingey; grandmother of Jeryl Engel, Paul (MaryJo) Soto, Nicholas and Jonathan Dingey; great-grandmother of Kelcie, Kodie and Kyler Engel; sister of Haroldeen Pearce, Eve Ann Picard and the late Zelda Carlson; dear friend of Brenda Young. Mrs. Dingey was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church for over 40 years and was a former cafeteria aide at Huth Road Elementary School on Grand Island. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Monday at 10 AM at Emmanuel Community Bible Church, 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Interment wil be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.




Charles E. Benzing, December 6, 2003 of Grand Island, N.Y. Husband of Gladys M. (Edington) Benzing; father of Sharon (Brent) Minet, Susan (Louis) Quagliana, Sharlene Raepple and Shawn (Sandy) McQuestion; also survived by nine grandchildren; brother of Mary Hibbs and the late Edward Paul Benzing. A resident of Grand Island since 1949, Mr. Benzing was a member of Local 17 Operating Engineers and Local 43 Painters Union. He was the last surviving member who operated Beck's Brewery in Buffalo which closed in 1947. Friends may call Monday only from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the St. Stephen's Church Building Fund.




Anthony W. Kustich died Monday, December 1, 2003 in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after an illness of several months. He had turned 84 on Sunday. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, the former Shirley Krantz. He was the father of Jerry (Debra) of Twin Bridges, Mont., Mary Ellen (Hank) Jung of Wheatfield and Rick Kustich of Grand Island. Grandfather of Daniel Flutur, Cynthia (George) Jung and Sarah Kustich. Brother of John of Augusta, Ga.,, Donald (Mary Ann) of the Town of Tonawanda and the late Paul Kustich, Mary O'Rourke and Lucy Lee. Son of the late John and Catherine Kustich. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Tony was born in Buffalo, grew up in the city's Riverside section and graduated from Seneca Vocational High School. He served in the Army as a medical technician in the Fiji Islands during World War II. He worked for New York Telephone, first as a lineman, then as a repairman, retiring in 1983. With the help of his father-in-law and brother-in-law, he built a home on Grand Island in 1950. He was one of the founders of Little League baseball on Grand Island in the 1950s. He was active in St. Stephen's Catholic Church and was called upon as a "Mr. Fix-It" for many parish functions. Tony enjoyed playing softball, camping with his family, woodworking, gardening, home remodeling and traveling to the Adirondacks and the West.




Betty J. (Williams) Hasert, of Niagara Falls, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY; wife of the late Marvin Hasert; mother of Lana (Thomas) Redell, Michael E., David B. and the late Jeffrey B. Hasert; also survived by four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the JOHN E. ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1361 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Friends invited. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.




Matthew S. Makowski, of Grand Island, NY, November 26, 2003, former husband of Catalina Makowski; dearest father of Dennis, Michell (Dan Farrelly) and Thomas Makowski; son of the late Matthew J. and Jane Makowski; brother of Jane (Mark) Soukup and David Makowski. Friends receive Monday from 6-8 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) where funeral services will immediately follow visitation Monday evening at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be sent to Hospice Buffalo, Inc.




A funeral service for Geraldine McCormick, who worked in human resources for Occidental Chemical Corp., Niagara Falls, died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 in Villa St. Joseph Nursing Facility, Overland Park, Kan., after a brief illness. A Grand Island, NY, resident, she was 75. She was born in Niagara Falls and attended high school at Stella Niagara, Lewiston. Ms. McCormick remained active in her school's alumni association. She spent her entire professional career with Occidental in human resources. Ms. McCormick was a member of the OxyChem Retirees Club and a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Grand Island, where she did volunteer work. She was the aunt of Elizabeth Confer of Lenexa, KS; sister-in-law of William Confer of Hot Springs, AR, sister of the late Evelyn Confer and Rev. Francis McCormick. The family will be present at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM Wednesday, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorials may be made to the Catholic Charities.





Andrew P. Piacente, 68, of Grand Island, went home to be with his Lord November 22, 2003, beloved husband of Patricia (Manaseri) Piacente whom he was married to for 46 years; loving father of Nancy (Michael) LaJoie and Sue (Chris) Gizzo, both of the Town of Tonawanda, and the late Janet Lee Piacente; cherished papa of Aaron, Jason and Joseph; brother of Frank (Eleanor) of Sloan, Luke (Babe) Piacente of St. Cloud, Florida, Marie (Danny) Pelczynski of Depew and the late Angeline Militello; dear son-in-law of Bessie L. Manaseri; also survived by nieces and nephews; son of the late Andrew and Philomena Piacente. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. "Andy," who received numerous awards for community service and his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, died Saturday (Nov. 22, 2003) in the Schofield Residence, Kenmore. "They used to call him Mr. Ice Boom," said his daughter, Nancy LaJoie. As the corps official who monitored the boom for the International Joint Commission, he made more than 300 inspection flights, some by helicopter, between 1964, when the boom was first installed, and 1997, when he retired. Born in Buffalo and an Army veteran, Piacente began his career in the Buffalo District office of the Corps of Engineers in 1954, working as a draftsman plotting by hand from field notes for flood control projects in the district's engineering drafting section. Most of the projects he worked on were associated with the Niagara River. They included monitoring of Niagara River water levels and use; Niagara Falls studies and projects; the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom; floods and ice jams; and unusual events, such as the dewatering of the American Falls in 1969, emergency snow removal after the Blizzard of 1977 and blasting of Terrapin Point from the face of the Niagara Gorge. He was inducted into the Buffalo District's Gallery of Distinguished Employees after his retirement from the water control section after nearly two decades in that department. Other awards included Outstanding Employee of the Year in 1977, the Superior Civilian Service Award in 1977 and Commander's Distinguished Outstanding Employee of the Year in 1988. Since moving to Grand Island in 1970, Piacente had been active in numerous community organizations and church activities. He received the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce 1996 Citizen of the Year Award for Community Service. He was a member of the Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island and served on its board of directors. He was chairman of the Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter distribution programs. He was also chairman of the Grand Island Food Pantry and was responsible for its stocking and distribution. He received St. Stephen Catholic Church's Holy Name Man of the Year Award in 1992 for "Dedicated Service to God, Church and Community." He also received the St. Joseph Award for Community Service in 1995 and the Lay Award of St. Joseph in 2003. He was a eucharistic minister at St. Stephen's, served on the cemetery board of directors, the Christian Service Committee, the Parish Council, and was a Holy Name Society member.




A funeral service for Olga E. Steffan, a secretary for Allan Herschell Co. in North Tonawanda for 10 years, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2003 in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St., City of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Mrs. Steffan died Saturday, November 22, 2003 in Riverwood Health Care Center on Grand Island, where she had lived for the past four years. She was 91. A 30-year resident of Kenmore, the former Olga Arndt was born and raised in North Tonawanda. She retired from her position with Allan Herschell Co. in 1961. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Kenmore, its "Martha's Circle," and the Senior Citizen Group of Kenmore. She enjoyed reading and playing piano. At the nursing home, Mrs. Steffan was affectionately known as the "Queen Bee." Her husband of 20 years, Thomas, died in 1980. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Horton of Getzville; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.




Barbara Ann (Kocieniewski) Mailloux, November 21, 2003, of Grand Island. A true Libra with the balance to see the good in all. Beloved wife of Joseph Mailloux, Sr; devoted mother of Joseph Jr. (Lisa) and the late Jeffrey Mailloux; loving grandmother of Joseph III and Nicolas Mailloux; dearest sister of the late Michael (survived by wife Mary Ann) Padak; much loved niece of Eleanore (Padak) Wagner; dedicated daughter of the late Michael and Bertha Kocieniewski. Friends may call Sunday 7-9 PM and Monday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by funeral services Monday at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private family interment at St. Adelbert's Cemetery.




Carol P. Brant, November 19, 2003 of Grand Island; wife of George F. Brant; mother of Barbara (Robert Mackenzie) Brant; Susan B. (Tom) Seay and Joanne C. (James Leonard) Brant; also survived by seven grandchildren; daughter of the late Stewart L. and Carol Park; sister of the late Stewart Park, Gwendolyn Kerwin and Hazel Bowen; also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Ann (O'Connor) Senn, 99, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at Schofield Residence, 3333 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY. Formerly of Grand Island.She was the beloved wife of the late George Senn; cherished mother of Norma (Walter) Cowan, Carol (David) Dusenbury and the late Jack (survived by wife Alma) Senn. She was the mother-in-law of Alma Senn, the sister of the late Emma Goulding, Doris Byers and George O'Connor. Senn was born in Barnsly, England, on Nov. 8, 1904. Her parents and older sister Emma immigrated to the United States in 1906. They settled in Tyler, PA, where her father was a coal miner. Her brother George and sister Doris were born there. From Tyler, they moved to Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, where her dad worked on the railroad. Ann and George met on the "Orleans" boat, which traveled from Fort Erie to Buffalo. They were married in 1925. They moved to Grand Island in 1939. George and Jack built and operated the "Senn Trading Post" and marina on East River Road from 1954 until 1963. Ann and George retired to Weslaco, TX, until his death in 1975. Senn was an active member of the Emmanuel Church for many years. She is survived by 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Family will be present to receive friends at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, on Friday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in Emmanuel Community Bible Church, 1136 Baseline Road. Interment at Acacia Park Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Christian Services, 349 W. Commercial St., Suite 2795, East Rochester, NY, 14445-2402.





Cheryl (Phelps) Cassel, age 50, of Durham, North Carolina passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 11, 2003. She was a graduate of the Grand Island High School Class of 1971. Cheryl is survived by her loving husband David Cassel, dearest mother of Lindsay and Daniel Piech, all of Durham, North Carolina. Beloved sister of George Phelps of Shesapeake, VA; John (Janice Stone) Phelps of St. Simons Island, GA; and Patty (Kurt) Lorence of Grand Island, NY. Dear daughter of the late Joan T. and Robert D. Phelps, MD. Loving stepdaughter of Carol (James) Dearlove of Grand Island. Dear aunt of Carey, Bobbie, and Michael Phelps; Robbie, and Jessica Phelps; and Kelly Lorence. Beloved niece of Charlotte Gavaghan. A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 15, 2003, at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham, North Carolina. Memorials in Cheryl's name can be made to The American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glenn Allen, Virginia 23058-5216.




Irene (Turpin) Kitching, October 31, 2003 in Lake City, FL; formerly of Grand Island, NY and Leeds, UK; dear wife of Terence; loving step-mother of Janet, John and David; sister of Arnold in the United Kingdom. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2003 in Lake City, FL. Arrangements by GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, Lake City, FL.




Services for Richard F. Bergstrom, of Grand Island, a retired physical therapist, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2003 in The Chapel, 895 N. Forest Road, Amherst. Burial will be next week in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Bergstrom, 73, died Sunday, November 2, 2003 in his home. Born in Buffalo, he served on several aircraft carriers with the Navy during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. He graduated in 1956 from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Bergstrom moved to Buffalo in 1960 and went to work for Veterans Hospital as a physical therapist. He also taught physical therapy at the University at Buffalo. He retired in 1986. He was a member of Bible Presbyterian Church on Grand Island. He enjoyed golf. His wife, Patricia Anne Landahl Bergstrom, died six years ago. Survivors include a son, Richard K. of Grand Island; two daughters, Deborah A. Fry and Susan R. Spiesz, both of Grand Island; a brother, John of Urbana, Ill.; a sister, Elva Jelinek of Denver, N.C.; and seven grandchildren.





Ralph Brown, 84, Chief Draftsman and Project Engineer for Union Carbide Metals Division, died of pancreatic cancer November 3, 2003, at home in Greenacres, Florida. Mr. Brown lived on Grand Island, New York for most of his working years. He was asked to join Union Carbide after working with the firm during construction of the Union Carbide plant at Marietta, Ohio. He worked on virtually all of the plant modernization projects in Union Carbide Metals Division and was the Project Manager for construction of several ore processing plants in Nevada and Utah. He developed a strong loyalty to the company, and the people with whom he worked, and was very active in the retired employees organizations in New York and Florida. Mr. Brown was born in Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Manual Training High School and attended the University of Minnesota. During WWII, he served as a Navy Physical Training instructor and always had fond memories and amusing stories about his service. He was a long time member of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields, Episcopal Church on Grand Island. His strong religious faith combined with his active participation in both the Masons and the Lions instilled in him a deep sense of devotion to family, community and country. His family will always be grateful for the outstanding example he provided throughout his life and will greatly miss his infectious laugh, unfailing positive outlook and enjoyment of the simple pleasures found in nature and daily life. His interests included playing golf, reading, collecting stamps of the United States and the Scandinavian countries, and travel. His years of traveling for Union Carbide were followed by extensive travels during his retirement years. His trips to Europe, Asia, Australia and locations in the United States were interspersed with many visits to family members. His grandchildren were always a joy to him and they returned the love he so freely gave. Preceding him in death in 1986 was his wife of 44 years, Claire S. Brown. Survivors include his four children, Robert (Sandra) Brown of Annandale, Virginia; Joyce (Gregg) Yensan of Scottsdale, Arizona; Donna (George) James of Newtown, Pennsylvania; Valerie (Henry) Lundy of Torrance, California; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; his companion of 14 years, Joyce Van Hattum; her five children, Steve (Jann) Van Hattum of Cumming, Georgia; Shari Schmidt of Grand Island, New York; Susan (Craig) Reynolds of Charlottesville, Virginia; Sally (Kevin) Kelley of Matthews, North Carolina; and Sandra (Scot) Wakefield of Cumming, Georgia; and her 12 grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 22 at 11:00a.m. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Martins.




Betty L. (Davern) Harris, October 31, 2003, of Grand Island, wife of the late Edgar E. Harris; mother of Sandra Hingston and Cheryl (Paul) Weibel; grandmother of Paul (Amy) and Scott (Kristine) Steimle, Timothy and Kenneth Weibel; also survived by seven great-grandchildren; sister of the late Virginia Hanmann McEntee. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 1 PM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.




Anthony J. Guenther III, died Thursday, October 30, 2003 in his Grand Island home after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 55. Born in Niagara Falls and a lifelong resident of the island, Guenther traveled extensively when he was younger. He worked as a tugboat captain on the Great Lakes, the canal systems of the United States and, for a time, in Haiti. He was a bartender and manager of the island's landmark Bedell House for about 10 years until it burned down in 1988. It was his love of water and Grand Island that led him to establish the Anchor Club at the Bedell House site, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, jet skiing, and spending time with family and friends. After the Bedell House fire, Guenther started his own trucking business: A.J. & Sons Trucking, which has since closed. During his illness, he became an inspiration to those who knew him, helping them cope during very difficult circumstances, his family said. Survivors include his wife, the former Regina Marie Hoffman; two sons, Anthony John IV and Joseph Daniel, both of Grand Island; a sister, Barbara A. (Earl) Eastman of Grand Island; and a brother, Robert D. (Deborah) Guenther of Key West, Fla. He was the son of the late Anthony and Charlotte Guenther. Friends may call Sunday only from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Interment will be in the church cemetery.





Patricia A. (Benton) Kaiser, October 29, 2003 of Grand Island; wife of James R. Kaiser; daughter of Wesley Benton and Mary Bishop; sister of the late Robert Benton; aunt of Robert and Gene Benton; daughter in-law of Doris and the late Randall Kaiser. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island where funeral service will be held Friday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.





August 11 2003 photo
Kenneth H. Maurer, 83, of Grand Island, passed away October 28, 2003 in Texas. Husband of the late Arlene (VanSlayke) Maurer and Isabelle 'Tootie' (Mesmer) Maurer; father of Marilyn (Ken) Lewis, James (Sonya) Maurer and Cheryl (Dave) Wunsch; grandfather of Laura (Jeffrey) Mason, Jodi Lewis, Shannon (Eddie) Zaccaria, Arlene and Tyler Wunsch; great grandfather of Alexandra Imperi, Christian Mason and Elenor Zaccaria; brother of the late Irene Kaiser, Edna Killian, Edith Bartle, Ruth Maurer, Franklin Maurer, Earl Maurer and Evelyn Yorkey. Kenny was born on Grand Island, NY on July 15, 1920. He was a member of Trinity UM Church, a 63-year member of the Grand Island Fire Company, a charter member and first commander of the Grand Island American Legion, former member and president of the Grand Island Sportsmen's Club, member of Masonic Tonawanda Lodge, the LaSalle Sportsman Club, and the Historic Trinity Committee. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during World War II. He formerly worked at Beaver Island State Park as foreman, then at Robert Moses State Park as superintendent, and then at Evangola State Park in Evangola as superintendent until retiring in 1984. Friends may call Friday, October 31, 2003 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company or Trinity United Methodist Church, where funeral services will be heard Saturday, November 1, 2003 at 11 a.m.




