DEATHS - 2004
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Patricia Linda (Gibbs) Nowak, 56, of Grand Island, NY died Friday, December 31, 2004 in Buffalo General Hospital. Born May 4, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Cora (Brown) Gibbs and attended local schools. She graduated from Trott Vocational High School where she received her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree. She worked at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in ICU, St. Mary's Manor Nursing Home, Riverwood Nursing Home Grand Island, NY and lastly, at Nazareth Nursing Home in Buffalo, NY. Patricia was a foster mother for over 30 years and was a member of Island Presbyterian Church, Grand Island, NY. She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Gerald Nowak. Surviving are daughters Pamela (Chip) Clark of Friendship, NY and Dawn Nowak of Niagara Falls. NY; four grandchildren, Edward M. Nowak, Kyle J. Clark, Brandon C. Clark and Coreen E. Nowak. She was the foster mother of Jude Hahn and Ricky Glor. Also survived by a brother, Harry F. (Judith) Gibbs of Grand Island, NY; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Pamela) Nowak and Patrick (Marlene) Nowak, both of Niagara Falls, NY., Frank Nowak of Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Jacqueline (Robert) Panna of San Antonio, TX and Sharon Nowak of Niagara Falls, NY. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 6, at 7 p.m. at the Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Road, Grand Island, NY with Pastor Diane R. Phinney officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Island Presbyterian Church. Arrangements were through Zajac Funeral home Inc., Niagara Falls, NY.




Services for Rosemary Gasbarre, a longtime resident of Buffalo, were held earlier this month in Maryland. Mrs. Gasbarre died Dec. 8, 2004 of emphysema in her Silver Spring, Md., home. She was 77. Born Rosemary Zoltoski in Williamsport, Pa., she moved to Buffalo after her marriage. A nurse, she worked at Buffalo General Hospital and Sheridan Parkside Hospital in the Town of Tonawanda, as well as with many osteopathic doctors in the area. Besides Buffalo, she had lived in Cheektowaga, Kenmore and Grand Island. Her husband, William D., died in 1961. Mrs. Gasbarre relocated to the Washington, D.C., area in 1986. She was active in alternative health issues as a member of the Tai Sophia Institute of Acupuncture in Columbia, Md., and the National Center for Homeopathy. Survivors include a daughter, Roberta Sandel of Silver Spring; a sister, Henrietta Evans of Albuquerque, N.M.; and two grandsons.


Janice Faythe (Lamb) Bennett, former Grand Island resident, passed away on December 16, 2004 at home in Fullerton, CA. of cancer. She was born on July 1,1933 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and married Melvin B. Bennett on December 20,1962. Janice was a professional organist, having played at several churches and funeral homes over a period of many years. She attended Charlotte Sidway School on Grand Island, Tonawanda High School, and Fredonia State College where she majored in music.




William A. Dixon, of Grand Island, December 22, 2004, husband of Robin (Ferris Promowicz) Dixon; father of William A. Dixon, Jr. of Hamburg, Bradley Dixon of Las Vegas, David Dixon and Daniel Dixon, both of Niagara Falls; stepfather of Walter J. Promowicz, U.S.A.F., NC, Cassandra Promowicz of Pinellas Park, FL, Alexis and Cory Promowicz, both of Grand Island; his mother, Jewel (Wallace) Dixon of Sanborn; brother of Jerry Dixon of Hamburg, Wayne Dixon of Lacey, WA, Jack Dixon of Meadville, PA, Jackie Stensrud of Hermiston, OR, Florence Swartz of Niagara Falls and Candy Nye of Wilson and the late Terry Dixon; grandfather of Grace Catherine Promowicz; former husband of Beverly A. (Koithan) Dixon; also several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Tuesday in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10 AM in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 616 Cayuga Dr., Niagara Falls. Burial in Acacia Park Cemetery. Mr. Dixon Sr. was a Niagara-Wheatfield High School wrestling coach and longtime volunteer with Niagara-Wheatfield Amateur Athletics. He died Wednesday, December 22, 2004 in his Grand Island home after battling pancreatic cancer. Mr. Dixon, 50, was a native of Niagara Falls, where he had lived until moving to Grand Island three years ago. He was under Hospice care. For the past six years, he had worked as a laboratory technician at Precious Plate in Wheatfield. For many years, he owned and operated Praise Window Cleaning. Mr. Dixon also coached Little League baseball and football and soccer with the Niagara-Wheatfield Athletic Association. In an interview before a November fund-raiser in his behalf, Mr. Dixon talked about his terminal illness. "If it's God's will, it's God's will. I'm not angry," said Mr. Dixon, who graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield in 1972 before returning to his alma mater as an assistant wrestling coach in 1983 and succeeding program founder Armand "Ace" Cacciatore as varsity coach in 1990. "I wish I had a longer life to live, but not everybody has control over it. You get what you're dealt and just trust God will keep you here as long as possible." Mr. Dixon, who coached at Niagara-Wheatfield until 1998, also coached at Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda high schools.




Sigmund J. “Ziggy” Gicewicz, 78, died December 10, 2004 in Father Baker Manor, Orchard Park, after a long illness. He was a resident of Orchard Park and formerly of Grand Island. In 1968, he supervised the construction of the Provincetown Village apartments in Orchard Park and managed the 72-unit complex until he retired in the late 1980s. Born in Buffalo, he grew up in Black Rock and played football and baseball at McKinley High School. He won All-High honors in two seasons and in 2003 was inducted into the Harvard Cup Hall of Fame. Mr. Gicewicz played second base for the Cambridge (Md.) Dodgers in the mid-1940s. He built his first family home on Grand Island in 1957. For many years, he worked for Barcalo Manufacturing, working his way up from a yard laborer to mill superintendent. After the company was bought by Futorian Industries in the 1960s, he moved to Mississippi and North Carolina to manage operations. He returned here in 1968. A dedicated Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, Mr. Gicewicz also competed in 13 consecutive ABC League bowling tournaments with his two younger brothers. He also traveled extensively to attend his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He is survivors include his wife of 56 years, the former Regina Kruzicki; devoted father of Marie Whitford and Nancy Gicewicz, both of Derby and Amy (Cameron) Whitford of Orchard Park; cherished grandfather of Brian, Sarah and Elisabeth Whitford; dear brother of Edmund (Constance) Gicewicz of Amherst and Michael (Sandra) Gicewicz of West Falls. Private funeral was held December 14. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday morning January 8 at 10 o'clock at Old Time Baptist Church, 6790 Gowanda State Rd. (Rt. 62), Hamburg. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Thru the Bible Radio, Box 7100, Pasadena, CA, 91109 or Voice of Martyrs, PO Box 54, Caney, KS 67333. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME.