Sylvia J. (Johnson) Burgstahler, a retired nurse and expert gardener, will be buried Monday, the day she would have turned 96. A longtime Grand Island resident whose late husband, George J. Burgstahler, was a former town supervisor, Mrs. Burgstahler died Friday, October 24, 2003 in Weinberg Living Center in Getzville. Born in Turtlecreek, Pa., the former Sylvia Johnson graduated from the Deaconess Hospital Nursing School in Buffalo in 1928. Her long career in nursing included duty as a private nurse and employment at Bell Aircraft in Wheatfield and at St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. A grower of fruits and vegetables, Mrs. Burgstahler enjoyed leaving apples, peppers and other items in baskets in front of her Grand Island home for neighbors to enjoy for free. Her husband of 52 years died in 1980. Mrs. Burgstahler was a former longtime member of Trinity Methodist Church on Grand Island, and a former member of the lay board of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Buffalo. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the Widows of Occidental Lodge 766, F&AM. She is survived by two daughters, Joan (Charles) Bridge of Kenmore and Gail (Douglas) Rothenberg of Marlboro, Mass.; five grandchildren ( Elizabeth (Herbert) Greenman, Amy (Robert) Angelo, C. Christopher (Carol) Bridge, Daniel Rothenberg, Timothy Bridge); and five great-grandchildren. She was the sister of Pauline Faux of Atlanta, GA and the late Isabelle Mayer, Robert W. Johnson and Evelyn Tanzine; aunt of Sylvia Paul and many other nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ AND SON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 911 Englewood Ave. Sunday, October 26, 2003 from 4-7 PM. where a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2003. Burial will be in Acacia Park & Resthaven Cemetery, North Tonawanda. In lieu of flowers donations to Kenmore Methodist Church.




Joseph A. Becht, 74, of the Town of Amherst, October 21, 2003 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital; beloved husband of Nancy (nee Carlson) Becht, formerly of Grand Island, NY; father of Susan D'Arcy, Elizabeth (Michael) Caruana, Joseph (Natalie) Becht Jr., and the late Dianne Lo; father-in-law of Jeffery Lo; stepfather of John Bognar III and Jill Bognar; grandfather of Patricia (Bryan) Quaty, Angela, Sarah and John D'Arcy, Kathryn Caruana and Gianna Lo; great-grandfather of Alex Rodger adn Savannah Quanty; brother of the late Joann Barczys; brother-in-law of Daniel Barczys; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Mr. Becht was a Korean War Veteran. He taught for 27 years in the Grand Island School District, retiring in 1984 and was former president of the Grand Island Teacher's Union. He served as a Patrolman for 20 years with the N.Y.S. Park Police. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 9 AM from St. Leo's R.C. Church, 885 Sweethome Rd., Amherst. Interment in Acacia Park Cemetery.




Scott C. Malecki, 39, of Columbus, GA entered into rest on October 12, 2003 after a brief illness; formerly of Niagara Falls, NY; Son of Joan Butler-Beckett (Jim) of Lewiston, NY and Paul E. Malecki (Marcia) of Grand Island, NY; beloved fiance' of Arlena Williams; beloved father of Matthew and Michael Malecki, Blake and Nicholas Gardner; brother of Richard Daubney (Sue) of Grand Island, NY, Gary Daubney (Noel) of Wilson, NY, Diane Malecki of Niagara Falls, NY and Nancy Malecki of Buffalo, NY; uncle of two nephews and one niece. Scott was born in Niagara Falls, NY. At the time of his death he was the general manager of the Fort Benning Officers Club. Graveside services will be held Thursday 1:00 PM (EST) in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL. Family will receive friends Wednesday 6-8 PM at the funeral home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 10 AM St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Friends invited. http://www.mem.com/




James D. Farrell, a retired steamfitter and World War II veteran, died Monday, October 13, 2003 in Millard Fillmore Hospital after a long illness. He was 78. Born in Buffalo, he attended area schools. He was a sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Battle of the Bulge. As a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 22 for more than 40 years, Farrell held numerous project management positions and was responsible for recruiting, training and mentoring apprentices. The longtime Grand Island resident was active in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, where he was a leading supporter of church renovation and community projects as well as the choir. He was a member of the St. Stephen's Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council. Farrell was an active member of the Grand Island Theatre Group and sang in barbershop quartets. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, the former Mary Agnes Dolan; three daughters, Margaret Mary (Donald) Gilbert of Amherst, Eileen F. (Gary) Kelchlin of West Seneca and Patricia Farrell of Bradenton, Fla.; three sons, Paul (Elaine) of Dallas, Texas, James D. Farrell Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., and Peter (Audrey) Farrell of Buffalo; a sister, Margaret 'Peggy' Farrell of Buffalo. He was the grandfather of Todd (Lisa), Alanna, Elise, Mireia, Amanda, Samantha, Paige, Peter, Matthew; great grandfather of Colton James. He was the brother of the late Bernard, Elizabeth, Helen and Bernadine. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to the Anatomical Gift Program at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo Farber Hall, Room 225, 3425 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214. Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC.




Charles B. Tripi, October 11, 2003, beloved husband of the late Dolores (nee Malinowski); dear father of Cynthia (David) Dissette, Charles (Priscilla) Tripi, Sue Eichler and Jennifer Wall; grandfather of Melissa, Laura, Amanda, Alison, Andrew and Beth; dear brother of Paul (Dorothy) Tripi, Sally (Donald) Richard, Rosemary (Edouard) Koeppel, Dolores (late Park) Forde and Barbara (Edward) Shantler; dear friend of Elvina Metz. The family will be present to receive friends Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St., where funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9:15 AM and at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church at 10:00 AM. Friends invited.




Ruth L. (Lewis) Blickley, October 10, 2003 . . .A memorial service for Ruth Lewis Blickley, 79, of Grand Island, a homemaker and active volunteer with the Grand Island Golden Age Center and Meals on Wheels, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2003 in St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Road, Grand Island. Mrs. Blickley, a native of Cranberry, Pa., died Saturday (Oct. 11, 2003) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda. She was a volunteer with the Girl Scouts for 50 years and was a recipient of the Girl Scout Council Service Award. She also was a charter member of St. Timothy Church, which was founded 50 years ago. Mrs. Blickley received the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Civic Award in 2001 at the Chamber's Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony. Her husband of 55 years, John F., died June 28. She was the mother of Ruthann (late Michael) Burl of the Town of Tonawanda, Maria Blickley of Buffalo Grove, Ill. and Louise (Glyn) Lipp of Amherst; grandmother of Benjamin and Amanda Burl, Lindsay and Corine Goldberg, Andrew, Jeffrey and Gregory Lipp; dearest cousin of Doris (Walter) Veranda; sister-in-law of Anna Monaghan, Regina Hoffman, Marian (Eugene) Smith and the late Catherine Waecker. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Girl Scout Service Unit, 1219 LaSalle Ct., Grand Island 14072 or St. Timothy Lutheran Church Grand Island where Memorial Services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM.




Virginia K. Shannon, (nee Strohmeier) Age 82, of North Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Buffalo and Grand Island, October 10 , 2003 in Niagara Lutheran Home, Buffalo, after a lengthy illness. Beloved aunt of Georgia Babcock of North Tonawanda, Phil (Judy) Sahlem of Grand Island and other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. SHe was the aunt of the late Steven Seidel. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1914 Colvin Blvd., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Arrangements by the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME, INC.




James P. Kennedy,72, a longtime resident of Grand Island, died Thursday (Oct. 9, 2003) at home after a brief illness. Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Eden Central High School and Erie Community College. An Air Force veteran who served in the Pacific during the Korean War, he worked for many years as a metallurgical engineer at Western Electric before founding Ken-Co Associates, a company that sold precision measurement equipment. Kennedy was active in community affairs. As a longtime member and past president of the Grand Island Lions Club, he also previously served as Lions District 20-N Cabinet secretary. Recently, he received the Melvin Jones Humanitarian Fellowship, an international award presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation for outstanding service to the community and to the Lions. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and for several decades served, in a volunteer capacity, as chairman of the Grand Island Traffic Safety Committee. A golfer, he worked since its inception as a volunteer for the annual Keith's Classic Golf Tournament benefiting childhood cancer research. He also enjoyed traveling and gardening. He was the husband of Grand Island Town Justice Sybil E. Kennedy; father of Deborah (Kenneth) Kennedy-Rogoza and James P. 'J.P.' (Stephanie) Kennedy Jr., both of Grand Island; grandfather of Kenneth Randal, Lauren Alyssa and Kevin Kennedy Rogoza, Bridget Bell and Jack Patrick Kennedy; brother of John (late Dolores) Kennedy, Mary (Louis) Pauly, Mildred (Courtney) Shanahan, Ruth (late Martin) Harrod, Elsie Kennedy and the late Frances (late Jack) Dunwoodie, Helen (survived by husband Jack) Evans and Grace (late Pat) Cordaro; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 13, 2003 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Interment will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, East River Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company or Hospice Buffalo.




Private graveside services for Ruth Irving Miles, 97, a retired elementary school teacher, will be held October 18, 2003 in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. The former Ruth Knell, a native of Buffalo, died October 2, 2003, in a nursing home in Portland, Maine after a long illness. She was a graduate of Buffalo Normal School and taught for many years in the Grand Island school system until her retirement. Mrs. Miles moved to Maine about 13 years ago, relatives said. Her father, Louis Knell, was one of the first principals and administrators in the Buffalo school system. Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Maides of Snyder; a son, Donald L. Irving Sr. of Williamsville; 17 grandchildren; and more than 24 great-grandchildren.




Richard A. Horwood, of Grand Island, who was active in volunteer fire service for more than four decades, died Tuesday (Oct. 7, 2003) in McCauley Residence after a lengthy illness. He was 67. Born in Wellsburg, W.Va., he received a bachelor's degree in human relations from Salem College in West Virginia and had been a private in the West Virginia Army National Guard. He moved to this area in 1958, continuing a record of volunteer fire service that had begun in West Virginia. Locally, he was a longtime chief of Farnham Volunteer Fire Department and a member of Lake Shore Fire Company. He was a life member of myriad volunteer firefighters associations, some of which he served in leadership positions. Horwood was chairman of the 2002 convention of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, which was held in Buffalo. He also served on the board and as an officer of the Firemen's Home in Hudson. He received numerous awards for his fire service and also for his service to North Park Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Coordinated Ministry of Buffalo. Horwood was an elected justice of the peace in the Village of Farnham and Town of Brant from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. Professionally, he had 25 years of service with Erie County and retired in 1990 as facilities supervisor at the Juvenile Detention Center on East Ferry Street. After retirement, he operated Floral Specialties by Richard in his home until 2000. A longtime member of North Park Lutheran Church, he had served as an elder on the church council, was an usher, headed many congregational dinners and was the florist and decorating chairman for all special functions. Survivors include his wife, the former Marilynn Broman of Grand Island; a daughter, Charlene Ludlow of Orchard Park; a son, Brian of Hamburg; two stepsons, Steven Simpson of Boise, Idaho, and David Simpson of Buffalo; a sister, Nancy Bonar of Loganton, Pa.; and six grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in North Park Lutheran Church, 310 Starin Ave. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Jennifer J. (Habicht) LeBlanc, October 5, 2003 of Grand Island; wife of Leslie LeBlanc; step-mother of Robert, Robin Marie, Kevin, Eric and Mary LeBlanc; also survived by three step-grandchildren; sister of Louise Habicht. Friends may call Friday only 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Mrs. LeBlanc was a Lt. Col. in the N.Y.S. Guard.




Croff "Bill" Harding, October 5, 2003 of Grand Island; beloved husband for 55 years of Betty Jane (Weigand) Harding; loved father of Douglas W. (Patricia S.) Harding and Marcia A. (late David) Hagerty; cherished grandfather of Daniel D. and Kari Lynn Harding; dear brother of the late Betty (survived by husband, Emil) Kowal and the late Arthur (survived by wife, Rose) Bernard; also survived by many nieces and nephews; son of the late Croff E. and Florence (Sweet) Harding. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grand Island Fire Co.




Philip W. Sahlem, October 2, 2003 of Grand Island. Husband of the late Edith A. Sahlem; father of Philip L. (Judith) Sahlem; brother of Lee (Mildred) Sahlem. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.




Robert D. Irizarry, Master Sgt. (retired), October 3, 2003 of Grand Island. Husband of Anneliese (Winkler) Irizarry; father of Karin (George) Ayers and Ramona (Wayne) DeWitt; grandfather of Melanie (Michael) Lewandowski, Christopher DeWitt, Paul (Karen) and Denise Miller; great-grandfather of Kristen and Alex Miller; brother of Rudy (Josephine) Irizarry. Friends may call Monday only from 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. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo Inc.




Donald P. Weber Sr. . . . Sept. 28, 2003 - BEMUS POINT - A Mass of Christian Burial for Donald P. Weber Sr. of Bemus Point, a retired accountant formerly of Grand Island, will be offered at noon Saturday, October 4, 2003 in Christ the King Chapel at Canisius College. Burial will be in Nativity Cemetery, Orchard Park. Weber, who was born in Buffalo, died Sunday (Sept. 28, 2003) in Heritage Green nursing home near Jamestown after a long illness. He was 65. He graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in 1955 and from Canisius College in 1960. He served in the Army National Guard. Weber began his career as an accountant with Texaco Oil in Puerto Rico and later worked for the company in Nigeria and New York City. He returned to Buffalo and became comptroller for the Lockport Felt Division of Carborundum Co. and later for the Carborundum Ceramic Museum. After the museum closed, he became treasurer at D'Youville College. He later was accountant for the chief financial officer of Cannon Design. He also spent several years working for Cellular Products. Weber enjoyed fishing on Chautauqua Lake as well as boating, riding personal watercraft and snowmobiling. He was a volunteer usher at Shea's Performing Arts Center, Studio Arena Theatre, Kavinoky Theatre, University at Buffalo Center for the Arts and Artpark. He was a tour guide for Be Ho Tours. Survivors include his wife, the former Sally Hibbard; three daughters, Carin (Francis) Mulvey of Clarence, Susan (Martin) Chadwick of Bloomington, Ill., and Linda (Matthew) Monaghan of Parker, Colo.; two sons, Donald P. Jr. (Bonnie) and William (Carolyn), both of Wheatfield; a sister, Carol (Donald) Conklin of Eden; a niece, Donna (Al) Shaults; and a nephew, David (Anne-Marie) Conklin; and 11 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 1250 Hylan Blvd., Suite 4-B, Stanton Island, NY 10305.




Catherine M. (Kay) Harrison, 80, passed away in September 2003 in Hemet, California. Mrs. Harrison was a charter member of Ramona Porcelain Artists and held many positions of leadership and responsibility. She served as president of the California World Organization of China Painters from 1994-95. She was publicity chair for Area "6" - which includes California, Canada, Colorado, Idaho, Japan, Oregon, Utah and Washington - from 1995-96. She was initiated into the hall of fame in 2000. Kay touched those around her in a variety of ways with her positive outlook and demeanor. She is survived by her husband, John; two sons, William, of Moreno, and John, of Wildomar; a daughter, Barbara Ressman, of New York; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, June Marble, of New York.




Marie J. (Wiedemer) Shimmel, September 22, 2003, age 83, in Greenwich, CT. Formerly of Grand Island, NY. Wife of the late John Shimmel. Daughter of the late Frank and Lillian Wiedemer. Mother of Thomas J. (Betty Jean) of Winchester, MA and Kiersten M. Shimmel of Greenwich, CT. Also survived by Betty Rahill Baker, sister, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Marie retired from the Erie County Data Processing Dept in 1984 after many years of service. Memorial service will be held at the Elma United Methodist Church at 2991 Bowen Rd, Elma, NY at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2003.




John Asbach, a Hungarian immigrant and devout Baptist who worked for many years in the metal-finishing industry, died Monday (Sept. 29, 2003) in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a brief illness. A resident of Grand Island, he was 78. Born in Bonyhad, Hungary, he moved with his family to Germany after World War II. In 1952, he and his wife, Kathy Pelz Asbach, immigrated to the United States. They settled in Buffalo, living in a community with several other immigrant families in the Black Rock section. He retired in 1989 after 26 years as a metal finisher for Ruslander & Sons. He was active in Whitehaven Road Baptist Church on Grand Island, where he was a teacher, a trustee, an elder and a mentor. Surviving in addition to his wife of 51 years are three sons, Edwin (Luanne), Gerald (Rosemarie) and Ronald (Heather), all of Grand Island; two brothers, Henry (Elisabeth) of Ludwigsburg, Germany, and Adam (Kathi) of Grand Island; two sisters, Kathy (George) Jakab and Lena Racz, both of Grand Island; and 12 grandchildren, Kristen, Andrew, Rebecca, Gerald J., Stephen, Carolyn, Elisabeth, Kimberly, Michael, John, R. James and Sarah. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A service celebrating John's life will be held 10 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2003 at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Cora Lillian, September 27, 2003; of Grand Island, formerly of Birmingham, AL; great-aunt of Lance (Marie) Lillian of Grand Island and Guy (Rosy) Lillian III of New Orleans; great-great-aunt of Steven and John Lillian; niece of Nancy Lillian formerly of Grand Island. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 10 AM at Whitehaven Cemetery, 3100 East River Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Diabetes Assoc. Miss Lillian was a disaster coordinator with the Red Cross for over 40 years.




Marian F. Narad, a retired accountant, died Monday (Sept. 22, 2003) at the Weinberg Campus in Getzville after a long illness. He was 95. Born in Poland, he came to the United States as an infant with his family. He earned a master's degree in business from Niagara University. Narad lived on Grand Island for 53 years before moving to the Weinberg Campus three years ago. He was an accountant for 45 years with Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls, retiring in 1971. He was a past member of the Grand Island Planning Board and the Sandy Beach Property Owners Association and was a communicant at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Narad enjoyed fishing in the Niagara River as well as in the Arctic. He also enjoyed bowling, gardening and traveling abroad. Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Mary Blum Narad; a son, Richard of Old Saybrook, Conn.; a daughter, Virginia Parsons of Kenmore; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. A private memorial Mass will be held at a later date.





Rosemarie A. Ziehm, called home to be with the Lord on September 20, 2003. Born at Sonnenholtz am Simssee Bavaria, Germany to the late Alvonse A. Brym and Rosa Anna Conrad-Brym on January 26, 1923. A Grand Island resident, Rosemarie was a prominent real estate broker for over thirty-five years. She and her husband, the late Chester Ziehm, were married on August 10, 1946, and moved to Grand Island in 1958. She began her real estate career with Peacock Realty in 1965. After Mr. Peacock's death, the business became Ziehm Realty and one of Grand Island's landmarks, located on the corner of Grand Island Boulevard and Staley Road. "She will be sorely missed by her children for being a wonderful, caring mother and grandmother. Her smile and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all, including friends and business associates." predeceased by her husband, Chester, who died January 24, 1995, she is survived by four children, Marion (Douglas) Wendt, David Ziehm, William (Lucille) Ziehm, John (Rose) Ziehm and six grandchildren. Arrangements by Dubois Funeral Home, Town of Wheatfield. Visitation hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2003. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2003 in Emmanuel Community Bible Church, 1136 Baseline Road, Grand Island, New York. Pastor Robert Vandermay will officiate. Entombment will take place at Oakwood mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Shriners Hospital Childrens Cancer Research Fund.




Morton M. Siegel, formerly of Marilyn Drive, Grand Island, NY passed away September 11, 2003 in a Florida hospital. Survived by his wife, Janice of Bayonet Pt., Florida and sons, Greg, Stuart and Brian. Mr. Siegel was a former trustee on the Grand Island Board of Education. Mrs. Siegel's address is 8308 D. Sand Wedge Circle, Bayonet Pt, Fl 34667. No other information available at this time.



Angela Marie Capage, August 28, 2003; beloved infant daughter of Chuck and Lisa (nee Leskiw) Capage; stepsister of Samantha; dearest granddaughter of Gary (Nina) Leskiw and Charles (Janet) Capage; great-granddaughter of Fred (late Helen) Vigneri and Paul (Margaret) Hydock; niece of Dana (Charles) Imm and Tammy (Peter) Sigurdson; cousin of Zachary, Alexandria, Andrew and Alyssa; also survived by many loving relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on August 30, 2003 in St. Stephen's RC Church, Grand Island, NY. Interment in the Garden of Angels, St. Stephen's Cemetery.




The Rev. Norman H. Linde II, 54, pastor of Colonial Village Presbyterian Church for the past 18 years, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a brief illness. Mr. Linde was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. His family moved to Western New York in 1959, and he graduated from Grand Island High School and Houghton College. He attended a seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and his first assignment as a clergyman was in Iowa for four years before he returned to Western New York. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, the former Joyce Nitkowski; two sons, Christopher of Niagara Falls and Jonathan of Fort Hood, Texas; two daughters, Jody Snopkowski of North Tonawanda and Nicole Thorman of Niagara Falls; his father, Norman of Akron; three sisters, Barbara J. Noon, Dana Craven and Peggy English, all of Clarence; and six grandchildren. Family present Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Colonial Village Presbyterian Church, 4813 Kline Road. Burial will be in Clarence Fillmore Cemetery , Clarence.




A memorial service for Glenn L. Martin II of Grand Island, a retired South Park High School art teacher, will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2003 in Central Park United Methodist Church, 216 Beard Ave. Burial will be private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo Inc. Arrangements by the Dietrich Funeral Home. Martin, who was born in Morgantown, W.Va., died Wednesday September 10, 2003 in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a long illness. He was 57. He was raised in Amherst and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in art education from Buffalo State College. Martin taught at Woodlawn Junior High School before moving to South Park in 1973. Illness forced his retirement in 2002. Regarded as a talented art teacher, he was a creative force behind pep rallies, homecoming celebrations, proms and class days. No holiday season passed without his decorations appearing in Center Hall at the school. Portfolios and exhibitions by his students became well known in the region, and many of his students followed in his footsteps in art education careers. Martin was a key planner of South Park's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1990. For many years, Martin was a member and officer of the New York State Art Teachers' Association and coordinated the association's innovative conventions in the Catskill Mountains. He was a lead trainer for curriculum realignment with the state Education Department's Bureau of Art Education and also is credited with being a moving force in the creation of the Imagination Celebration in the Buffalo Public Schools. Martin enjoyed flower gardening, traveling and visiting casinos. He was a fan of the University of West Virginia Mountaineers and the Buffalo Bills. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Weber) Martin; dear father of Molly, Kelly and Tracy Martin, all of Grand Island; dear son of Glenn L. (late Bonita Jamison) Martin Sr. of Amherst; brother of Jill (Richard) Riddoch and Christy Torrillo, both of Amherst. Also survived by nieces and nephews.




Jean C. (Orderbrass) Setter, September 11, 2003. Of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo; wife of the late Thomas B. Setter; sister of Edmund F. Orderbrass of Buffalo. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.




Robert Thomas Guidone, born April 4, 1967, died tragically on Saturday, September 6, 2003 at his home in Dallas, Texas. Robbie is survived by his parents, Frank and Jean; a brother Frank; sisters Debbie Stein and Laura Slaney, and eight nieces and nephews (Christine, Brittany, Rachel, Zachary, Haley, Frankie, Nicki and Gina). Robbie was a gifted chef and carpenter, successful restaurateur, and beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Rita Catholic Church, Dallas, Texas on September 10. To leave a personal tribute to the family, visit www.mem.com.




Glenford John Greenwood Sr., , 71, September 12, 2003 of Grand Island, husband of Wilma (MacDonald) Greenwood; father of Christella (Ray) Gress of Grand Island, Linda (Terry) Cantwell North Bend, Washington, Glenford John (Linda) Greenwood Jr. of Grand Island, Florida and Kathleen (Ken) Stein of Le Roy; grandfather of Christie and Renee Gress, William and Peter Garrison (Cantwell), Jade and Benjamin Greenwood, Kelly Rose and Elijah (Stein); brother of Edna Brunnell, Michael, Robert, David, Joe, Alan, Dona, Ronnie, Delbert, Sandy, Ken, Paul, Patrick, and Tim Greenwood, all of New York State; nephew of Ruth Trim. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2003, and from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2003 at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 16 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Glen was a former Niagara Frontier Parks Commission employee, died Friday (Sept. 12, 2003) in his Grand Island home after a long illness. The Moira native was raised by his aunt, Ruth Trim of St. Regis Falls. He served in the Army in the Korean War from 1951 to 1959. He was a heavy equipment operator with the Niagara Frontier Parks Commission from 1965 until retirement in 1988. He worked primarily in Beaver Island State Park. He also was the former owner of Greenwood and Son Landscaping. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Niagara Fishing Club.




Dennis L. Auten, 63, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., a former Grand Island resident, died Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2003) in South Carolina after a long illness. He worked at the General Motors Powertrain Plant in the Town of Tonawanda for 33 years before moving to South Carolina in 1997. The Bronson, Mich., native served in the Air Force during the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Vietnam War. He was a member of the United Auto Workers and United Auto Workers Retirees of the Grand Strand. He was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a color guard member and a Eucharistic minister. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Peters Auten; a daughter, Andrea Krekich of Summerville, S.C.; a son, Dennis of Kenmore; a brother, Victor Nowicki of Lake of Four Seasons, Ind.; a sister, Sandra Benis of Houston; and four grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be scheduled in St. Stephen Catholic Church on Grand Island.




Judy Lee (Peacock) Tollner, September 9, 2003 of Grand Island and Cape Vincent, NY, wife of Kenneth W. Tollner; mother of Mark E. (Sarah) and Todd W. (Rhonda) Tollner; grandmother of Alexander, Matthew, Wyatt and Morgan Tollner; daughter of Edward A. and the late Catherine Peacock; sister of Patricia A. (Thomas) McTaggart. Memorial services will be held Friday at 10 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers declined. Memorials to the Breakwater Gallery, PO Box 848, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.




Gladys F. Smith Comfort, 87, formerly of Waverly, N.Y., died Monday, July 28, 2003 at her home in Grand Island, N.Y. Born in Owego, N.Y., on Oct. 6, 1915, she was the daughter of Charles R. Smith Sr. and Sadie McPherson Flood. She was a graduate of Waverly High School and Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing. She worked for many years at Tioga General Hospital in Waverly. She is survived by: daughter, Sally and Bryan Johnson of Grand Island; three granddaughters, Sarah, Betsy and Chelsea; two brothers, Charles R. and Ethel Smith and Gerald R. and Dolly Smith, both of Waverly; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by: her husband, Larry; her parents; four brothers, Arthur, Norman, George and Richard Smith; and one sister, Mildred Smith Bolanda. Friends may call Saturday, Aug. 2 from 1-2 p.m. at the Blauvelt Funeral Home, 445 Waverly St., Waverly. Funeral and committal services will follow Saturday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. William Wells officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Elmira, N.Y. Memorials may be directed to the Emmanuel Community Bible Church, 1136 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.




Charles Deiner, 78, a retired insurance broker, died Wednesday, September 3, 2003 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. A native of Erie, Pa., and a graduate of Gannon College there, Deiner lived on Grand Island for the past 35 years. He worked in the commercial insurance business for more than 40 years and retired in 1990 from the Sedgewick James agency in Buffalo. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Anne Maloney; four daughters, Deborah (Dr. James) Krepp of Fayetteville, N.C., Gail (Greg) Boggs of Charlotte, N.C., Wendy (Richard) Clymer of Concord, N.H., and Laura (Bill) Metzgar of Grand Island; a son, James (Janet) Deiner of Pipersville, Pa.; two brothers, G. Richard of Erie and Eugene of Palmyra, Va.; and 12 grandchildren. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Interment will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York.




Eric G. Hansen, August 27, 2003 in Pitsfield, IL, formerly of Grand Island, NY; brother of Nettie J. and Mark K.; uncle of Robert M.; survived by relatives and friends. No services held.




Alice C. Rebmann, September 2, 2003 of Grand Island, NY; wife of Richard L. Rebmann, Sr.; mother of Joy (Gregory) Handgis, Richard L. (Wendy) Rebmann, Jr., Stephen (Kim) Rebmann, Pamela (Robert) Shoemaker and Barbara (Michael) McAlister; grandmother of Katherine, Jeffery, Kirsten and Christopher Rebmann, Jennifer and Robert Shoemaker, Michael and Christin McAlister; sister of Muriel Zoerb, Verna Leader and the late Marion Majorie. Memorial Services will be held Friday at 11 AM at the Forest Lawn Cemetery Chapel, Buffalo. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.




Richard A. Gerspach, 72, died September 1, 2003 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a three-month battle with cancer. Survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Shirley Kramer. Father of Glenn R. of Buffalo, Darcy A. (Richard C.) Swenson of Homer, Alaska and Paul J. (Dawn) Gerspach of Grand Island; beloved grandfather of Noah, Ryan, Isaac and Natalie Swenson; brother of Harold (Frances) Williams, Wesley (late Rita) Williams, William (late Catherine) Gerspach, Nancy (Edward) Lewis and the late Gwendolyn Ewing and Paul Gerspach; son of the late William and Gwendolyn Gerspach. Friends may call Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 5 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to The Ride for Roswell, c/o Roswell Park Cancer Institute. A longtime Grand Island entrepreneur, Mr. Gerspach was born in Buffalo and attended Riverside High School and the University at Buffalo, where he studied business administration. He served in the Army as a company clerk in Massachusetts and Kentucky from 1953 to 1955. After working as a buyer for Sylvania and Bell Aerospace, he opened Island Pools on Grand Island in 1971, which grew to become a major national catalog and Internet pool supply company known as Leisure Living. He later expanded his Grand Island business ventures to include Gerspach Towing, G.I. Go Kart Track, Portable Signs of Grand Island, Island Auto Sales and Grand Island Collision. He also owned properties that housed businesses, including McMann's Restaurant. He was awarded with the Business Property Improvement Award from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce in 1995 and 1999. He was also active in Grand Island politics, serving as a Republican committeeman and campaigning for a variety of candidates over the years. He enjoyed swimming and golf, and he played nine holes every day during the season.




Joseph P. Ryan, of Grand Island, a retired welding supervisor and former U.S. Navy frogman, died Friday, August 22, 2003 at his home after a short illness. He was 79. He was the husband of Ruth Ann Ryan and the late Helen (Crapo) Ryan; father of Barbara Sarkees (fiance Gary Neff) of Merritt Island, Florida, Joanne (Patrick) Wallace of Palm Bay, Florida, and the late Susan Ryan; stepfather of Susan (James) Shearer of Gainesville; grandfather of Lisa and Heather Sarkees, Amanda and Ryan Wallace, Tracy and Bubba Shearer; son of the late Ann Cobb; brother of the late Irving (late Marie) and Arthur (survived by wife Annabelle) Ryan. Memorial services were held Tuesday, August 26, 2003 on Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo or The UDT Seal Museum, 3300 North State Rd. A1A, Ft. Pierce, FL 34949. Born and raised in Buffalo, Ryan moved to Grand Island in 1963 and lived there the rest of his life. In July 1943, he enlisted in the Navy as an electrician's mate, but shortly thereafter, Ryan volunteered to become a member of the Underwater Demolition Team, whose members were known as frogmen. After training in Florida, he served in the Pacific until his discharge in 1947. After leaving the Navy, he used the GI Bill to learn how to weld and in 1951 took a job as a welder at the Linde Division of Union Carbide in the Town of Tonawanda. Ryan was eventually promoted to supervisor of welding training, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. He enjoyed traveling the country in his camper, fishing and boating, reading about American history and tending to his vegetable garden. For the past 22 years, he spent his winters in Grant, Florida.




Eileen Burns, of Grand Island, NY, August 18, 2003, wife of the late William F. Burns, dearly beloved mother of Cathaleen (Gordon) Lindsay, Patricia Burns, William (Sharon) Burns, Mark Burns, Lee Ann Burns and John Burns; dear grandmother of Jessica, Jenny, Joseph, Kristen, Taylor, Danyelle and Darcy; also survived by three great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Grand Island, NY on Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.




Dr. Charles Cook Eckles, 94, on August 8, 2003. Born in New Castle, Pensylvania to Robert Audley Eckles and Mary Elizabeth Cook. He was the husband of the late Flora Ellen Martin and brother of the late Elizabeth Eckles Brown. He is survived by his nurse and companion of 20 years, Alice Newkirk. Charles was employed as an engineer/director of research at Harrison Radiator Division of GM, retiring in 1984 aftr 18 years. He was involved with Salvation Army and was a life member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, member of the National Honorary Engineering Fraternity Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Tau, and a member of the National Honorary Research Fraternity Sigma Xi. Services were held in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Interment in Leesburg Cemetery, Leesburg, PA.




Evelyn (Fritz) Till, August 13, 2003, age 96 of North Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Island. Wife of the late Charles Till; sister of the late Wilfred (late Geraldine) and late Wallace (late Lois) Fritz; sister-in-law of Robert (late Grace) Till. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and numerous close friends. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WATTENGEL FUNERAL HOME, 307 Oliver St., North Tonawanda. Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 10 AM from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., N. Tonawanda. Interment in Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials made to St. Paul's Restoration Fund.