Harry David Vanner, former Grand Island, NY resident, born April 28, 1926 in Buffalo, NY; passed away November 20, 2004 in Aurora, CO. He was 78 and retired. He lived a full life, including service in the US Marine Corps, the Merchant Marines, and as a business owner. He was a survivor of a 46 year friendship with Don Willard, hero of the Korean War, his most beloved. His is survived by the following, among others, all beloved; dear friend Monty Casley, sister Laura Woolson, brother Albert Vanner, niece Janet Block, nephew Edward King and niece Shirley Ann Betz. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society of the U S in his name, as he was an avid animal lover.

    Robert S. Roberts, April 20, 2004 of Port Richy, FL, formerly of Grand Island. No other information available.




Karen A. Hanley, 62, a longtime beautician from Grand Island, died Dec. 23, 2004, in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of Neil Hanley; daughter of Helen Sorenson of Jamestown and the late Wesley Sorenson; sister of John (Sandra) Sorenson of Jamestown. She was born Karen Sorenson in Jamestown and graduated from Jamestown High School. In 1964, she moved to the Buffalo area and attended Doyle School of Beauty. Mrs. Hanley worked at several beauty salons in the Buffalo area during the 1970s and '80s. She was an accomplished organist. Her body was donated to the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.




Frank A. Miller, , 94, died December 11, 2004 after a brief illness. Beloved husband of the late Florence M. (McCarthy) Miller; dear father of Frank A.J. Miller of Bakersfield, CA; Melanie A. (Donald) Scherer of Amherst; Nancy E. Miller of Getzville and the late Norene Brent; grandfather of nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother of Helen Eichorn of Rochester and the late Catherine Miller. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ & SON FUNERAL HOME INC., 911 Englewood Ave. on Friday from 2-5 and 7-9 PM, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:00 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Shrine of St. John Neumann Chapel (Englewood & Belmont Ave.) at 9:30 AM. Burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Donations in his memory to the Alzheimer's Assn. of WNY. A former Grand Island, NY resident, Frank, of the Town of Tonawanda, was a former owner of a pharmaceutical company. Born in Rochester, he received a bachelor's degree from Union College in Albany in 1933. Mr. Miller moved to Buffalo in 1946 and was district manager of a pharmaceutical business before creating Mill-Mark Pharmaceuticals in 1959. After selling the company in 1992, he continued to work for the new owners until 1996. Mr. Miller was a member of the Town of Tonawanda Senior Citizens, AARP, the Holy Name Society of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Canandaigua Yacht Club. He also was a member of the Alumni Association of Union College and Kappa Psi, a pharmaceutical fraternity. His hobbies included travel, camping, fishing and playing bridge. He enjoyed boating in the Niagara River and swimming off the boat with friends. Mr. Miller was a loving caregiver for his wife, Florence, who died in 1996 after a 14-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.




Former long time East River Road resident Florence G. Kutzbach died on November 2004 in Venice, Florida where she resided. She was born in Kenmore, N.Y. on March 14, 1917. She married to Douglas S. Kutzbach in 1939 and they moved to Grand Island, N.Y. in early in their marriage where they raised their five children. A former member of Trinity Church on Grand Island, Florence was active in Home Bureau projects for many years and for 20 years served as office manager for her husband's business, Douglas Equipment Company. She retired with her husband to Venice, Florida in 1977. Initially, she and her husband were residents of Bay Indies, Venice for eight years and then Mission Lakes, Venice for eleven years. After her first husband's death in 1994, she married Edwin G. DeGlopper in 1996 and moved to Lakeside Woods, South, Venice. She is survived by her beloved husband Edwin C. DeGlopper; her five children, Douglas J. Kutzbach of Cheektowaga, N.Y.; Donald R. Kutzbach of Grand Island, N.Y.; Daryl A.Schaefer of Cleveland, Tennessee; Dale C. Kutzbach of Cortland Manor, N.Y.; Debra L. Roetzer of Akron, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and two sisters, Carrie Tiede and Jacklyn Potter. A memorial service was held December 2, 2004 at Grace Methodist Church, Venice, Florida. A service will be held in the Buffalo area at a later date.





Marion Long Young, passed away December 13, 2004 in Bradenton, Florida after a brief illness. She was the mother of Galen R. Young of Bradenton, Florida. Marion was born on Grand Island April 23, 1907, to Eva and Fredrick Long, and was preceeded in death by her brother, Karl F. Long. After graduating from Buffalo Normal School, she began her teaching career in a one-room school house on the West River (Grand Island). She taught elementary students at Sidway and Kaegebein schools, retiring in 1967. Marion always enjoyed gardening, traveling and sharing her experiences. After moving to Florida, she made summer trips up north to visit her many friends and family. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Sarasota Succulent Society, 1310 38th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237.




Hedwig B. "Heidi" (Walter) Burns, December 11, 2004 of Grand Island, N.Y. Wife of Kenneth M. Burns; mother of Peter H. (Judy), Petra E. (Dan) Brown, Kenneth R. (Cindy) and John M. (Liane) Burns; grandmother of Jennifer, Kenneth III, Christopher, Alexandria, Michael, Zachary, Autumn, Kyle, Sarah, Adam and the late Justin; sister of Erika Mehl, Erwin and Hans Walter all of Germany and the late Maria Dollack and Fritz Walter. 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.




George M. Pagan, 84, of Hilton, N.Y., former Grand Island, NY resident, December 10, 2004. Pre-deceased by his son, Robert and sister, Eleanor Bell. Survived by his wife, Violet 'Vicky' Mason Avery Pagan; children, John Pagan, Jean (Steven) Avery Erickson, Lynn (David) Avery Baerman; sister, Aletta VanHoesen; grandchildren, Jeffrey Pagan, Douglas Minster, Brian, Keith and Michael Erickson; many nieces and nephews. George was a graduate of Buffalo State Teacher's College. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46. Upon discharge he was an instructor with the Veteran's Administration. George was owner and publisher of the Island Dispatch. Later in life, George moved to Rochester, where he joined the Rochester City School District as an Industrial Arts Teacher and later an administrator with the Education Facilities Dept., retiring in 1980. George's Memorial Service will be held Tuesday at 7 PM at the THOMAS E. BURGER FUNERAL HOME INC., 735 East Ave., Hilton N.Y. Private inurnment, Parma Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Center research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, 14642.




John R. "Jack" Fries, 87, died Wednesday, December 7, 2004 in Buffalo General Hospital. A Grand Island resident, he was the husband of 62 years of Ann Heusinger Fries; father of Janet (Hans) Mobius of Clarence and Gail (George) Petrie of Syracuse; grandfather of Hans Jr., Pam, Jennifer and Kevin; great-grandfather of Kelsey and Joseph; brother of the late Raymond Fries. Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Fosdick-Masten Park High School. Mr. Fries retired in 1982 after 40 years with American Brass. In retirement, he volunteered with a state Labor Department program that helped acquaint young people with skills needed for the workplace. Mr. Fries was a past grand knight of Mary Star of the Sea Council 4752, Knights of Columbus. He also was a past faithful navigator of Trinity Assembly and a former district deputy with the Knights. Mr. Fries was a member of the Grand Island Lions Club and the Holy Name Society of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. He was a past officer of ARCO Metal Retirees Club. 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.




Marie E. Frampton, December 7, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of the late Thomas L. Frampton Sr.; mother of Thomas L. Jr. (Sharon) of Greensboro, NC, Charles (Deborah) of Binghampton, NY, Patricia Biski of Wynantskill, NY, James (Zillah) of Bear, DE and William (Laurette) Frampton of Roscommon, MI; also survived by 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and six brothers and sisters. Friends may call Friday only, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 AM at Bible Presbyterian Church.




Former Island resident Veronica T. Trader, 84, of Millsboro, Delaware, died on November 25, 2004 at a nursing facility. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the wife of the late George T. Trader who passed away on December 23, 2003. She is survived by a son, Thomas (Glenna) Trader of Millsboro, DE, three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Trader were residents of Redway Road from 1955 to 1977.




Jessie Schmell-Reese, (nee LiVecchi), 86, November 28, 2004, of Bethlehem, PA, formerly of Grand Island and Buffalo, NY; wife of the late Bertram G. Schmell and William W. Reese; daughter of the late Vincent and Marie (nee Quagliana) LiVecchi; mother of Sharon A. (David E.) Glass of Bethlehem, PA and Gary W. (Adrianne) Reese of Omaha, Nebraska; grandmother of Gary Jr., Debra, Tracy, Michael, Renee and Evan; great-grandmother of Ashley, Desiree, Dana, Jackie, Sydney, Zach, Kyron, Garrett, Cole and Jessie; sister of the late Grace Marie and Salvatore LiVecchi. The family will be present to receive friends Thursday 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 Friday at 8:45 AM and from St. Andrew Church at 9:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of choice.




Frances L. Steele-Knab, 75, of Niagara Falls, NY, died Tuesday, November 30, 2004 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital after a short illness. Born in DuBois, Pennsylvania on October 4, 1929, she was the daughter of Francis L. and Agnes (Wilson) Steele and had been a resident of WNY since 1942 living in Buffalo, Grand Island, Wilson and in Niagara Falls since 1961. Frances, who worked as a pharmacy technician at Prescription Lab for several years, was an avid gardener and loved flowers. Survived by husband Donald J. Knab; and sons, Charles Joseph (Christine) Young of Ashburn, VA; Kenneth James Young of Lawtons, NY; Michael Jerome Young of Tucker, GA; and daughters, Patricia Ann (Stephen) Hurd of Steinhatchee, FL; Christine Marie (Ronald) Grawe of Lewiston, NY; Rachael Jean (David) Walter of Marietta, GA; Judith Louise (Samuel) Godwin of Hopkins, SC; Janet Lynn (Michael) Neuman of Niagara Falls, NY; and four step-daughters. She was the sister of Herman D. "Ted" (Doris) Steele of Youngstown, NY; Patrick (Judi) Steele of Bradenton, FL; Jean (Kenneth ) Collins of Sebring, FL; and Gary Law and Donna Colby of Buffalo, NY. Also survived by loving grandchildren, Jennifer Yund, Jerold Walter, Tracy Yund, Timothy Young, Angelica Rish, Ryan Hurd, Gail Filicetti, Stephanie Dubose, Travis Hurd, Steven Young, Samantha Godwin, Carl Neuman, Derek Neuman, Trina Neuman, Emily Neuman; and great grandchildren Elizabeth Raymond, Felicia Filicetti, D. J. Rish, Jodi Rish, Peter Filicetti, Marie Rish, Dimitri Dubose, Jacob Yung, and Samuel Rish. The family will be present at the Rhoney Funeral Home Lewiston, Cayuga and So. Ninth Streets, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2004 where funeral services will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls. Entombment will be in the Holy Angels Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.




Walter Joseph Kasprzak, a postal worker, died Thursday, November 25, 2004 in Hospice Inpatient Care Center, Cheektowaga, after a short illness. He was 82. Mr. Kasprzak was a lifelong Western New Yorker who was born and lived most of his life in Buffalo. He served in the Navy as an enlisted seaman during World War II. He worked at the Post Office on William Street for the past 19 years. He was a 25-year member of Adam Plewacki Post 799, American Legion. Survivors include his wife, the former Monica Kasprzyk of Grand Island; two daughters, Rosemarie Kud and Joanne Kud, both of Grand Island; a son, Ronald of Grand Island; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. today in Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, 180 George Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery's Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum, Cheektowaga.




Kenneth O. Lenz, November 19, 2004, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Genevieve (Pasch) Lenz. Mr. Lenz, born in Niagara Falls on July 30, 1920, was a resident of Niagara Falls until 1981 when he and his family moved to Grand Island. He worked in the car industry for many years until his retirement in 1982. During that time, Mr. Lenz owned Lenz Automotive, a car dealership on Main Street in Niagara Falls. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed his grandchildren and caning chairs for the last 20 years. He is survived by his children, Susan (Yves) Pelletier of Rockville, MD; Kenneth D. (Lori) Lenz of Grand Island; and Paul (Susan) Lenz of Richmond, VA; nine grandchildren; his brother, George (Vera) Lenz; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church or to Hospice Buffalo.