Dr. Charles E. Wiles, of Grand Island, an attending surgeon at Sisters Hospital for 50 years, died Friday, August 15, 2003 at Weinberg Campus, Getzville. He was 80. At Sisters Hospital, he was director of the hospital's surgical research laboratory from 1956 to 1968. He was medical director and coordinator of intern training from 1953 to 1962 and was president of the medical staff in 1974-75. Wiles was president of the Buffalo Surgical Society in 1969-70 and was elected chairman of the surgical section of the New York State Medical Society in 1963. Born in Buffalo, he graduated from South Park High School and Canisius College and received his medical degree in 1945 from the University of Buffalo, where he met his future wife, Jane Brady. She, too, became a physician. She died in 1986. Wiles served his residency at E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital, then served with the Army at Veterans Hospital in Wichita, Kan., from 1948 to 1953. He was a delegate to the New York State Medical Society from 1975 to 1979 and was on the board of the local American Red Cross chapter from 1971 to 1983. He was governor of the National Society of the American College of Surgeons from 1984 to 1990. Wiles also was on the examining board of the American Board of Surgery in 1987 and was a member of the President's Council of Canisius College from 1987 to 1990. He was president of the UB Medical Alumni Association in 1963-64. He enjoyed boating, fishing and gardening. Dr. Wiles was the husband of the late Jane (Brady) Wiles, M.D.; father of Charles E. (Jill) Wiles III M.D. of Baltimore; J. Carroll Becker of New Orleans; Dr. John B. (Susan) Wiles of Williamsville; Kathleen M. Wiles, Ed.D, of Maitland, Florida; William P. (Veronica) Wiles and Patrick J. Wiles, both of Grand Island; also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother of Rhea (John) Hayes of Clermont, Florida; son of the late Mae and Charles Wiles Sr. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Church Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Sister's Hospital Foundation.




Wilbert U. Janke, 86, who managed Janke's Shoe Store in the City of Tonawanda for more than 30 years, died July 27, 2003, in Wayland Hospice in Wayland, Mass. A former Grand Island resident, he moved to Massachusetts in 1997 following the death of his wife of 55 years, Phyllis. Born and raised in Tonawanda, he managed the shoe store until it closed in 1967. He was active in Salem United Church of Christ and a member of the Chancel Choir. Janke is survived by a son, Robert of Circleville, Ohio; and a daughter, Jean Geller of Lexington, Mass.; five granddaughters; and three great-grandsons. A memorial reception will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Buffalo Niagara Marriott, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst.





Eileen K. Wylegala, August 8, 2003 of Grand Island; wife of the late Joseph J. Wylegala; mother of Louise M. (John) Caswell and Victor H. Wylegala. No prior visitation. A private burial will be held for family and close friends Monday at 9 AM at Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Margaret (Zanow) Dickinson, , August 7, 2003 of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo. Wife of the late Thomas C. Dickinson; mother of Thomas C. Jr. (Jeanette), Donald W. (Kimberlie) and Norman E. (Sharon) Dickinson; grandmother of Sarah Jane, Andrew (Courtney), Amy, Joanna (Caleb Basiliko), Susan Dickinson and Dawne (Daniel) Schupp; great grandmother of Jeremy Schupp and Noah Dickinson. Friends may call on Saturday from 7-8:30 PM followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or Nazareth Lutheran Church, 269 Skillen Ave., Buffalo, 14207.




John S. Papai, August 10, 2003 of Grand Island, unexpectedly, husband of Claudia (McGinty) Papai; father of John S. Jr. (Nickki), Michael A. Papai and Sarah K. (Jeremy) Mottern; step father of Caitlin and Caroline Garrigues; grandfather of Taylor and Hannah Papai and Alexis Mottern; brother of Susan (Ken) Bersani and Stephen (Carrie) Papai; son of the late Steve and Emily Papai; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 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. Mr. Papai was a radio specialist in the U.S. Air Force for nine years and went on to participate as an engineer on the Space Shuttle Program.




Allison "Ace" Arthur Senf, 88, passed away July 30, 2003. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, August 22 2003 in Forest Lawn. Born in Niagara Falls, NY August 19-21, 1914, he displayed an artistry in the way he lived his life aloud, taking seriously his roles as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend; he consistently made choices, which prioritized love, humor, peace, and happiness. He worked as a park policeman at Niagara Falls, on the maintenance gang at Union Carbide, and finally for thirty years as a pipe fitter at the Chevrolet auto plant in Tonawanda. Ace retired to spend time with his wife of more than 45 years, Geraldine "Gerry" and others whom he held dear. He cared for Gerry throughout her battle with breast cancer, making sure that she died with a clear view of the River. A longtime resident of Grand Island, the "walking man," Ace, knew the West River like "the back of his hand." In recent years, after developing Parkinson's, he relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, to be with his daughter, Donna and son-in-law, Pat. On July 30, 2003, in the company of his daughter, with his own clear view of Corpus Christi Bay, he slipped out life's back door. As a basketball player, painter, boxer, mason (LaSalle Masonic Lodge), recycler, thinker-tinker, in the spirit of Henry David Thoreau, Ace bequeaths to us (his children - Michael Senf (Kathy Phillips Senf) of Cazenovia and Donna Senf Carroll (Patrick Carroll) of Corpus Christi, his sister Mildred "Buzz" Young of Montrose, California, his grandchildren Leslie Barden (John Barden) and Mark Senf (deceased), Amy, Jenny (Adam Steinman), Patrick, and Katie (Rob Turner) Carroll, his great grandchildren Patrick, Grace, and Claire Barden) and the world, the memory of his compass - like sensibility, his steady-state sense of which way to go.




Paul H. Taylor, 88, died unexpectedly Wednesday, August 6, 2003, in his Grand Island home. He was the husband of the late Isabel (Boyer) Taylor; father of Douglas P. (Sandra) Taylor of North Tonawanda, Joyce M. (Richard) Hill of Williamsville, and Elaine T. Cassel of Tucson, Ariz.; grandfather of Alan, Erin, and David Taylor, Ian, Dayna, and Alyssa Hill. Friends may call Friday, August 8, 2003 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 9, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150. Mr. Taylor, founder of Taylor Devices, was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from Parks Air College in St. Louis with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. His love of aviation also led him to obtain an aircraft and power plant mechanic's license, and a pilot's license. After graduation, Taylor worked for Beech Aircraft Co., in Wichita, Kan. He was part of the design team for the Beechcraft Model 18, a cargo/passenger aircraft, which is still in use today. In 1939, he moved to Western New York to work at the Curtiss Aircraft Co. As an aircraft design engineer, he helped create the P-40 plane made famous by the Flying Tigers in strikes against Japanese forces in Asia at the start of World War II. By the end of the war, Taylor was named vice president of research for Curtiss' area plant. In the late 1940s, he joined the former Wales-Strippit Corp. in North Tonawanda, now Strippit Inc. of Akron, where he served as vice president of the machine tool company. In 1950, Taylor struck out on his own, moving to Grand Island, where he began to make high-pressure hydraulic components, including shock absorbers and liquid springs, out of his residence. Five years later, he incorporated the new business at Taylor Devices and Tayco Developments, moving the companies to a factory on Main Street in North Tonawanda. The businesses were later relocated to Tonawanda Island, where they continue to operate. He served as president and chairman of the businesses until 1991. While his main focus was on his company, Taylor's interest in aeronautics continued through the decades, ranging from 1930s-era general aviation and military aircraft to the U.S. space program. In the 1960s, he participated in NASA's Apollo rocket program, and later contributed to space shuttle development. A prolific inventor, he held 82 U.S. patents, ranging from aircraft wing designs, to devices for absorption of energy, to fiberglass/epoxy composite structures. Up until his death, he was developing and fabricating a nontraditional engine for marine propulsion.




Frank J. Incorvia, 73, a former steward for Laborers Local 91, died Sunday (Aug. 3, 2003) in Schoellkopf Health Center after a lengthy illness. Incorvia was born in Niagara Falls and attended local schools. He served in the Army's 7th Infantry Division from September 1947 to July 1949 during the occupation of Japan after World War II. Incorvia worked more than 20 years through Local 91 before retiring in 1977. In the early 1980s, he moved to Grand Island, where he lived until last year. Incorvia enjoyed playing cards and was an avid golfer. Survivors include a son, Michael A. of Niagara Falls; a daughter, Elizabeth A. Easterly of Niagara Falls; two sisters, Margaret Serpa and Dolores Ligammari, both of Niagara Falls; two brothers, Angelo of Niagara Falls and Dominick of Grand Island; and a granddaughter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, after prayers at 10:30 in M.J. Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel, 468 19th St. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.




Lauretta E. Vanthoff, 87, of Park Place, Ormond Beach, an area resident since 1986, died Saturday, July 26, 2003 at home. Mrs. Vanthoff was born on Grand Island, New York, where she was a homemaker. She retired to Bradenton, Florida in 1969 and was a member of First United Methodist Church. She became a member of Convenant United Methodist Church after her move to this area. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, shopping, and spending time with family. Survivors include three grandchildren: David Vanthoff of Port Orange, FL, Deborah Salimi of Ormond Beach, FL and Daniel Vanthoff of San Diego, CA; and four great-grandchildren: Sean, Cory, Kevin and Kelly. A memorial service will be celebrated 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at Covenant United Methodist Church on Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach. Memorial donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main Street, Enterprise, FL 32725.




A memorial service for Betty Rogers Beck, 84, owner of the Betty Rogers School of Dance until her retirement in 1997, will be held at noon Saturday, August 2, 2003 in Amigone Funeral Home, 1132 Delaware Ave. Friends invited. Mrs. Beck, who was born in Buffalo, died Friday, July 25, 2003 in Niagara Lutheran Home in Buffalo. She was educated in Buffalo schools and began teaching in her first studio when she was 16. She was too young to sign the papers herself, so her mother did it for her, according to a story that appeared in The Buffalo News on June 7, 1997 - one day before she retired at age 78. Mrs. Beck would later recall that her first studio was above the old Victoria Theater, which she described as "a beautiful building, the biggest theater in the neighborhood, with box seats, an organ and loges, a lot like the Shea's." For the next 62 years, she taught ballet, tap and gymnastics in studios (at different times) in Grand Island, Clarence and Buffalo, including her last one on the West Side at Grant and West Ferry streets. Known to her students as "Miss Betty," she also danced professionally at the Roxy on Broadway in New York, the Strand in Brooklyn and Shea's. Some of her students over the years made it to the big time. They included Michael Bennett of "A Chorus Line" fame and Michael Domineco, who danced solo many times at Radio City Music Hall, as well as Johann Carlo, the gymnast who starred in the movie "Nadia." Many of her students pursued dancing as a career or opened their own studios. Mrs. Beck started dancing when she was 9, according to the 1995 News article. Her father didn't want her to take dancing lessons, but her mother secretly enrolled her in Alice Munger's School of Dance on Main Street. After seeing her first recital, her father relented and the lessons continued, according to the 1997 article. Six years later, she was dancing four shows a day at Shea's and earning $30 a week, which was good money in 1934 during the Depression. She was the beloved mother of Karen L. Beck of Buffalo and the late Diane C. Morton, and dearest grandmother of Katharine Kelley. Also the dear daughter of the late William and Inez (nee Benedict) Rogers. No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2 at the (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1132 Delaware Avenue (near W. Ferry Street) at 12:00 PM. Friends invited.




Margaret Ellen Barker, 83; mother of Torby (Karen) Barker and Gregory (Liz) Barker; grandmother of Eric, Craig, Kelly and Anne. Margaret, who was the matriarch of the family's racing hydroplane activities for over 40 years, was a past member of the Gray Ladies of Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital and was also active in the LaSalle Yacht Club. She moved to Niagara Falls in 1939 from St. Catharines and then to Grand Island in 1970. No prior visitation. Memorial service at the convenience of the family.




Leslie L. Alcorn, 76, of Grand Island, who worked as a truck driver before retiring 20 years ago, died Tuesday, July 22, 2003 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. A Niagara Falls native, Alcorn was a high school graduate and moved to Grand Island from Niagara Falls six months ago. Alcorn drove a truck for Tajon Trucking and Nixon Oil for several years before retiring. He enjoyed boating and fishing. His wife, the former Patricia Horst, died in January. Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Gospodarski of Jackson, Mo., and Mary Loretta of Niagara Falls; two sons, Leslie G. of Grand Island and David of Niagara Falls; two brothers, Lloyd of Niagara Falls and Donald of Orlando, Fla.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosemary Ann Sweeney, a retired obstetrics nurse, was offered Wednesday, July 23, 2003 in St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Charlotte, N.C. Burial was in Sunset Memory Gardens, Charlotte. Mrs. Sweeney, 64, died Saturday, July 19, 2003 in Lakeview Living Center, Pineville, N.C. She moved to Charlotte from Grand Island in 1999. Born Rosemary Griffin in Buffalo, she graduated from Holy Angels Academy in 1956 and Sisters Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. She was a nurse at Sisters Hospital; St. Joseph Hospital, Cheektowaga; the American Red Cross; and Father Baker Home, Lackawanna, during her career. Survivors include her husband of 38 years, William E.; two sons, Christopher W. of Greensboro, N.C., and Dr. Michael F. of Matthews, N.C.; two daughters, Dr. Kathleen M. Mansour of Sacramento, Calif., and Karen W. Miller of Lincolnton, Ga.; three brothers, Richard Griffin, Peter Griffin and Donald Griffin, all of Buffalo; and nine grandchildren.




Richard F. LaBelle, July 22, 2003 of Grand Island, husband of Patricia (Berzer) LaBelle; father of Christopher, Janine (Raymond) Klimtzak and Barbara (Gary) Baran; brother of Walter (Arline), Dianne (Steve) Lauxmann and the late Barbara (Ted) Bosworth; also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Private services have been held. Arrangements by the 'Old First Ward Chapel' of the PETER K. LESLIE FUNERAL HOME (855-1411).





Evelyn S. Davis,81, of Schutt Court, Grand Island, NY, died Monday, July 21, 2003 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital following a lengthy illness. A Niagara Falls, New York native, she was the daughter of the late William and Emma Mae (Anders) Wensley. She attended Niagara Falls area schools. Survivors include a son, James Richard (Marsha) Davis of Reedsburg, Wisconsin; two daughters, Judith Ann Webb of Bradenton, Florida and Linda Davis of Grand Island; two sisters, Dorothy Harris of Niagara Falls and Lillian Woodland of Lewiston, NY; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. Davis in November of 1975; a sister, Inez Knapp and a brother, William C. Wensley. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. The interment will be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials, if one desires, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 1284 French Road, Depew, NY 14043-4882. The Lane Funeral Home, Inc., is handling the funeral arrangements.





Joan D. Kilmer, a garden writer and environmentalist, died Sunday, July 20, 2003 in her Grand Island home after a long battle with cancer. She was 73. Born Joan DesJardin in Niagara Falls, she graduated from LaSalle High School in 1947. Mrs. Kilmer wrote a garden column and was a part-time reporter for the Niagara Gazette until the mid-1990s and until recently wrote a garden column under the name Daisy Hunter for the Island Dispatch. She also wrote freelance garden and travel articles for several national magazines and penned a first-person piece on breast cancer in the late 1980s for the Syracuse Herald-American. Mrs. Kilmer was one of the writers for the pageant held during the town's Sesquicentennial 2002 Celebration, performed last summer at Huth Road School. She and her husband, were active in the West River Homeowners Association, and she had developed a wetland in the back yard of their one-acre riverside property, complete with sedges, cattails, water lilies and frogs, plus a greenhouse. In 1999, she was presented a Quality Quest Community Award for her environmental efforts and for initiating a beautification project on the creek near Grand Island Town Hall. She was a master gardener for Cornell Cooperative Extension and was a member of the Association of Professional Women Writers, the Garden Writers Association of America, the environmental group Quality Quest, the historical preservation group River Lea, the Grand Island Book Club, the Grand Island Art Society and a breast cancer support group. In earlier years, she was a 4-H leader and a catechism teacher at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, John R.; two daughters, Geraldine Rapp of West Groton and Jean Casey of the City of Tonawanda; a son, John Jr. of Grand Island; two sisters, Margaret Barclay of Cayuga Island and Mona Rynearson of Newark; two brothers, Michael DesJardin of Caledonia and Donald DesJardin of Newport, L.I.; and four grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Aug. 23 in St. Stephen's Church, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island.