Joyce A. (Taylor) Ott, November 21, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of the late Thomas E. Ott, Sr.; mother of Terry E. (William) Shindledecker, Deborah A. (Dennis) Sallander, Thomas E. (Nancy) Ott, Jr. and Lori J. (Joseph) Fielding; grandmother of Jennifer, Katie, Erin, Tom, Kelly, Michelle and Taylor; sister of Marcia (Jack) Schubert. 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 where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.




Norman J. McTigue, November 1, 2004; beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Pierce) McTigue; dear father of Rev. Norman P. McTigue, Mary Patricia (late Donald) Garrett, James F., John P. (Catherine) and Robert F. (Beverly) McTigue and the late Josita M. (James) Battaglia; also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; brother of the late Raymond McTigue. Friends received Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 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. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Rd., Thursday morning at 9:00 AM. Please assemble at Church. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Mr. McTigue was a Veteran of WW II and a retired employee of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.




Dean Bucknam, November 13, 2004, of Grand Island, NY, husband of the late Velma (Newhall) Bucknam; dear father of Louanne (late Thomas) Farrell, Carolyn (David) McFarland, Gordon (Barbara) and Timothy (Diana) Bucknam; brother of Joy (David) DeGraff and the late Gordon Bucknam; also survived by 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Mr. Bucknam was a member of Knox United Presbyterian Church and The R.S.E.S. of WNY.




Paul H. Brobeil, 85, of North Tonawanda, NY, November 10, 2004 in DeGraff Memorial Hospital; beloved husband of Mildred (nee Spinney) Brobeil; father of Donald W. Brobeil of Buffalo, Paula Miller and Linda Ahern of Indianapolis, Indiana and William P. Brobeil of Moretown, VT; grandfather of four grandchildren; brother of Eleanor Forgette or Loveland, CO, Clara Armbrust of Orchard Park, NY, Gertrude Gerald of St. Petersburg, FL and the late Francis G. Brobeil, Agnes Oddy, Mary Camp and Helen Sommer; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd., North Tonawanda on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Monday at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM from St. Albert R.C. Church, entombment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elizabeth P. Olmstead Center for the Visually Impaired, 1170 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14209. Mr. Brobeil was a decorated WW II pilot. He co-founded Brobeil Marine in 1945 with his late brother Francis; he operated the business until 1987. He was a member of the Black Rock Businessmen's Assn. Paul was an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished fisherman and hunter.




Mary Anne Knab, November 9, 2004 of Grand Island. Wife of Joseph Knab; mother of Christine Anne and Sara Marie Knab; daughter of Cherie (Thomas) Miller and Paul (Kathryn) Ostermeier; sister of Peter (Laurie) Martin, Theresa (Timothy) Brown, Earl Miller and Heather Mahar; godchild of Donald P. Martin; also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.




Sue Ann Coughlin, a homemaker, died Wednesday, November 3, 2004 in her Grand Island home after a long illness. She was 59. Born Sue Ann Stinchfield in Flint, Mich., she attended school in Flushing, Mich. She lived in the Buffalo area in the late 1960s and returned four years ago from Akron, Ohio. She enjoyed shopping and watching Western movies. Surviving are her husband, Patrick J.; a daughter, Kristin M. of Stow, Ohio; a son, Joseph W. (Heather) Coughlin of Akron, Ohio; and a sister, Sally M.Stinchfield of Las Vegas. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME INC., 335 Ontario St., Saturday 5-7 PM and Sunday 2-4 PM. No visitation Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211.




Kyle Richard Dynko, October 27, 2004, beloved infant son of Dennis and Kimberly (Tortorice) Dynko; brother of Ryan and the late Brooke Dynko; grandson of Sam and Nina (Insana) Tortorice and Mr. and Mrs. James Dynko and Barbara Dynko; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The March of Dimes.




Charles C. Ford, October 24, 2004, of Grand Island, father of Steven (Barbara), Douglas and Eric Ford; also survived by four grandchildren; sister of Marilynn (Bernard) Fortner; son of the late Charles and Mary Ford; dear friend of Mimi Fadum. Memorial Services will be held Friday at 1 PM at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, Grand Island.




Zachary Robert J. Zarbo, October 24, 2004 of Grand Island, N.Y. Beloved son of Mark and Deborah (LoTempio) Zarbo; dear brother of Mark Thomas, Matthew and Joseph Zarbo; cherished grandson of Thomas and Elisabeth Zarbo of Grand Island and Robert and Joyce LoTempio of Webster, N.Y.; great-grandson of Mathilde Nachbaur of Wilmington, DE.; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Wednesday only from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island High School Spotlighters or Choir, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island N.Y., 14072. Burial was in White Haven Cemetery, Grand Island. Saturday evening, Zachary Zarbo was immersed in something that he loved - singing in the Grand Island High School Concert Choir. The group had performed in front of an audience during the New York State School Boards Association's convention in Buffalo. Sunday morning, Zachary's mother tried to wake him so that he could participate in another one of his passions, Bible study, but he didn't get up. Zachary, 16, a passionate artist who was active in the student theater group and choirs, had died unexpectedly at home. The death of the Grand Island High School junior sent shock waves and grief throughout the school and community. "Zach is going to be missed," said Principal James Dempsey. "He was a first-class individual who was well-liked and well-respected by students, faculty and staff. May he rest in peace." Dempsey said grief counselors have been at the school all week to help students deal with the loss. More than 1,100 people attended Zachary's wake Wednesday in Kaiser Funeral Home, with many of them waiting more than an hour in a line that stretched a block. Trinity Methodist Church also was full Thursday during his funeral. "It's unbelievable how many people he touched," said Debbie Zarbo, Zachary's mother. Zachary was born in Buffalo General Hospital and raised on Grand Island. He had attended William Kaegebein Elementary School and Veronica E. Connor Middle School. During those years, he was interested primarily in athletics, playing baseball, hockey, soccer, running cross country and swimming. He discovered his love of the arts in high school. "He was such a sweet kid, so nice to everybody," his mother said. "Out of all of our boys, he marched to the beat of his own drum. The other boys are into sports, but Zach pursued the arts." Zachary was the vice president of the Spotlighters, a student theater group. He was to play the character "George" in the group's upcoming production of "Go Ask Alice," which will be performed Nov. 19 and 20. He was a singer and had recently started taking piano lessons. He was a member of three student choirs - concert, jazz and Madrigal. Eighty choir members sang at his funeral. Zachary also soared academically. He was an honor roll fixture and was taking Advanced Placement courses in English and U.S. history. He was a past member of AWANA Bible Club.