Roy R. Pennario, of Grand Island, NY, died Sunday, July 20, 2003 in Mercy Hospital after a 28-month battle with cancer at age 62. He was the beloved husband of 38 years of Shirley (nee Broncato) Pennario; father of Christina (Julius) Horvath; grandfather of Joshua and Gianna; brother of Shirley Pennario of Depew and the late Betty Walters; son-in-law of Gus and Rose Broncato; brother-in-law of Jean (Thomas) Schroeder; uncle of Julie and Michael. The family will be present Tuesday, July 22, 2003 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) where funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9:15 a.m. and in St Stephen's Church at 10 a.m. Memorials may be sent to The American Cancer Society. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A lifelong Buffalo resident, Pennario graduated from Lafayette High School in the late 1950s. He worked from the mid-1960s through the early 1990s as a union steward for United Auto Workers Local 424 at General Motor's Chevrolet plant on East Delavan Avenue. After retirement and until his death, he was a floor supervisor at Buffalo Sabres home games. According to his family, working at HSBC Arena was a perfect fit for a diehard Sabres fan like Pennario, who loved many sports, especially hunting turkey and deer, and golfing with his son-in-law. Pennario was in the National Guard, member of the UAW Local #424 and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. "He was a very strong man, even in his final days. Just a pillar," said his daughter, Christina Horvath of Grand Island.





Melvin E. Rupp Jr., 68, a resident of Tequesta, Florida, died July 13, 2003 in his summer home on Grand Island after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Patricia Ellis; three sons, Melvin III 'Chip' (JoAnn) Rupp of Grand Island, Michael E. (Laura) Rupp of Williamsville and Andrew K. Rupp of the Town of Tonawanda; a daughter, Chere Rupp of Grand Island; his mother, Rose of Florida; a brother, William of Florida; two sisters, Claire Ann Bishop of Grand Island and Sandy of Florida; and six grandchildren. He was the loving grandfather of Melvin IV, Ashley, Sarah, Katie, Emily Rose and Charles; beloved son of Rose (nee Ball) and the late Melvin Rupp, Sr.; dear brother of Clair Ann (George) Bishop, William J. Rupp and Sandy Rupp. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, July 17, 2003 and Friday, July 18, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) where funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2003 at 9:00 AM and from St. Stephen Church (Grand Island) at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation or the Boys and Girls Club of the Tonawandas. Mel was a retired owner of a heavy-equipment rental firm and a youth hockey coach. Born and raised in Buffalo, Rupp began working full time for Rupp Rental & Sales - a company founded by his father in 1932 - shortly after attending Clarkson College and graduating from the University of Buffalo. During his tenure as president of Rupp Rental & Sales, the company grew from 50 to more than 200 employees throughout New York State. Rupp was president of the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & Western New York, a member of the Associated General Contractors and a longtime member of Operating Engineers Local 17. He began coaching hockey in 1975 and for the next 25 years coached every age group of youth players at the Wheatfield Blades Hockey Association. He was a team manager of the Grand Island varsity hockey team for four years, attained a Level 5 certification through the Canadian coaching system and played on the "50 and over" Bakewell Buddies hockey team. He received the J. Michael Duffett Award from the Buffalo Sabres in 1996 for his dedication to youth hockey. Mel was a past Commodore of the Buffalo Launch Club, a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church and many other organizations.




Theresa J. (Schlichte) Thompson, July 12, 2003 of Grand Island; wife of the late Thomas Thompson; mother of Thomas J. (Wendy) Thompson, Susan (Robert) Judson, Kathleen Monaco and Mary (Jack) West; grandmother of Justin and Colin Thompson, Christina and Michael Judson, Robert, Christopher, Stacey and Joseph Monaco and Theresa West; sister of Joseph (Emilie) Schlichte. Friends may call Monday only from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




Carol A. (Brennan) Berlinger, July 9, 2003 of Grand Island. Wife of Charles M. Berlinger; mother of Joseph (Lori), Charles M. Jr. (Linda) and Michael J. (Kerry) Berlinger; grandmother of Sarah, Connor and the late Elizabeth Berlinger; sister of Robert (Barbara), Charles (Sharon) and the late Martin (surivived by wife Jean), Richard, Edward and Joan Brennan; daughter of the late Harry and Marie Brennan; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Co.




Helen (Rountree) Widdicombe, July 9, 2003, of Grand Island, wife of the late Charles R. Widdicombe; mother of Trudy W. (Tom) Brisendine, Charles R. (Kyoung-Hui) Widdicombe Jr., Helen W. (Dennis) Newkirk, Ginny W. (John) Ballard, Janet A. (Randall) McPhee, Richard A. (Mary Lee) Widdicombe and Edie M. (Dan) Capen; grandmother of Scott and David Brisendine, Carol and Joe Widdicombe, Lindsay and Christie Ballard, Maggie McPhee, Kevin and Alex Widdicombe and Bonnie Capen; daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Rountree; sister of the late Marie Cusack and Ann MacDonald; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday only 8:30-10 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials made to St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 AM. Interment will be in Boca Raton, FL.




Alma R. Ziehm, July 8, 2003; of Kenmore; formerly of Grand Island. Wife of the late Richard J. Comeau; dear mother of Richard J. (Robin) Comeau, of Kenmore; loving grandmother of Justin and Kyle Comeau, Jennifer and Christine Badger; loving sister of Betty (late Raymond) Yensan; daughter of the late Elmer and Rosine Ziehm; former mother-in-law of Kathleen (Ives) Comeau; dear friend of Pat Velna, James Brophy, and Robert Drew. Friends may call Thursday only 7-9 PM followed by funeral services at 9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Paul F. Kavanaugh, 78, of Niagara Falls, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY passed away Thursday, June 26, 2003 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, NY following a brief illness. He was born September 8, 1924 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, the son of the late John and Mary (Sweet) Kavanaugh. He married the former Margaret I. McQuillan on August 10, 1946 in Niagara Falls, NY. They were married for 53 years at the time of Margaret's death on April 27, 2000. Paul attended local schools in Niagara Falls. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1945. He was employed at the former Hooker Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, NY for 26 years, retiring in 1971 and also drove for scenic tours of the area and worked as an automobile mechanic. Paul was an avid euchre player, playing in many local euchre leagues. He is survived by five sons, Richard (Rose) Kavanaugh and James Kavanaugh, both of Niagara Falls, NY; Pete (Michele) Kavanaugh of Plattsburgh, NY; John Kavanaugh of Greely, CO and Gary Kavanaugh of Las Vegas, NV; five daughters, Linda (David) Foster and Gail Kavanaugh of Niagara Falls, NY; Trisha Kavanaugh of Grand Island; Beth (Paul) Trifiletti of Prior Lake, MN; and Joan (Victor) Piasecki of North Tonawanda. Also survived by three sisters, Rita (late Lawrence) Hagerman of Grand Island, NY; Ruth (Walter) Griffin of Niagara Falls, NY; and Margaret (Stanley) Paviak of Houston, TX; his mother-in-law, Irene W. (late Hugh) McQuillan of Niagara Falls, NY; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many close and dear friends. Paul was predeceased by one brother, Jack (late Edna) Kavanaugh; and one sister, Catherine (late Ed) Battson. No prior visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2003 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 616 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Earle King officiating. Interment will be in Gates of Heaven Cemetery at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. Arrangements handled by Lane Funeral Home, Niagara Falls, NY.




John F. Blickley, 79, of Grand Island died Saturday, June 28, 2003 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda. Born in Shenandoah, Pa, Mr. Blickley was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Forces. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in chemical engineering and worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 38 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Grand Island Golden Age Center and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ruth L.; three daughters, Ruthann (late Michael) Burl of the Town of Tonawanda, Maria Blickley of Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Louise (Glyn) Lipp of Amherst; three sisters, Anna Monaghan and Regina Hoffman, both of Allentown, Pa., and Marian (Eugene) Smith of Mason, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Benjamin and Amanda Burl, Lindsay and Corine Goldberg, Andrew, Jeffrey and Gregory Lipp. He was the brother of the late Catherine Waecker. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2003 in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the St. Stephen's Church Building fund or the Grand Island Fire Company.




Maryan C. Traun, June 24, 2003, longtime Grand Island resident; mother of Marcia Traun; guardian of Jay Gemboys; daughter of the late Donald and Mildred Carver. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 11:30 AM at Emmanuel Community Bible Church, 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Historical Society, PO Box 135, Grand Island, NY 14072.




Patricia Tranter McTaggart , 78, died May 21, 2003 in a Syracuse-area nursing home. Of Grand Island. Wife of the late Lorne J. McTaggart and James B. Tranter; mother of Penelope (Robert) Croot of Erieville; grandmother of Taryn, Loryn, Michele, and Bryan Croot; sister of the late Madelyn Drown. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072, where Memorial Services will be held Sunday, July 13, at 1:30 p.m. Born Patricia Houck in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Bennett High School and North Park Business School. Mrs. McTaggert did public relations work for Curtiss-Wright during World War II, then worked at Business Placements in Buffalo and later as a clerk for the school district before retiring in 1980. She had been very active in Girl Scouts and volunteered at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for many years as a patient representative. She was the widow of Lorne J. McTaggert, who died in 1993, and James B. Tranter, who died in 1968.




Kenneth W. Staub, 87, died Saturday, June 21, 2003 in his Grand Island home after a brief illness. His wife of 51 years, the former Verna Kirsch, died in 1990. He was the father of Kenneth W. (Joan R.) Staub Jr. and the late Sara M. Staub; grandfather of Randall (Diana), Derek and Brendan Staub; brother of the late Frederick H. Staub. Friends may call Tuesday, June 24, 2003 only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Mr. Staub was born in Buffalo and graduated from Riverside High School. He attended Carnegie Technical Institute in Pittsburgh and became the vice president and maintenance director of Riverside Service Corp., a trucking company founded by his father, Fred E. Staub, in 1919. He was co-founder of Buffalo Truck & Bus Maintenance Association, and recipient of the Founders Award from the American Truck Historical Society. He restored old trucks, including a 1920 Brockway, manufactured in Cortland. His hobbies included fishing and gardening. Mr. Staub was a member of Millennium Lodge 1179, F&AM, Valley of Buffalo Consistory and Ismailia Temple.




Eleanor "Elie' Henry DeGowin, June 21, 2003, Island resident from 1992-2001 before moving to New Kent, Virgiania in 2001. No other information available.




Lois Hamilton Olson, June 23, 2003, of California. No other information available.




Henry Rattman, June 19, 2003. Of Grand Island. Brother of Hans W. Rattman; son of the late Conrad and Emily Rattman. Friends may call Sunday only 2-5 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army.




A memorial service for Shirley Ann Krzes will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Hall Terrace Clubhouse. Mrs. Krzes died on August 31, 2002. Click for complete Death Notice.




Donald R. Wietan, a retired employee of Union Carbide's Linde Air Products Division in the Town of Tonawanda, died Saturday (June 14, 2003) in Tavares, Florida, after a long illness. Wietan, 70, was born in Buffalo and moved to Grand Island with his family at age 10. After he retired, he and his wife, Donna, moved to Tavares. Wietan began work as a rigger at Linde and retired as a member of management. He was a member of the Painters Club of Linde and was a fisherman. Besides his wife, the former Donna Peterson, survivors include a son, Donald Jr. of Grand Island; a daughter, Diana Moore of Paisley, Florida; a brother, William of Eustis, Florida; two sisters, Joan Albert of Tavares and Ann Korff of the Town of Tonawanda; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A private family service was held.




Hazel (Comstock) Quint, June 13, 2003, of Grand Island. Beloved wife of the late Harry D. Quint; dear mother of Gayle H. Quint, Janet S. (Earl) Webb and Harry G. (Gail) Quint; loving grandmother of Sandra (Robert), Christopher, Jonathan, Timothy, Margaret, Eric, Elizabeth and E. William; sister of Lowell (Charlotte) Comstock and the late Lydia, David, Beatrice, Emerson, Bert, Clayton, Frank, Alan, Alton and Nellie Jean. No prior visitation. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 PM at Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the Ashley Barrasso Cancer Research Fund, C/O Pittsburgh Foundation, 1 PPG Place, 30th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.




Pam M. Coyle, suddenly in Grand Island, NY, June 12, 2003; beloved wife of James Coyle; daughter of Paul and Joan Aschenbrenner; stepmother of Chris Coyle; sister of Don Aschenbrenner. Family and friends invited to a Memorial Service Monday 10 a.m. at Dietrich Funeral HOme Inc., 2480 Kensington Avenue, Amherst, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Memorial Hospital. Arrangements by KEITH E. RAPIN.




Francis J. Lapine, June 8, 2003, former Grand Island resident. Beloved husband of Wilma (nee Montgomery) Lapine; dear father of Cynthia Cornelius and Michael (Jay) Lapine; dearest grandfather of Eathan; brother of Margaret Webb; also survived by nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 14 at 9:30 AM in St. Andrew's Church. Flowers graciously declined. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC.




Bettyjean Hubbard, died Friday (June 6, 2003) in the Waters of Salamanca after a lengthy illness. She was 79. A memorial service for Bettyjean Hubbard, a Buffalo native, retired AM&A's employee and former Grand Island resident, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, 372 E. Main St., Bradford, Pa. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Limestone. The former Bettyjean Rose was born in Buffalo, where she graduated from Kensington High School in 1941. She married Thaddeus Szczech in 1941, and the couple raised five children together. Their marriage ended in divorce. Mrs. Hubbard worked in shipping at AM&A's from 1958 until retiring in 1970. In 1973, she married Donald Hubbard, and they lived on Grand Island until her husband's death last year. She then moved to Limestone. Mrs. Hubbard was a member of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and the Democratic Women's Society in Grand Island. She is survived by three daughters, Sharon Krathaus of Depew, Gareth Mooney of Limestone and Madona Gorney of Belfast; two sons, James Szczech of Amherst and Todd Szczech of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; a stepdaughter, Diane Bieber of Buffalo; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.




Betty (Stratton) Johnson, a longtime resident of Grand Island and former Girl Scout leader, died Friday (June 6, 2003) in Elderwood Health Care at Heathwood, in Amherst, after a short illness. She was 84. Born Betty Stratton in Buffalo, she attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and studied physical education. She was a homemaker, and also worked as a claims investigator for Liberty Mutual during the 1940s. While her children were growing up, she served as a Girl Scout leader on Grand Island. Her daughter Louise Johnson-Toth of Rochester said Mrs. Johnson led the Scouts on camping excursions. She was also the president of Home Bureau I, and enjoyed baking, cooking, canning and gardening. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, volunteering for its church store and mission. She volunteered for the American Red Cross. Besides her daughter Louise, survivors include her husband of 59 years, Theodore R. Johnson; daughters Rev. Louise (Gregory Toth) Johnson-Toth of Rochester, and Nancy L. (Brian) Davies of Summit, NJ; and a granddaughter, Della Natasha Davies. She was the sister of the late Wendell (survived by wife Margery) Stratton. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2003 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.




Mary Frances (Santa Maria) Morrisey, 73, of Grand Island died Saturday (June 7, 2003) in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Thomas J. Morrisey; two daughters, Nancy M. (Joseph) Fusco of Grand Island and Sarah A. (Randall) Gooch of Mexico, Mo.; a son, Dr. Thomas J. Jr. (Sandra) of Staten Island; and six grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Michael T. Morrisey. She was the daughter of the late Michelino and Annunziata Santa Maria; sister of the late Carl Stanton; cousin of Carl (Carol), John, Mary, David (Liz) and Ted (Judy) Santa Maria. Friends may call Monday 7-9 PM and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Morrisey was a retired math and resource teacher with the Niagara Falls schools. Ninety students so far have benefited from scholarship funds started by her family at Buffalo State College, Canisius College and Geneseo State College. The funds are in memory of the Morriseys' youngest son, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael T. Morrisey, who was struck and killed by a drunken driver in 1992 while home on leave. The former Mary Frances Santa Maria earned a bachelor of science degree in 1952 from Geneseo State and a master of science degree in education in 1956 from Brockport State College. She also taught in Rochester and in Oceanside, Calif., and was awarded a patent on a training device she invented for computer programming. Mrs. Morrisey was active with the Boy Scouts, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, St. Stephen's Catholic Church and Women of the Word on Grand Island. For many years, she was a competitive swimmer in the masters events at the state and national levels.




John D. Walsh, June 4, 2003 of Grand Island; husband of the late Evelyn Walsh; father of Thomas J. (Maureen) Walsh of Syracuse and the late Patricia Walsh Zinck; dear friend of Sandra Caffery; grandfather of Margaret Walsh, Laura and Marel Zinck; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Foundation, P.O. Box 1183, Grand Island, NY 14072.