Robert J. Curtin, a former Buffalo school principal and U.S. Customs Service inspector, died Sunday, October 24, 2004 in his Grand Island home after a brief illness. He was 62. Born and reared in Buffalo, he attended Holy Spirit Elementary School and St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Buffalo State College. A former resident of the Town of Tonawanda, Mr. Curtin spent more than 30 years in the Buffalo school system. He served as assistant principal of School 78 and principal of School 74. He then spent 21 years as principal of North Park Academy and St. Lawrence Academy and was summer principal at School 84. During his tenure at North Park Academy, his school was recognized as a National School of Excellence. He retired from the school district in 2001. Mr. Curtin also worked as a customs inspector from 1966 to 1996 and served in the New York National Guard. Active in St. Amelia's Catholic Church, he was a former president of the Home School Association and taught religious education classes. He enjoyed music, art, reading, card playing and bingo. He also enjoyed making stained glass and woodworking. Surviving are his wife, the former Patricia McNeill; a daughter, Colleen Anne (James) Gavner of Kenmore; five sons, Kevin (Julie) of Buffalo, Timothy (Tracy) and Dennis (Danielle), both of the Town of Tonawanda, Terrence (Elice) of Amherst and Patrick (Vicki) of Grand Island; a sister, Judy A. (Frank) Jarmusz of Williamsville; and 14 grandchildren. He was son of the late Harold and Anne Curtin; son-in-law of Charles and Beatrice McNeill. The family will be present to receive friends Tuesday, October 26, 2004 and Wednesday, October 27th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) Prayers will be said at 8:15 a.m. Thursday in Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 in St. Amelia's Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Esther J. (Carlson) Howell, October 19, 2004, Formerly of Depew and Grand Island; Beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Howell Sr.; dearest mother of Carol (Peter, Sr.) Marston of Grand Island, Joseph (Suzanne) Howell of Friendsville, TN, William (Linda) Howell of Chaffee and Frank (Sandra) Howell of Depew; loving grandmother of Peter Marston Jr., Lynn (Thomas) Dingey, Joseph, Jennifer, Rebecca and Katelyn Howell and great-grandmother of Nicholas and Jonathan Dingey and Katelyn Howell; sister-in-law of Mildred (late John W.) Reinert of Babylon, NY; loving daughter of the late Frank and Irma (nee Donovan) Carlson; also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will be present Thursday 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the (Lancaster-Depew Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6050 Transit Rd., where Funeral Services will be held on Friday at a time to be announced. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Online register at www.AmigoneFuneral.com.




Harry “Buz” Anderson, October 17, 2004, of Grand Island; father of Michael D. (Debra) Anderson Sr.; grandfather of Nicole (Kerry) Lanthier, Michael D. Jr., Joshua G. and Jeremiah Anderson; great-grandfather of Samara Goss; brother of Joan Dekdebrun, Joseph Anderson, Karen Webb and the late Norma Kinney, Russell Anderson and Gloria Pagels; son of the late Harry W. and Lavina Anderson. Friends may call Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM, followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.




Doris F. (Merrick) Teschemacher, October 15, 2004. Wife of the late Alfred; beloved mother of Ann (Thomas) Boyle and Charles Teschemacher. Mother-in-law of Carol Teschemacher. Grandmother of Deborah, Shawn and Brian (Tami). Great-grandmother of Kaitlyn, Christopher and Kaylee. A memorial service will be held at St. Martin in the Fields, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Friends invited.





Randolph C. “Randy” Osvath, 38, October 7, 2004, of Grand Island, loving husband of Elisa (Falvo) Osvath; father of Ryan Michael and Jessica Taylor Osvath; son of Margaret and Richard Betz of Wheatfield; brother of Stephen (Jennifer) Osvath of Medina, OH.; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday and Monday 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 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Grand Island Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 103, Grand Island, NY 14072. Interment will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Randy owned an insurance company and was an active member of the community, died Thursday, October 7, 2004 in a motorcycle accident on the LaSalle Expressway. He grew up in Wheatfield and graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield High School and the University at Buffalo. He was a partner for many years in the Lewiston Insurance Agency before founding his own business, Randolph Capital Management, now located on Grand Island. Randy served as a lobbyist for the New York State Life Insurance Underwriters, and was in line to become president of the state Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He was a member and past president of the Grand Island Rotary Club, receiving its Paul Harris Fellow Award this year. He served on the Town of Grand Island Economic Development Committee and was a member of the Buffalo Launch Club. An active ice hockey official for more than 20 years, he served on the board of directors of the local chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association. Randy was a Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan and a member of the River Oaks Golf Club.




The Rev. Daniel A. Lapinski, pastor of Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Cheektowaga, died Saturday, October 2, 2004 in St. Francis Geriatric Center in Buffalo after a long battle with cancer. He was 55. Father Lapinski was a priest in the Diocese of Buffalo for nearly 25 years. A native of Buffalo, he attended McKinley High School before enrolling in Diocesan Preparatory Seminary. He also attended Buffalo State College and Canisius College and earned a theology degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. He served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972. He served as an associate pastor of St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island. Survivors, all from Buffalo, are three brothers, Robert, Charles and Richard Guzinski, and four sisters, Patricia Lee, Penelope Rembecki, Cynthia Scott and Sharon Stout. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Monsignor David S. Slubecky at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 7, 2004 in Queen of Martyrs, 180 George Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga. Burial will be in Germania (Pa.) Cemetery.




John T. Fitzgerald,, an Orchard Park resident and owner of Fitzgerald Jewelers, died Sunday in Mercy Hospital after a long illness. He was 69. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Fitzgerald moved to Shreveport, La., when he was 6 and graduated from Shreveport public schools. He returned to Buffalo when he was 17, moved to Grand Island in 1958, then settled in Orchard Park in 1977. He owned and operated Fitzgerald Jewelers in Buffalo for many years, specializing in jewelry design and repair. His business recently moved to Niagara Falls Boulevard in the Town of Tonawanda and is now run by his wife. Mr. Fitzgerald enjoyed trap shooting, horseback riding and boating. He was a life member and a current record holder at the Buffalo Rod and Gun Club, a life member of the National American Reining Horse Association, a member of the Buffalo Jewelers Guild and a life member of Casa Savoy. He is survived by his wife, the former Carol M. Barreca; a daughter, Kelly M. Duerr of Lockport; two sons, Shawn W. (Jennifer) of Akron and Lucas R. Fitzgerald of West Falls; a brother, Robert (Loretta) Hellerer of Amherst; three sisters, Kathy (Jim) Jenkins of Kenmore, Susan (Ray) Fitzpatrick of Buffalo and Peggy Collins of Buffalo; and five grandchildren. Predeceased by brothers, the late Richard (Charmaine), Ronald (Nancy) and Terry Hellerer. He was the nephew of Marion Bauer. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Michael's Catholic Church, 651 Washington St. His ashes will be entombed in Woodlawn Cemetery, Orchard Park. Memorials made to Children's Hospital. Arrangements by the F.E. BROWN SONS FUNERAL HOME, INC.




Charles E. Krueger, September 29, 2004, of Grand Island, husband of June H. Krueger; brother-in-law of Thomas G. (Theresa) Holmes; also survived by nieces and nephews. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family.




Larry Mahoney, September 11, 2004, of Punta Gorda, Florida, born March 24, 1944 in West Orange, N.J. A former Grand Island resident, he served his country as a member of the Air Force during Vietnam, later earning a master of business administration from Farleigh Dickinson University. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Joanne Mahoney of Punta Gorda; stepson, Joseph Cormier of Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Mahoney was predeceased by his brother, Warren Mahoney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society Sacred Heart Conference, 520 Cross St., Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.




Anna (Donovan) Tyrrell, September 23, 2004, of Grand Island, Wife of the late Harry Tyrrell Jr.; mother of Robert E. (Margaret) Tyrrell, Judith (John) Rivers, and the late Stephen Tyrrell; grandmother of John Jr., Jason and Jeremy Rivers, Robert and Matthew Tyrrell; also survived by five great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Bible Presbyterian Church, 1650 Love Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 where Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 3 PM.




Warren M. Heldwein, September 15, 2004, age 59, of Grand Island, husband of the late Janice (nee Heimback) Heldwein; father of Michael (Christina) and Thomas (Barbara) Heldwein and Donna (Randy) York; brother of John (Chris) and Norman (Nancy) Heldwein; loving companion of Eleanor Peart; also survived by eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday only from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, INC., Adam and Seymour Sts., Tonawanda, where services will be held at 8 PM Saturday. Friends invited. Mr. Heldwein served in the NYS National Guard and was employed at AT&T in Buffalo before retiring in 2001. Complete Obituary, condolences and directions at www.hampfuneral.com.




Flora Mae Benns, September 8, 2004, of Grand Island, Wife of the late Edward C. Benns; mother of Richard (Susan), Edward (Lynne) and James (Jill) Benns; grandmother of Richard, Mathew, Alex, Tara, Erica and Heather Benns; also survived by six great-grandchildren; predeceased by 11 brothers and sisters. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice.





September 1989 photo
Richard K. Lovelee, September 7, 2004, of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of Dorothy (Lyden) Lovelee; dear father of Kenneth (Brenda) Lovelee of Oklahoma and Judith Kenyon of Buffalo; stepfather of Dawn (Larry) Hillock of Georgia, Gail (George) Allen of Florida and Gary (Patricia) Scott of Grand Island; loving grandfather of ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday only 6-8 PM, followed by funeral services at 8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. Richard was an Army Veteran of WW II and Past Fire Chief and life member of the Grand Island Fire Co.




Helen Marie Bucher Kester, September 7, 2004, August 15, 2004 of Grand Island N.Y. Wife of the late Donald G. Kester; mother of Mark (Ellen) Kester and Donna (Richard Jr.) Phillips; grandmother of Rachel and Hannah Kester, Richard III and Helen-Marie Phillips; daughter of the late Russell and Amilla Bucher; sister of the late Bud Bucher. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 11th at 4 PM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo. Published in the Buffalo News on 9/9/2004.




Ruth (Fingerlow) Duerr, September 6, 2004, age 81, of Grand Island, formerly of North Tonawanda, after a long illness, mother of Linda (Richard) Darnley; grandmother of Vanessa (David) Satterlee, Richard Darnley Jr. and Valerie (David) Pushlar; sister of William (Jeanne) and Ralph Fingerlow and Thelma Boeheim; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME INC., Adam and Seymour Sts., Tonawanda, NY, where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM. Friends are invited. Complete obituary, directions and condolences at www.hampfuneral.com.




Rowland Runckel, September 7, 2004 of Grand Island, husband of Shirley (Tucker) Runckel; father of David Runckel; son of the late Arnold and Irene Runckel; brother of the late Richard Runckel. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Friday at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Former resident Charlotte Bruce of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away August 12th. A longtime Isle resident, she was a talented artist who worked in water colors and painted Island scenes. She was a member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church and played the trumpet in the Grand Island Community Band in the 1950s. She is survived by her two sons, Robert Bruce of San Francisco, California and Donald Bruce of Albuquerque.





Millie F. Vanthoff (Rohde), 12/23/15 to 8/26/04, a life-long Grand Island resident, died Thursday, August 26, 2004 after a short illness. She was 88 years old. Her paternal grandparents William and Sophia Rohde came to Grand Island in 1882 from Raden in Mecklenburg, Germany. Her maternal grandparents, Ludwig and Sophia Long, also from Germany, were among the early settlers on Grand Island. Her father, Herman Rohde was a Grand Island judge from 1927 to 1935. Her brother William Rohde died in World War II. She is also predeceased by her sister, Ruth Williams and her husband, Richard Gordon (Shorty) Vanthoff who died in 1969. He was also a life-long resident of Grand Island. Survivors include her sister, Leona Kloss of Tonawanda, a son Richard (Shorty) Vanthoff; daughter Karen Vanthoff; grandmother of Gordon (Adriane) and LeAnn Vanthoff; great grandmother of Alyssa, Richard, Justine and Robert Vanthoff, all of Grand Island. Millie was an active member of the Grand Island Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She also enjoyed membership in the Ladies Home Bureau. In later years she was a member of the Grand Island Golden Agers. Her great grandchilden were a special joy and she was comforted by her pets. Friends may call Sunday, August 29 at the Kaiser Funeral Home, Whitehaven Road, Grand Island from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 30 at 11 a.m. at the Kaiser Funeral Home. Internment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Buffalo 14227.