Leona C. Plewinski, May 27, 2003; sister of the late Eugenia J. and Florence Plewinski; daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Plewinski; also survived by numerous cousins. No prior visitation. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephan's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY, Wednesday at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Arrangements by the DENGLER FUNERAL HOME.




Barbara (Boyce) Nutting, of Grand Island, died Sunday (June 1, 2003) at Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a long illness. She was 73. Born Barbara Boyce in Wilmington, Del., she graduated from DuPont High School there and worked in the placement office at the University of Delaware and at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. in Wilmington. She transfered to Du Pont's Niagara Falls office in 1957 and was in charge of women's affairs. She relocated from Delaware to Niagara Falls before moving to Grand Island in 1961. She worked briefly for the Grand Island School District. Mrs. Nutting was an active volunteer and led Girl Scout troops in Grand Island and Niagara Falls. She was also a former volunteer at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. She was involved in the activities at her church, Trinity United Methodist, and also arranged the schedule for workers at the Inner City Cafe at Durham Memorial AME Zion Church in Buffalo. She also volunteered at a downtown Buffalo food pantry. Mrs. Nutting was a member and dedicated volunteer of the Buffalo Audubon Society, serving at one time as its president and social chairwoman. She also was chairwoman of the committee that arranged the society's wildlife film series. Married to Lincoln Nutting since 1959, she was the mother of Mary Lyn (Bob Hartman) Nutting of Delevan; grandmother of Avery; sister of Mary Catharyn (Will) Worley of College Station, Texas and Betty (Earl) Tull of Seaford, Del.; also survived by six nieces and one nephew. Friends may call Tuesday, June 3, 2003 only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday June 4, 2003 at 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Westminster, Vt. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Barbara Nutting Children's Outreach Ministries Fund, make checks out to: NFCM, c/o Buffalo District UMC, 410 Minnesota Ave., Buffalo, 14215. (Note on the check: Nutting Fund)




Muriel A. 'Kitty' Zilliox , 75, a former church secretary and waitress, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston. A Town of Tonawanda native and longtime resident of Grand Island, she worked for many years at Del & Herb's Restaurant at Love and Baseline roads, where she enjoyed serving and talking with regular customers. She later left to become one of the first employees of the Grand Island Holiday Inn. In 1983, she joined New Convenant Tabernacle Church in the Town of Tonawanda, where she was executive assistant to the Rev. Paul Schenck for 11 years. Mrs. Zilliox often traveled with a church group, most memorably to Israel. She was a former Democratic committeewoman and Kenmore Mercy Hospital volunteer. She also helped people with their personal finances. Mrs. Zilliox was the wife of the late Richard J. Zilliox; mother of Linda M. Modglin of Getzville, Karen A (Oren) Zilliox-Wiesler of Weston, MA, Mark J. of Grand Island, Gregory R. of Lewiston, and Kevin R. (Susan) Zilliox of Willis, TX; also survived by twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister of Cleo Cathcart of Tonawanda, Carol (Henry) Stempien of Winthrup, MA, Rosemary Cathcart of Nashville, and Robin Cathcart of Killeen, TX; daughter of the late George and Nellie Cathcart. Friends may call Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 9 AM at the New Covenant Tabernacle, 345 McConkey Dr. Tonawanda. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.




Mark T. Lewis passed away Friday, May 16, 2003 at the untimely age of 40 in Los Gatos, CA. Mark was a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 1980. He was a resident of Grand Island until 1986, when he moved to California to pursue a business career. He was the beloved husband of Deborah L. (Saxton) Lewis; dear father of Jessica L., Tori J. and Conner A. Lewis; son of Edward and Nancy (Gerspach) Lewis; brother of Paul Lewis, Lynn Lewis (Jim Salisbury) and Matthew (Tammy) Lewis; uncle of Crystal, Brandie, Andrea and Matthew E. Lewis, April and Autumn Kaiser; nephew of Harold (Frances) and Wesley Williams, William and Richard (Shirley) Gerspach; son-in-law of Harold (Doris) Saxton and the late Patricia Saxton; brother-in-law of Greg Saxton; also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Friends may call Thursday and Friday, May 22 and May 23, 2003 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.




   Deacon John A. Polizzi, died in his Grand Island home May 13, 2003 after a year long battle with cancer. He was 65. Family and friends may call at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where he will lie in state Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM; at Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church, 180 George-Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga where he will lie in state Friday 2-5 PM; and at St. Stephen's Church where he will lie in state Friday 7-9 PM with a Prayer Service by the Deacon Community at 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.
   The Buffalo native attended Burgard High School and Erie Community College. He had lived on Grand Island for more than 40 years and was Grand Island Citizen of the Year in 1986. From 1955 to 1962, Polizzi served in the Navy as a fireman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. He was aboard the ship during the Cuban missile crisis in spring 1962. Following his military service, he worked for about a decade at Bethlehem Steel. He later worked in maintenance service repair at Tops Markets for 27 years. In 1990, he was honored as the Tops Employee of the Year. He retired in 2000. The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo honored Polizzi in 1980 with the St. Joseph the Worker Award for his service to St. Stephen Church. In 1986, he was ordained a deacon. He served at St. Stephen for 15 years and most recently at Queen of Martyrs Church in Cheektowaga. In addition to their own children, he and his wife helped raise a nephew and six foster children. Polizzi was a member of Council 4752, Knights of Columbus. He was a longtime Boy Scout leader for Troop 510 and once traveled by canoe along the Erie Canal with his scout troop. In addition to traveling and reading, he enjoyed camping with family and friends at Sherkston Beach, Ont.
   Survivors include his wife of 42 years, the former Judythann Tornabene; three sons, John A. Jr.(Susan) of Red Bank, N.J., Stephen W. of Grand Island and Christopher J. of Pensacola; a daughter, Lynn Marie of Grand Island; foster father of Laurie (Azar) Gill; father-in-law of Donna, Michele Minelli; grandfather of Derek John and Jaime Michele; beloved son-in-law of the late William and Kathleen Tornabene; son of the late John and Sarah Polizzi; brother of Frank (Susan), Salvatore (Judith) and the late Norman, Benny and Sarafine Polizzi; brother-in-law of Joan Polizzi; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.




   Lawrence L. Hagerman, 81, May 9, 2003. Born on March 24, 1922, the son of the late Harry W. and LaVerda J. Albright Hagerman. Larry was a graduate of Warsaw High School, Warsaw, NY and served with the US Army in World War II. He was retired from Occidental Chemical Corporation, Niagara Falls, NY after 40 years. An avid fisherman, Larry was a member of the Grand Island Fire Company, First Aid Squad, and Fire Police. He served as financial secretary of the Grand Island Fire Company for 47 years and was a 32-year member of its Board of Directors at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 and the American Legion on Grand Island.
   Larry is survived by his wife Rita M. Hagerman whom he married in 1969; two daughters, Jela A. Hagerman and Marla J. (Gary) Wilkerson; five sons, Eric J. (Jennifer) Hagerman, Daniel F. (Marjorie) Robillard, John A. (Misty) Robillard, Robert K. (Lucy) Robillard and James P. (Julie) Robillard; 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
   No prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24,2003 in St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road. A reception will follow at the Grand Island Fire Hall, 2275 Baseline Road. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company, 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 or to the Leukemia Society.




Gerald "Jerry" Patterson , 52, a corrections officer at Wende State Correctional Facility in Alden for 22 years, died Thursday (May 1, 2003) in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. A Buffalo native, Patterson attended St. Vincent de Paul School and graduated from Hutchinson-Central Technical High School. He later attended Buffalo State College. At Wende, Patterson coordinated the Employee Assistance Program for several years. He married Peggy Ferguson in 1998 after a relationship that spanned two decades and moved to Grand Island in 1992. Patterson was an active member of Niagara Falls Church of Christ, becoming baptized in October 2000, and regularly served as song leader.An avid golfer, he was a member of River Oaks Golf Club in Grand Island. He also enjoyed jazz and traveling. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Gerald Patterson of Buffalo; two daughters, Kere Patterson of Silver Springs, Md., and Thalia (Jeffrey) Dockery of Buffalo; a brother, Clarence Patterson of Buffalo; and five grandchildren. Viewing Tuesday at 11 AM, and services will be held at noon Tuesday in Linwood Church of Christ, 2523 Main St. Dr. John A. Smiley Evangelist officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthews Cemetery, West Seneca. Arrangements by BRIAN K. LEWIS FUNERAL HOMES, 347 Peckham.




Isabel M. 'Issy' (nee Maxsween) Innes, of Buffalo, NY, May 2, 2003, beloved wife of the late Robert L. Innes; dearest mother of William (Kellie), Shawn (Phyllis) and Scott (Kimberly) Innes; step-mother of Robin (Danny) York, Bonnie, Cheryl, Robert (Mi Young) and Jean Marie (David) Graves; also survived by 22 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sister of Francis, Doris, Joan, Kathy, Georgie, Debbie, Denice and Bill. Isabel lived with her family on Grand Island as a child and attended Charlotte Sidway School. The family will be present Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave (near Sheridan Dr.), where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 AM. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.




Dianne L. 'Dixie' (Bradley) Reuther, April 27, 2003, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Peter E. Reuther; mother of Marguerite (Chris) Herron, Bradley (Laurie) Meyers, Kym (Brian) Sanders and Jay (Charlene) Reuther; step-mother of Susan (Richard) Davison; also survived by nine grandchildren; sister of Helen (Stanford) Harrington. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.




Louis B. Batta, April 25, 2003, 64, of Grand Island, beloved father of Andrea (Michael) McGuire of Grand Island; dear grandfather of Ashley, Nicole, Brianna, Michael and Kaitlyn; dear brother of Lujzi Nyircsak, Eszter Ficsor and Sari Gutay, all of Hungary. The family will be present Monday, April 28, 2003 from 4-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) where Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery on Grand Island. If desired, memorials may be made to Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, NY. Mr. Batta was a chemical engineer and a 36-year employee of Union Carbide Corp. Born in Miskolc, Hungary, he earned an associate's degree in metallurgical science and immigrated to Buffalo in 1956. Batta, who began his career at Union Carbide sweeping floors, eventually developed programs for the production of industrial gases. In 1956, he earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Buffalo and was transferred to the company's Linde Process Design Department. Batta earned a master's degree in chemical engineering in 1969 and was promoted to supervisor of adsorption process design and development. He also served as engineering consultant and directed development activities in the areas of coal gasification. He helped develop many patents for Union Carbide. In 1974, Batta founded Energy Technology Group, serving as manager responsible for the Linde Process Design Department's activities associated with contractual and corporate-sponsored coal conversion and solar energy programs. He retired in 1992. Batta was described by family members as a reserved man. He was a member of River Oaks Golf Club.




Richard T. Shanor, age 36 of Grand Island, NY; April 20, 2003. Suddenly, was taken to heaven. Beloved husband of the late Genelle Marie (nee Garland) Shanor; devoted father of Aren Lynn and Richard John 'R.J.'; son of Jack and Susan (nee Sanscrainte) Shanor; son-in-law of Philip and Arlene Garland; brother of John III (Jennifer) and James Shanor; uncle of Nichole, Jessica, Joey and Tommy Shanor, Nicky, Alyssa, Joey and Victoria Garland; grandson of the late John and Mary Shanor Sr. and the late Lester and Cecelia Sanscrainte; nephew of Mike (Sandy) Sanscrainte, Judy (Sonny) Hayes, Barb (Mike) Armstrong, Lenny Shanor, Gordy (Mary Ann) Shanor and the late Gladys (Ray) Jaskowiak; also survived by many dear cousins and friends. Friends received Saturday and Sunday from 4-8 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Monday at 10 AM. Please assemble at Church. Internment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be sent to the Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.




Genelle M. (nee Garland Shanor, age 33 of Grand Island, NY; April 21, 2003. Suddenly, was taken to Heaven. Beloved wife of the late Richard Thomas Shanor; loving mother of Aren Lynn and Richard John 'R.J.'; daughter of Philip and Arlene (nee Anderson) Garland Jr.; daughter-in-law of Jack and Susan Shanor; sister of Philip 'PJ' (Julie) and Nicholas (Christie) Garland; granddaughter of the late Philip and Victoria Garland, the late Elmer and Ruth Anderson; aunt of Nicky, Alyssa, Joey, and Victoria Garland, Nichole, Jessica, Tommy and Joey Shanor; niece of Judith (Jim) Delgaudio, Jack Mesi, Chuck (Eileen) and Karl Anderson; great-niece of Jean Kleotzer and Lorie Mills; also survived by many dear cousins and friends. Friends received Saturday and Sunday from 4-8 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Monday at 10 AM. Please assemble at Church. Internment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be sent to the Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.




Albert J. Wukovits, of Lancaster, April 14, 2003, husband of Patricia K. (nee Czaja) Wukovits; father of Judith (James) Hill, Thomas (Claudia), Joseph (Roseanne) and Susan Szymanski; brother of John (Doris), Eleanor (late Edward) Gavacs and Frank (Theresa) Wukovits; grandfather of Jacob, Sean, Alexander and Matthew. Mr. Wukovits was a teacher in the Grand Island, NY school district. Friends are invited to join the family for a Memorial Mass at St. Gabriel's Church, 5271 Clinton St., Elma on Monday at 10:30 AM. Arrangements by DOHN FUNERAL HOME, INC.




Elizabeth S. Campbell, who worked as secretary at Trinity United Methodist Church for 15 years, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003 in Riverwood Health Care Center, Grand Island, after a brief illness. A longtime East Park Road resident, she was 93. Born Elizabeth Smith in Scotland, she attended schools there and came to the United States in 1922. Mrs. Campbell was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Her husband, Charles, died in 1989. Survivors include a son, Roy of Albany; a sister, Hazel Smith of Niagara Falls; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Mrs. Campbell was predeceased by a daughter, Judith. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. May 3 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston.




Margaret G. Goodsole, 91, a former Grand Island, NY resident who taught students in kindergarten and college in a 38-year career as an educator, died March 4, 2003 in her Williamsville home. She was 91. A Buffalo native, Mrs. Goodsole graduated from Fosdick-Masten Park High School in 1928 and Buffalo State Teachers College in 1932. She also received a master's degree from Columbia University in 1936. She was member of the honor societies Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Delta Kappa. She began teaching in Berkeley, Calif. She also taught in Denver and on Grand Island before taking a position in North Tonawanda, where she taught elementary school for 25 years until her retirement in 1981. She also taught at Columbia and Buffalo State. She also taught piano and vocal music composition privately to hundreds of students and was a member of the American Guild of Organists. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling and took trips to Europe, Hawaii and Russia. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Anne Goodsole of Spokane, WA,; two sons, Charles F. Goodsole, Jr. (Eileen) of Two Rivers, WI, and David William Goodsole of Vancouver, BC; a sister, Charlotte Swalm of Kenmore; two grandchildren, Pamela L. Demer and Geoffrey C. Goodsole; and two great grandchildren, Joshua Goodsole and Noah Demer. Mrs. Goodsole was the sister of the late Esther Scheller, Gertrude Burwig and George Guener.A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in Harry A. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 280 Grover Cleveland Highway, Amherst. Burial will be in Forest Lawn.




Frank J. Schroeder, suddenly, April 10, 2003, of Grand Island, NY; beloved husband of Andrea Schroeder; father of Lynn and Stacey (fiancee George Watt) Schroeder M.D. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's RC Church, Grand Island Monday morning at 10:00. Mr. Schroeder was a retiree of Western Electric and Elmlawn Cemetery.




Former Island resident Joann Doerr Epworth . . .Feb. 21, 1944-Apr. 5, 2003. Joann passed away peacefully at her home in Stevensville, Ontario on April 5. She is predeceased by her father, Harold Doerr (former building inspector of Grand Island). Beloved daughter of Alice Burgstahler Doerr and wife of Michael Epworth. Joann was graduated from Riverside High School and from Brock University in Canada. She and her husband also attended a Linguistic School in North Dakota in preparation for learning an unwritten Indian language in a Canada tribe. Then Joann and Michael were to learn the language from the Indians and translate the Bible for this tribe. However, before all details were completed, the Canadian government and the Indian tribe had some sort of falling out and no non-Indians were not permitted on the reservation. Joann also appeared in several Island Theatre Group productions and worked backstage on many others. Funeral services were held Stevensville, Ontario.