Ernest J. Kazmierczak, of Grand Island, NY, August 23, 2004, beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Guz) Kazmierczak; dearest father of Lisa (Tom) Hodge and Brian (Carrie) Kazmierczak; proud and loving grandfather of Jared, Ethan and Eloise; brother of the late Norbert Gruchala; also survived by two aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation with family Friday, August 27th from 8:30 AM to 10 AM at St. Stephens R. C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM. Ernie was a retired employee of Occidental Chemical Co., U.S. Army veteran and a member of Portage Post 1465 American Legion, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers graciously declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company. Arrangements by SABER FUNERAL HOME, 692-0271.




Helen Marie Bucher Kester, August 15, 2004 of Grand Island N.Y. Wife of the late Donald G. Kester; mother of Mark (Ellen) Kester and Donna (Richard Jr.) Phillips; grandmother of Rachel and Hannah Kester, Richard III and Helen-Marie Phillips; daughter of the late Russell and Amilla Bucher; sister of the late Bud Bucher. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 11th at 4 PM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.




Stone Henderson Filipovich, who fought a lengthy battle with a malignant brain tumor, died Saturday, August 16, 2004 in his Grand Island home. He had just turned 4. Born in Buffalo, Stone had three surgeries to remove recurring tumors. A benefit carnival was held for him in June at the Holiday Inn on Grand Island. Family members say Stone was extremely playful and dreamed of riding his grandfather's Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Surviving are his parents, Mark and Roberta Ritchie Filipovich of Grand Island, NY; a sister, Natalie Gilland of Lockport; a brother, Zane Filipovich of Barker; his maternal grandmother, Audrey Ritchie, of Ransomville; his maternal grandfather, George Jones and his wife Blanche of Scottsville, Texas; and paternal grandparents, Dennis and Sandy Filipovich of Lockport. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, several cousins and his nanny, Karen. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today (Tuesday, August 24, 2004) in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. Burial will be in Wheatfield Cemetery. Memorials to the Caring for Stone Filipovich Fund, PO Box 1352, Grand Island, NY 14072 would be appreciated by the family.




Richard A. "Skip" DeValentino, of Kenmore, formerly of Grand Island, NY, August 18, 2004 at age 61 years. Beloved husband of Diane P. Dorey DeValentino; dear father of Lisa A. DeValentino, Denise (Carl) Benedict of Rochester, Tricia L., Richard J. DeValentino. Also survived by five grandchildren; brother of Joanne (Garth) Fedorowicz of E. Greenbush, NY; uncle of Sarah and Matthew Fedorowicz. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave Kenmore Friday 4-9 PM. All are invited to A Mass of Christian Burial at St Paul's RC Church, Delaware Ave at Victoria Ave, Kenmore Saturday at 9:15 AM. Please assemble at church. Memorials to James Ryan Paramedic Foundation, 1835 Sheridan Dr, Buffalo 14223, are preferred. Skip was a member of DeGlopper Post 9249 VFW Grand Island, NY.





Mary R. Panepinto, died August 15, 2004; born December 8, 1914. Mrs. Panepinto was the wife of the late Anthony Panepinto, mother of George, Rosalie, Charles, Anthony and the late Richard Panepinto, deceased in 1990. She was the grandmother of 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. "HERE I AM LORD" Mass of Resurrection in loving memory of Mary R. Filipovich Panepinto in St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island, N. Y. on August 19, 2004. Celebrants: Rev. Paul Nogaro; Pastor Rev. Msgr. Dino I. Lorenzetti; Rev. Msgr. Edward I. Ulaszeski; Rev. David I. Peter. Music provided by Cheryl Brinker (organist/vocalist) and Christian Kramer (vocalist).




Irene Ratajczak, August 8, 2004, of Grand Island, mother of Robert M. (Christine) Ratajczak Jr. and Kristen Ratajczak; grandmother of Nicholas, Lauren and the late Jonathan; daughter of the late Paul and Cecelia Smith. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials in Jonathan Ratajczak's name to Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.




Mary (Bottlinger) Enser, August 7, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of the late Harvey R. Enser, Sr.; mother of Nancy (Robert) West and Harvey R. (Colleen) Enser, Jr., both of Grand Island; grandmother of Bonnie (Michael) Marino, David (Kelly) Lesinski, Jr., Justine (Ronald) Sorri, Stephen West, Ryan, Jay, Erich and Caitlin Enser; also survived by seven great-grandchildren; predeceased by two brothers. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.




Dr. James Collord, Formerly of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest August 2, 2004 in Cary, NC; beloved husband of Judith (nee Miler) Collord; loving father of Thomas (Anneke) Collord of Alkmaar, Holland and Patricia (Edmund) Besch of Derby, NY; also survived by three grandchildren Gregory Collord, Max and Macy Besch. Memorial services will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements by BERNHARDT FUNERAL HOME, 130 Main St., Akron, NY.





Carol Briggs Sowdon, August 21, 1924 - June 20, 2004. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend died peacefully at the age of 79. Carol is survived by her husband of 55 years, Arthur W. Sowdon of Lacey, WA; four children, Carolyn B. Sowdon (Alexandria, VA), Nancy W. Sowdon (Scio, OR), Barbara S. (Mark) Walker (Sumner, WA), and Douglas A. B. (Betsy Carroll) Sowdon (Anacortes, WA); and four grandchildren, Joshua Walker, Jefferey Walker, Yonna Carroll, and Mason Sowdon. The only daughter of Bertha B. and C. Fred Briggs, Carol was born and raised in Tarrytown, NY. She graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1941, and being too young to study nursing, she furthered her education by attending Berkeley Secretarial School (NYC). After marriage to Art in 1949, the couple moved to Baltimore, MD. In 1956 the family relocated to Grand Island, NY where they lived for 14 years. In 1969 the family finally opted to live in the Pacific Northwest, selecting Kent, WA as their new home. She and Art resided in Kent until 1991 at which time they moved to the Panorama City continuing care retirement community in Lacey, WA. Carol's life was one of service to others. After secretarial school, she began her career at St. Christopher's School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, 1943, working with psychiatric social workers. Her second job was at Standard Oil Company (NJ) 1944-50, commuting to New York City. She credits her employer Roy Stryker, then Director of Photography, with the valuable advice to explore and appreciate our great world and its peoples. With his encouragement she took a bus trip on her own to the West Coast to learn more of our America. After pausing to raise a family Carol returned to the work force. From 1960-1968 she worked for Trinity Church making many life-long friendships. She also helped construct Trinity's new church, lending her artistic skills to the creation of a modern 40-foot cross. From 1970-71 she was employed at the Kent News Journal and from 1972-85 she fulfilled her desire to be in the medical field with her position in the Human Resources Department at Valley Medical Center in Renton. Her final place of employment was in the beautiful offices of Human Resources at the Seattle Post Intelligencer from 1987-88. In addition, Carol was very active in church work and volunteering throughout her life, making two trips to Nicaragua to bring supplies and establish relationship with a new sister church in Managua. She was always willing to lend her hands to do God's work with boundless energy, an enthusiastic spirit and a ready smile. A Memorial Service to Celebrate her Life will be held Sunday, June 27, 2004, 3 p.m. at The United Churches, 110 Eleventh Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 (the corner of Capital Way and 11th Ave). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor can be made to a favorite charity, or to Alzheimer's Disease Research, 12721 30th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98125.