Rita M. Witnauer, April 3, 2003. . .A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita M. Witnauer, a retired real estate agent, will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Palm Desert, California. Burial will be in Riverside (Calif.) National Cemetery. Mrs. Witnauer, 72, of Palm Desert, died Thursday (April 3, 2003) in Indian Wells, Calif. Born Rita Thibeau in Buffalo, she grew up in Amherst and graduated from St. Mary's School and Bishop Neumann High School. She was in real estate sales for 20 years. She and her husband started Art Witnauer Real Estate Corp. on Grand Island and continued with it after moving to California in 1975. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and was active in the secular Franciscan movement. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Arthur; a daughter, Cheryl Azzollini of San Clemente, Calif.; four sons, Gregory of Missouri, Jeffrey of Cathedral City, Calif., Charles of Palm Springs, Calif., and Robin of Anaheim, Calif.; two brothers, Frank Thibeau of Plymouth, Mich., and the Rev. Richard Thibeau of Mexico City; four sisters, Bernice Lindley of Killeen, Texas, Marcella Voss of Palm Bay, Fla., Ann Chamot of Evergreen, Colo., and Joan Cote of East Amherst; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by the FITZHENRY FUNERAL HOME, Palm Desert Chapel, California.




Josephine Skotnicki, 83, a former Grand Island and Niagara Falls resident, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) in Los Alamos, N.M. She was born Josephine Kaminski in Philadelphia, where she went to school. She moved to Niagara Falls in 1946 with her husband, Theophil A. They moved to Grand Island in 1950. She moved to New Mexico after her husband's death in 1988. Mrs. Skotnicki worked for the Grand Island School District from 1966 to 1976. She was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Grand Island. She enjoyed sewing, canning, crocheting, rug making, cooking and playing bingo. Survivors include a son, Richard of Los Alamos, and a brother, Ted Kaminski of Philadelphia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 24th and Niagara streets, after prayers at 9 in Zajac Funeral Home, 319 24th St. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston.




Frank Bihler, March 26, 2003 of Grand Island. Husband of Christa Bihler; father of Monica (Bart) Gout and Mark Bihler; grandfather of Austin and Elise Gout; son of the late Alice Hermann; brother of the late Jurgen (survived by wife Rita) Ehresmann; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM followed by prayers at 12:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society. His spirit will live on in all of us.




Dr. Donald Stabell, former Grand Island resident passed away March 15, 2003 in Marietta, Georgia after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was the son of the late Annie 'Nancy" (nee Barnes) Stabell and Harold J. Stabell. He is survived by his children, Howard Stabell, Phillip Stabell, Angela Endicott, and Patrick Stabell, six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Also survived by a sister, Arlene (Bill) Rosman of Grand Island. A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 25, 2003.




The family of Anna M. Kruse would like to thank friends and relatives for the many expressions of sympathy received at the time of her death on January 31, 2003 in Tucson, AZ and invite them to attend a Memorial Mass to be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003 at St. Stephen's R.C. Church (Old Church), 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY. The mass will be preceded by the interment of ashes at Assumption Cemetery, Whitehaven Road, Grand Island at 10:00 a.m. Click Complete Death Notice




Robert T. Hibbard, 83, of Bemus Point, formerly of Grand Island, died Sunday (March 23, 2003) in Hamot Medical Center, Erie, Pa. A Grand Island resident from 1957 to 1991, he was born in Rochester and worked at the Chevrolet Motor Division plant in the Town of Tonawanda as the manager of the tooling department. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Grand Island. In recent years, he made his home with his daughter Sally Weber in Bemus Point. His wife of 42 years, Betty Sticht Hibbard, died in 1985. Besides his daughter Sally, surviving are another daughter, Cheryl Leitner of Lyons; a sister, Beatrice Velenovsky of Waynesboro, Va.; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. There will be no services.




William E. Rexford, 77, of North Tonawanda, on Saturday, March 22, 2003 following a long illness. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, the former Doris Stookes; three daughters Anne Timblin, June (David) Leffler, and Rita (Joseph) Zinni all of North Tonawanda; two sons, Michael (Susan) Rexford of Wheatfield and Patrick (Regina) Rexford of Cheektowaga; four brothers, Charles (Jackie) Rexford of the City of Tonawanda, Paul (Joan) Rexford of Gaines, Pa., Jack (Wynn) Rexford of Valparaiso, Fla., and David (Cecilia) Rexford of the Town of Tonawanda; two sisters, Patricia (Andy) Anderson of Farmington, Minn., and Constance Lewis of Portland, Maine; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Friends received Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, 156 Robinson St., North Tonawanda. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Amelia R.C. Church, 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda. Interment will be private at Acacia Park Cemetery. Flowers declined. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's School for the Deaf. Mr. Rexford was a WWII Navy veteran and retired from Occidental Petroleum R&D Dept. He was a 32 gallon blood donor. Rexford was born and raised in Jersey Shore, Pa., and served three years in the Navy during World War II. He was stationed in England as a pharmacist's mate. After the war, Rexford moved to Niagara Falls and worked briefly at the Nabisco plant before joining Hooker Chemical Co. in the research and development department. Rexford worked 36 years at Hooker, later Occidental Chemical Co. His family estimates that Rexford donated 32 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross over the years. His son Michael said the largest number found on any of his many blood-donor awards is 28 gallons, but he said the Red Cross didn't keep track many years ago. After retiring from Occidental, he worked with Michael at Rexford's Sunoco.




June B. (Wallace) Soto, March 15, 2003, of Grand Island, wife of the late Gerald V. Soto; mother of Michael (Olga), Gerald T. (Stacey), Donald V. (Lou Anne) Soto and Trish A. Goss; also survived by 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister of the late Norma Burmaster and Betty Gessel. Memorials may be made to The First Assembly of God, 9750 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls 14304 where Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM.




Mae T. (Baldwin) Adams, 84, March 15, 2003, in her home on Grand Island. Wife of Paul W. Adams; mother of Paul B. (Donna) Adams of Grand Island; grandmother of Jill and Kelly Adams; predeceased by six brothers and sisters. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 9:45 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc. Born Mae Baldwin in Brooklyn, she was a graduate of South Park High School and Bryant and Stratton. She worked at Wilson, Forster and McCall Insurance Agency in Buffalo as an insurance underwriter for six years before she married Paul W. in 1942 and became a homemaker.




John F. Gibney, 71, March 15, 2003, of Grand Island. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Eunice W. Kimball; three sons, John D. (Elaine), Tim J. and Chris (Michele) Gibney. He was the grandfather of Stacy, Kelly, Christy, Christopher and Brianna Gibney; brother of Richard (Phyllis) Gibney and the late Betty O'Brien and Patricia Krieger; son of the late Chester and Bertha Gibney. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Gibney graduated in 1945 from Blessed Trinity School and in 1949 from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, where he was a member of the football team and the crew. He continued with the West Side Rowing Club after graduation and accepted a football scholarship to Canisius College. Drafted into the Army in 1953, Gibney served as a tank gunner in Germany. He retired as a lieutenant in 1991 after 28 years with the Buffalo Fire Department. Starting with Ladder 4 at Chenango and Rhode Island streets, he transferred to the department's downtown service station in the early 1980s. He also drove a truck for Red Star Express Lines and Maislin Trucking. He was a longtime member of the Squirrels Social Club on Tonawanda Street and served as treasurer.




Helen L. (Grobengieser) Hassan, 81, of Grand Island passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 13, 2003, after a short battle with cancer. She was born on February 1, 1922, in Niagara Falls, New York to Anna and Albert Grobengieser. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1940 with highest honors. Helen, her husband Daniel, and four children moved to Grand Island in December of 1960. She loved bowling with her husband on numerous couples leagues, playing scrabble, and spent endless hours enjoying her home on the river with her family and friends. She was a terrific cook, homemaker, wife and mother. Mrs. Hassan was predeceased by her husband Daniel R. who died in 1979, and her daughter Dana L. (Hassan) Olrogge who passed away in 1978. She is survived by her three sons, Robert M. (Penny) Hassan of Crossville, TN, James E. Hassan of Wolcott, NY, and Mark R. (Diane) Hassan of Grand Island. She is also survived by her brother Edward Grobengieser of Niagara Falls, her sister-in-law Jeanette (late Harold) Grobengieser of Grand Island, 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on 18th Street and Cleveland Avenue in Niagara Falls on Monday, March 17, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1920 18th Street, Niagara Falls, New York.




Thaddeues A. Raczkowski, an English teacher for 25 years at Grand Island High School, died Wednesday (March 12, 2003) in Erie County Medical Center. He was 78. Born in Depew, Raczkowski graduated from Depew High School and earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University at Buffalo. He served in the South Pacific during World War II as a lieutenant junior grade in the Navy. Raczkowski, who lived on Grand Island, was active in theater there and also with the Niagara Falls Little Theatre. He was a member of the Grand Island High School bowling league and the Schussmeisters Ski Club, and refereed junior varsity girls soccer. He also taught driver education courses. He retired in 1986. Raczkowski taught Sunday school and was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Survivors include four sons, Kevin Raczkowski of Montrose, Colo., Neil (Rita) Raczkowski of Fairmount, Ind., Doug (Judy) Jankowski of Los Angeles and William (Kathleen) Jankowski of Monterey, Calif.; five daughters, Gail (Raymond) Threlkeld of Santiago, Chile, Amy (Guy) Ohlson of the City of Tonawanda, Kim Raczkowski of Montrose, Heather (Christian) Shepherd of Lansing, Mich., and Mary Lange of Milwaukee; a sister, Mary Mox of Norville, Va. He is also survived by grandchildren Tanaya Threlkeld, Amber and Tammy Ohlson, Joseph, Sarah and Nathan Jankowski, Jenni and Chris Lange, and dear friend, Donna Goss of Grand Island. He was the father of the late Michael Raczkowski and brother of the late Charles Raczkowski, Casey Rascob and Rita Wroze. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Habitat for Humanity, c/o the Unitarian Universalist Church, 639 Main St., Niagara Falls 14301, where memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2003.




James W. McDonald, of Grand Island, a longtime purchasing agent who continued to work as a manufacturer's representative at age 74, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. McDonald served in the Army Medical Corps from 1946 to 1948 and reached the rank of sergeant. He was a graduate of Veterans High School and attended Bryant & Stratton Business Institute. He moved from Riverside to Grand Island in 1971. McDonald worked as a purchasing agent for American Standard for 30 years and, when the company closed, did the same work for Airco Alloys. He then became a manufacturer's representative for ITT Grinnell and then for his own firm, Gavelier Sales. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church of Grand Island and was a life member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo. He was a certified purchasing manager and past president and honorary member of the Purchasing Management Association of Buffalo and served as chairman of its Junior Achievement and Community Involvement committees. He was an honorary member of the Canadian Purchasing Management Association and an honorary member of the Gaveliers, a group of past presidents of the Purchasing Management Association. McDonald enjoyed woodworking, golf, sailing and traveling with his wife of 49 years, the former Rosemarie Wilkie. He also is survived by four daughters, Karen M. (Michael) McDonough and Patricia A. (Joseph) Mash, both of Grand Island, Kathleen V. (Donald) Tompkins of Lake View and Mary Jo (James) Russo of Sparkill; a son, James P. (Cynthia) McDonald of East Aurora; two sisters, Delores Mertes of Mooresville, N.C., and Norine Willard of Lockport; and seven grandchildren. Friends may call JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME, 335 Ontario St., Monday and Tuesday 5-8 PM where Funeral Services where prayers will be said at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery.




Asiata (Bielicki) von Wilpert, 86, a Grand Island resident, died Friday, March 7, 2003, in Mercy Hospital from complications of a stroke. She was the wife of the late Julius E. Bielicki; mother of Ulie Paul (Claudia) von Wilpert of San Diego; grandmother of Marni, Chris and Jason. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the S.P.C.A., 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda 14150. Entombment will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. Of German descent, she was born in Rylinsk, Russia, where her father was a diplomat. She was a stage and movie actress in Europe in the late 1940s. She met and married Julius Bielicki while he was stationed in Europe in the Army after World War II. He died in 1994 after 47 years of marriage. The couple moved to Buffalo, and then Grand Island, where they lived for many years. Mrs. von Wilpert went by the name von Wilpert Bielicki until her husband's death, but was often called "Professor von Wilpert" in recognition of her academic studies and long teaching career. She taught at various academic levels throughout her career, which included teaching in the Buffalo school system. Mrs. von Wilpert enjoyed painting, sculpting and stamp collecting. She also loved animals and would often care for injured cats.




Wendell D. Stratton, of Main Street, Youngstown, NY, February 27, 2003, age 86. Former Grand Island resident. Husband of Margery (Lumsden) Stratton; father of Wendy (Tom) Gross of Denver, PA, Suzanne (Brian) Livermore of Burley, ID, William D. (Alice) Stratton of Scarborough, NY and the late Jeffrey D. Stratton; brother of Betty (Ted) Johnson of Grand Island, NY; also survived by nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and five nieces. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 7th at 11 AM in the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St., Youngstown, NY. No prior visitation. Memorials to the church. Arrangements by the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., Lewiston. Mr. Stratton was born in Buffalo, the son of the late William D. and Florence (Hanner) Stratton and has resided in Youngstown for 42 years. He was a graduate of Amherst Central High School and Penn State University. His education at Penn State was interrupted by the onset of WWII at which time he was in the first draft of the U.S. Army in 1941. He was inducted into the Army at Ft. Niagara and served in Africa, Sicily and Italy and participated in the Invasion of Southern France with the Signal Corps. At the end of WWII he married Margery (Lumsden) Stratton on March 31, 1945 and completed his studies at Penn State. In 1946, he was hired by the State of New York in Niagara Parks and Recreation in Niagara Falls, NY. During his 30 years employment with the State of New York he was involved in the acquisition of land for Evangola, Golden Hill, Four Mile Creek State Parks, the Joseph Davis Park, the West River Parkway on Grand Island and the Robert Moses Parkway. Mr. Stratton's hobbies included photography, bee-keeping, HAM radio and clock collecting. He was a 41-year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown and the Ransomville Masonic Lodge No. 551.




The Rev. Donald R. Hughes, a longtime priest in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese and pastor of several local parishes, died Monday (Feb. 24, 2003) in the McAuley Residence in Kenmore following a lengthy illness. He was 74. Father Hughes was born in Buffalo and attended high school at the city's Diocesan Preparatory Seminary. He attended St. Bonaventure University and Notre Dame University for college, before entering Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. He was ordained by Bishop Joseph A. Burke on June 7, 1952, in St. Joseph's New Cathedral, Buffalo. From 1952 to 1969, Father Hughes held a series of posts as a priest at local parishes, starting with St. Mary's in Little Valley and later at St. Brigid, Our Lady of Lourdes, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Francis de Sales, Annunciation and Nativity, all in Buffalo. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Father Hughes served as pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Jamestown, St. Vincent de Paul Church in Attica and then at St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island. In 1982, Father Hughes received the additional responsibility of moderator of Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. In 1985, he was moved to Blessed Sacrament Church in Kenmore, where he served as pastor until he resigned the position for health reasons in September 1990. He retired in 1994. Father Hughes also served for 28 years as a chaplain in the National Guard and Army Reserve, rising to the rank of colonel before retiring in 1987. He was the first chaplain from the area to graduate from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Father Hughes, the son of the late Catherine and Laurence Hughes, is survived by a brother, Lawrence J. (Jane) Hughes of the Town of Tonawanda; a nephew, Lawrence J. Jr. (Colleen); and a niece, Margaret A. Fatin (Neal). He was the great uncle of Eileen and Shannon Hughes, and Neal and Geoffrey Fatin. Father Hughes will lie in state in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY, where family will be present Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Bishop Henry J. Mansell at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities. Arrangements by the DENGLER FUNERAL HOME.




Elizabeth Henry, a former Grand Island resident, died Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2003) in Helen Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Fla., after a lengthy illness. She was 63. She was born Elizabeth Jordan in Bordon Springs, Ala., where she attended school. She married Keith A. Henry in 1961. They moved to the Buffalo area in 1976. Mrs. Henry was a homemaker. The couple moved to New Port Richey, Fla., in 1992. Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Debra Henry Stefano of Charlotte, N.C., and Trisha Henry Dmytruk of Orlando, Fla.; a son, Keith A. Jr. of Raleigh, N.C.; a sister, Mattie Lee Butler of Jackson, Tenn.; and five grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Clearwater, Fla., where burial will also take place.




Theodore A. Schendel, 72, a retired Buffalo police officer, died Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2003) in his Hedgesville, W.Va., home after a long illness. Born and reared in North Tonawanda, Schendel served in the Army. He was stationed in Germany and later served in the Korean War. He moved to Grand Island after he married and worked as a patrol officer with the Buffalo Police Department for 20 years, retiring in the mid-1970s. He edited the Blue Line police newspaper and served as a police union secretary for a few years after his retirement. In 1986, he moved to Harlingen, Texas, and settled in Hedgesville in 1991. Surviving are his wife, Sara Heyer; a son, Theodore A. III of Friendswood, Texas; two daughters, Robin Klonarides of Leesburg, Va., and Kathleen Morgan of Hedgesville; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in St. John's Lutheran Church, Martinsburg, W.Va.




Edward Harvanka, February 16, 2003, of Grand Island. Husband of Shirley Harvanka. Father of Kathryn A. Harvanka of Sacramento CA; brother of Helen (Leo) Campbell, Rachel (Bob) Zumbrook, John Harvanka, Margaret (Nicholas) Ovuka and Mary (Abe) Boldt. All originally of the Pittsburgh area. Predeceased by five brothers and sisters. Son of the late John and Anna Harvanka. Friends may call Wednesday only, 6-8 PM followed by services at 8 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice, Buffalo.




Genuiffa T. 'Jennie' Slaght, February 17, 2003, of Buffalo. Wife of the late Raymond Slaght; mother of William M. (Pat) Shickluna Sr.; grandmother of William M. (Tracey L.) Shickluna Jr.; great-grandmother of Cassie, Megan, and Brett; daughter of the late Michael and Santina Sciarrino; sister of the late Michael, Sam, Joseph, Victor, Duke Sciarrino and Fannie Canzoneri; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.




John Miklos, of Buffalo, NY, February 17, 2003. Beloved husband of Florence G. (Jensen) Miklos; dear father of Sandra A. Shaffer and Cheryl M. Miklos of Minneapolis, MN; loving grandfather of John D. (Kathy) Shaffer; son of the late Joseph and Hermenia (Rusnak) Miklos; brother of Joseph P. (Josie) and the late Anthony Miklos, Julia (late Blaine) Hausman; also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mr. Miklos resided with his family on Grand Island in the 1950s. Friends received at the CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 873 Abbott Rd., Buffalo, Thursday and Friday from 4-8 PM where funeral services will be held Friday evening at 8 PM. Memorials to All Saints Church (Esser Ave., Buffalo).




Margaret K. (nee Messmer) Seitz, 101, of North Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Island and Buffalo, Saturday, February 15, 2003 in DeGraff Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Alvin H. Seitz and sister of the late Frances (late William) Cummins, Marie (late Leo) Barton, John (late Isabelle) Mesmer and Katherine (late Frank) Moran. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Seitz was a resident of the Bishop Gibbons Apartments. She was a former employee of Date Cleaners and the Plastergone Company. She was a member of St. Joseph's R.C. Church and a former member of St. Paul's R.C. Church in Kenmore. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM from St. Joseph's R.C. Church. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Niagara Hospice.




Andrew E. Bobak, 72, of Niagara Falls, died Saturday (Feb. 15, 2003) in Millard Fillmore Hospital after a brief illness. Bobak was born in Hastings, Pa., and graduated from Barnesboro High School. He attended Niagara University before serving in the Navy from 1951 to 1953. An electronics technician, he was employed during the 1960s by Bell Aerospace, Wheatfield, where he worked on projects connected with the lunar module of the Apollo spacecraft. He worked 11 years for Bell. His last job was at LTV's Sierra Research Division, Cheektowaga, where he worked nine years. Bobak enjoyed vacationing with his family. He was married in 1954 to Mary K. Lebrun. They divorced in 1974. Survivors include four sons, Daniel of Colorado Springs, Colo., Martin and Jerome, both of Grand Island, and Edward of Baltimore; five daughters, Rita Lindenberg of McKean, Pa., Lauretta Brennan of Peru, Ind., Patricia Bieniak of Niagara Falls, Katherine Bossard of Adrian, Mich., and Theresa Alizadeh of Grand Island; four brothers, James of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Victor of Canandaigua, Joseph of Barnesboro, Pa., and John of Nicktown, Pa.; two sisters, Mildred Tripp of Sierra Vista and Lillian Delarm of Middletown, Pa.; 36 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1112 South Ave. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island.




Daniel F. Krasinski Jr., a field technician for Verizon, died unexpectedly Saturday (Feb. 8, 2003) in St. Joseph Hospital, Cheektowaga. The Amherst resident was 37. Krasinski was a 1984 graduate of Grand Island High School and a 1988 graduate of LeMoyne College in Syracuse, where he earned a degree in business administration. He had worked for Verizon since 1990. Krasinski was an avid golfer and hockey and softball player. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen J. (nee Quinn); dearest father of Kayleigh and Cara; son of Daniel F. Sr. and Diane Krasinski of Orlando, FL; grandson of Laura Youra; brother of Kim (Steve) Jenkins and Greg (Julia) Krasinski of Union, S.C.; son-in-law of Timothy and Joan Quinn; grandson of Laura Youra of Orlando; also survived by many relatives and friends. Friends may call Tuesday 1-5 and 7-9 at the DENGLER FUNERAL HOME, 2070 Eggert Rd., Amherst (between Niagara Falls Blvd. and Bailey). A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Christ the King Catholic Church, 30 Lamarck Drive, Snyder. Please assemble at church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Lawrence 'Larry' Burns, 60, of Ashland, Kentucky, died suddenly at his residence on January 27, 2003. He was born on April 27, 1942 in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Edward Jerome and Frances Winifred (Owens) Burns; husband of Patricia (Griffin) Burns of Ashland, Ky.; and father of Terry Lynn (David) Millette-Collins of Ashland, Ky., and Sonya Renae Murphy of Cedar City, Utah. He was the brother of Edward Burns of Clarence, New York, Jack Burns, of Grand Island, NY, the late Joseph Burns-Boyd, Jean Borger of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Shirley Kennedy of Brookville, Pa., Patsy Hugar of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Donna Kay Wylke of Grand Island, NY. Also survived by three grandchildren, Amber McIrvin, Joshua "J.C." Millette and Victoria Breaker, and two great grandchildren, Destiny and Dustin. Mr. Burns retired from Marathon-Ashland Petroleum LLC and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Ashland, Ky., St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island, NY and the American Legion Kenova Post No.93. Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.




Melinda Sue Link, 65, of Grand Island entered into peace on February 6, 2003. She was the dear daughter of the late Wesley and Hazel Link; loving sister of Wesley 'Bud' (Judy); beloved aunt of Wesley Jr. (Denise) Link and Victoria (Ian) Harnden; cousin of Sara Chapin and Jean (Ted) Miller; and great-aunt to Desire` and Wesley Link and Eric and Emily Harnden. Melinda received her degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College and had her own practice for many years. She was employed at St. Mary’s Manor and also Riverwood Nursing Home before she retired in 1997. Melinda was an avid reader, master puzzler and enjoyed bird watching. Private arrangements were made at the convenience of the family. Condolence calls may be made on Sunday, February 9, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the family residence, 2297 Bush Rd., Grand Island. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to Eco Island Nature Center, c/o Grand Island School/Eco Island, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island N.Y., 14072. Arrangements by LINK-FOX COMPANY INC. (885-1709).




Thomas E. Kay, February 3, 2003 of Grand Island, NY, husband of Barbara L. Kay; father of Carla (Joseph) Samodulski of Hicksville, NY and Gregory J. Kay of Buffalo; brother of Robert (Constance) Kay of South Glens Falls, NY, Andrew (Carol) Kay of Clackamas, OR and the late Margaret Foster, Helen Hulse and Martha Kay; son of the late Rev. Andrew Roy and Laura Kay. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Friday at 10:30 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 128 Pearl St., Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 710 W. 168th St., New York City, NY 10032.




Sally (nee Budwey) Vanthoff, 59, of North Tonawanda, on Monday, February 3, 2002, at DeGraff Memorial Hospital. Sally was the Vice President and Secretary of Budweys Supermarkets, Inc. Daughter of the late Jemes Norman Budwey and step-daughter of the late Edward Arnst; beloved daughter of Flora (nee Pallota) Budwey Arnst of North Tonawanda; former wife of Richard 'Shorty' Vanthoff; loving mother of Gordon (Adriane) Vanthoff and LeAnn Vanthoff both of Grand Island; dear sister of James (Barbara Schweichler) Budwey of Boston, MA, Rodney Budwey and Frank Budwey both of North Tonawanda, Cathy (Al) Durgin of New Orleas, LA, Jennifer (Terry) Schumacher of Wheatfield and Paula Lopez of North Tonawanda; loving grandmother of Alyssa, Richard, Justine and Robert Vanthoff; also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends received by the family on Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, 156 Robinson St., North Tonawanda, where services will be held on Friday morning at 9:00 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension R.C. Church at 9:30. Entombment will be at Epiphany Mausoleum Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to made to the charity of your choice.




Anna M. (Geschwender) Kruse, 95, January 31, 2003, born on Grand Island, December 21, 1907, wife of the late Edward L. Kruse; mother of Mary Ann (Robert) Arsenault and the late Edward L. Kruse, Jr.; also survived by nephew, Paul Geschwender and several other nieces and nephews; grandmother of Richard and Ross (Rhonda) Arsenault; great-grandmother of Robert and Ryan Arsenault. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Mrs. Kruse was a long-time member of Home Bureau No. 1, an active member of the St. Stephen's Church Altar Society and a charter member and very active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Grand Island Fire Company for most of her life.






Robert C. Bates, 75, formerly of Grand Island, passed away January 31, 2003, suddenly in Estero, FL. He was born August 6, 1927 in Medford, MA, son of the late Clarence and Agnes Bates. Mr. Bates graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He was a chemical engineer and project manager at Occidental Chemical Co. in Niagara Falls for 33 years, retiring in 1983. He served as a U.S. Navy veteran during WW II. Mr. Bates was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Mary Star Of The Sea Council #4752, a member of the Grand Island Golden Age Club and a member of St. Stephen's Church. He was also involved with various other Grand Island activities and events. Mr. Bates enjoyed traveling and maintained a very active life style. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Florida and helped rebuild homes in Homestead, FL after Hurricane Andrew. Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Irene J. (Kozlowski) Bates. He was the father of James (Jacalyn) Bates of Grand Island, Karen (the late Charles) Lindquist of Grand Island and Andrew Bates of Cambridge, MA. Also survived by seven grandchildren, a brother, Donald W. (Eileen) Bates of Estero, FL and New Hampton, NH and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held Wednesday 6-9 p.m. at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2003 in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the St. Stephen's Church Building Fund or the American Heart Association.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Kathryn M. Sheehan, a former history teacher and scholar on Grand Island history, was offered Saturday, February 1, 2003 in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Interment will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Miss Sheehan died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) in her Grand Island home. She was 96. Born and raised in Buffalo, Miss Sheehan attended Holy Angels Academy and graduated from D'Youville College in 1928. She had a long career teaching social studies and history, beginning at Pine Hill School in Cheektowaga and later at Kenmore Junior High School. She retired in 1972. For Grand Island's sesquicentennial last year, Miss Sheehan, at 95, published "Grand Island Facts & Folklore." Originally written as her master's thesis for Canisius College in 1948, the 100-page book catalogs the history of Grand Island's first 95 years. Miss Sheehan was a descendant of Patrick Conboy, who came to Grand Island in the early 1840s. She grew up on Potomac Avenue in Buffalo but remembers taking the ferry to Grand Island with her family to visit the Conboy family farm around 1910 and for many years afterward. She moved to Grand Island in 1948. The book includes detailed chapters on the island's pre-incorporation history, early settlers, its orchards and farms, town churches, folklore and other topics. "My book is about people," she told The Buffalo News in May. "It has a different appeal. One of the most interesting things in there is a copy of the first census on Grand Island, in 1855." Miss Sheehan served for several terms as president of the Canisius College Alumnae Association, and maintained close ties with D'Youville College over the years. A parishioner of St. Stephen's Church, she was a lifelong member of the Ladies of Charity and taught religious education. Most recently, she took an active role on the planning committee for the construction of the new St. Stephen's Church.




Barbara A. (Roeder) Howard, January 28, 2003, of the Town of Tonawanda, NY; beloved wife of the late Robert L. Howard; mother of Arlene; grandmother of Nicholas and Cassandra; sister of Paul (Cheryl) Roeder. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where Funeral Services will be held Saturday morning at 8:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Timothy's RC Church at 9:00. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association of WNY.




Donald Lloyd Ridge, 71, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, formerly of Grand Island, New York, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mr. Ridge retired with over 37 years of service as vice president of Niagara District Marine Midland Bank (HSBC, USA). Surviving are his wife, Sheila Anne Ridge; a son, Kevin Donald Ridge of Gaithersburg, Maryland; daughters Kathleen Lynn Swanson and husband Robert B. of Garden City Beach and Kelly Anne Swanson of Garden City Beach and grandchildren Savanna Mikale Fiegl, Willow Anne Fiegl and Parker James Fiegl all of Myrtle Beach and special friends, Donald and Marilyn Coutts of Ellenton, Florida and Court and Kay Brown of Grand Island, NY. Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at Belin United Methodist Church, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Berlin Family Life Center, PO 528, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576. An online guestbook is available at www.goldfinch.cc.




Melinda S. Flaim, 54, Tracey Lane, Grand Island died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) in her home after a long illness. Born Melinda McCumber in Niagara Falls, she was a graduate of LaSalle Senior High School and Niagara County Community College. A bird-watcher, she taught that skill to children through the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District for several years. She also was a member of the Buffalo Zoological Society. Survivors include her husband of 36 years, David R.; a daughter, Kristine (Gary) Price of Amherst; a son, Eric (Denise) Flaim of Wheatfield; and grandchildren, Nickolas Flaim and Sarah Price. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston.




Lynn (nee Headley) Gorman, of Buffalo, NY, January 15, 2003; beloved mother of Christopher (Donna) Gorman and Robyn (Matthew) Suppa; grandmother of Christina, Daniella, John, Justin, Christopher, Samantha, Stephanie, Matthew; daughter of Dorothy Headley, and the late William Headley; sister of Ann Jones and Susan Angerome. Friends received Friday from 4-8 at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.), where funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.




Ronald M. 'Jarzy' Jarzyniecki, suddenly, January 16, 2003, of Grand Island, beloved son of Ronald and Helen (Black) Jarzyniecki; beloved brother of Lynn (J.B.) Bakkila, David Jarzyniecki and Wendy (Richard) Mentecky; adored by nieces and nephews, Jessica, Emily, Joshua, Michelle, Cassie and Daniel. Friends may call Sunday only, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




Helen E. Sitzman (Sukdolak) Theel, 85, of the City of Tonawanda, January 15, 2003, after a bried illness, wife of the late William G. Sitzman, Jr. and the late Leonard J. Theel; mother of William G. (Betty) Sitzman, III and Richard D. (Claudia) Sitzman; grandmother of Brian (Chris) Sitzman, Bonnie (David) Bourque, David (Pamela) Sitzman, Shelley (Leonard) Mueller and William (Cathy) Sitzman; great-grandmother of Paul, Katie, Kelly, Evan, William, Matthew, Natalie, Andrew, Nicolas and Brett; sister of Estelle Thuman and the late Charlie Sukdolak; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., 25 William St., (between Morgan and Broad Sts), City of Tonawanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, 71 Adam St., City of Tonawanda, Saturday at 9:30 AM. Friends invited. Please assemble at the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis Home, 147 Reist St., Williamsville, NY 14221 or to the charity of your choice.




Barbara Lynn (Rosene) Safee, of Kenmore, a child protection investigator, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a long illness. She was 42. Mrs. Safee worked for more than 15 years with the Erie County Department of Social Services. Her family moved from Buffalo to Kenmore seven years ago. Born Barbara Rosene in Niagara Falls, she was a graduate of Grand Island High School and Fredonia State College. She was a swimmer. Survivors include her husband of 13 years, James V.; a son, Vincent W.; her mother, Rita Rosene of Grand Island; a sister, Leslie (Ed) Koral of Amherst; and two brothers, Dale (Judy) Rosene of Bourbonnais, Ill., and David (Karen) Rosene of Raleigh, N.C. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2003 in St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation.




Doris (Staley) Weatherbee, January 5, 2003 of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, wife of the late Robert E. Weatherbee; sister of the late Raymond Staley of Kenmore, NY; aunt of Carolyn Frankiewicz; great-aunt of Jennifer Berudecki; great-great-aunt of Brooke and Victoria; god mother of Loyd Glasgow of Florida. Private burial Acacia Park Cemetery. Arrangements by the STEPHAN-BURNS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 266 East St. at Austin.




Harry P. Waechter, January 5, 2003; Of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of Marie; father of Robert (Judy) Waechter, Sandy Allman, Ron (Peggy) Driscoll; step-father of Tim (Delores) Crooks and Tom (Marilyn) Crooks; also survived by seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; predeceased by one grandson; brother of the late Jacob Waechter and Betty Ellis. Private services at the convenience of the family.

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