A service for Eddie Little Sr. , 76, a former Buffalo and Grand Island resident, was recently held in Las Vegas. He died June 17 after a brief illness. Mr. Little, who retired from John W. Cowper Construction Co. in 1990 after 30 years of service as a construction worker, moved to Las Vegas last year to be close to his only child, Eddie Jr. Family members described Mr. Little as an avid sportsman who loved camping and fishing. He also enjoyed watching baseball and football. In addition to his hobbies, he and his wife of 53 years, the former Benighta Flood, opened their home to foster children for 15 years. "Eddie's love of life and for children was expressed through the many years he and his wife dedicated themselves to under-privileged children as foster parents," said Willie Mae Banks, his niece. While living in Buffalo, he was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and later Faith Baptist Church. When he moved to Grand Island about 30 years ago, he joined Trinity United Methodist Church. Besides his wife and son, he is survived by a granddaughter.




William Popowich, former plant manager at Carborundum Co., died Tuesday, July 20, 2004 in Riverwood Health Care Center, Grand Island, after a lengthy illness. He was 83. The Niagara Falls native graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps from Jan. 17 to June 24, 1939. Mr. Popowich served in the Navy from March 29, 1944, to Jan. 6, 1946, attaining the rank of gunner's mate third class. He retired in 1983 after 45 years as manager of the Carborundum Co. plant on Buffalo Avenue. He moved to Grand Island in the early 1970s and enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Jane Dziedzic; a son, William M. of Grand Island; a daughter, Sharon Jensen of Cleveland; a brother, Michael of Hockessin, Del.; and four grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Entombment will be in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Lewiston.




Helen E. Hess, July 19, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of Harold L. Hess; mother of Brenda (Steven) Sulley, of Belleville, IL and Donald Hess, of Niagara Falls; also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; daughter of the late Lloyd and Josephine Roberts; mother-in-law of Anne Hess-Meyers. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM, followed by funeral services Thursday at 8:30 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Assoc., of WNY or the Erie County SPCA.




Robert F. Guenot, 82, of Grand Island, NY, died Saturday, July 24, 2004 in DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda. Loving husband of 62 years of Opal (nee Richards); loving father of Robert Jr. (Ruth) of New Jersey, Richard W. and Terance L. (Leah) both of Grand Island; loving grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 14. He is also survived by two brothers, Duane of Pine Green, Pennsylvania, and Herman of Somerville, Florida; a sister, Viola of Erie, Pennsylvania. The family will be present to receive friends Wednesday, July 28, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME, Grassflat, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday in SS. John & Paul Catholic Church in Karthaus, PA. Interment at Keewyden, Cemetery. Local funeral arrangements by the URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 6685 Transit Rd., E. Amherst, NY. Mr. Guenot worked at the former Durez Plastic Corp. in North Tonawanda for 27 years as a lab operator. He retired in 1981 and moved to his hometown, Karthaus, Pennsylvania, then moved to Grand Island a year ago. During World War II, Mr. Guenot served overseas with the 82nd, the 101st and 13th Airborne Divisions of the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was a member of the Durez Mechanics Club and the Oxy-Chem Retirees Club. In Karthaus, he was a past president of the Lions Club and a member of the Holy Name Society and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed hunting, golf and travel.




William T. Stoberl, July 17, 2004, 68, at home following a long illness. A resident of Lyndonville, formerly of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of Mary E. (nee Barry-Miller) Stoberl and the late Judith (nee Miller) Stoberl; dearest father of Scott Stoberl of Buffalo and Lynn (Kevin) Kelly of Grand Island; stepfather of Robert (Julie) Miller, Timothy (Terrianne) Miller and Jon (Kathleen) Miller; grandfather of eight grandchildren; brother of the late Joseph Stoberl; brother-in-law of Theresa Stoberl. A lifelong area resident, Mr. Stoberl was born in Buffalo and graduated from Sacred Heart School and Burgard High School. He was a longtime University at Buffalo maintenance worker. He served in the Army National Guard from 1958 to 1964. Mr. Stoberl worked at UB for 40 years, retiring as a maintenance supervisor in 1995. He was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 602, the Tuscarora Yacht Club and the 106th Field Artillery Veterans Association of Buffalo. Mr. Stoberl enjoyed boating, sailing, skiing, traveling and camping in his motor home. The family will be present Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St., Clarence. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Saturday at 9:30 AM at St. Gregory the Great Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Services for Donna L. Wittmann of Grand Island will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2004 in George J. Roberts & Sons Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Burial will be in Fayetteville, Ark. Mrs. Wittmann, 59, died Friday, July 16, 2004 in her home after a long illness. Born Donna Alexander in Fayetteville, she earned a bachelor's degree at the University at Buffalo and worked for M&T Bank as an auditor supervisor. She was a member of Kenmore Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, F. Craig of Grand Island; two sisters, Martha Spicer of Fayetteville and Mary Ruth Tucker of Dallas; and a grandchild.




Mona A. (Hess) Hayward, 70, of Grand Island, former co-owner of an auto parts store, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 10, 2004 in a New York City hospital after she was stricken while traveling. Born Mona Hess in Buffalo, she attended local schools. Her first job was as a bookkeeper for Crystal Beach Company. Mrs. Hayward and her husband, Raymond, opened Banner Auto Parts in 1974. They operated the store on Niagara Street for approximately 20 years. She retired in 1994. The couple traveled extensively in this country and abroad. An excellent cook, Mrs. Hayward was known for her potato salad. Besides her husband, survivors include a son, Jeff (Candy) Hayward of the Town of Tonawanda; a daughter, Gayle Schutrum of Amherst; two brothers, Vance (Carol) Hess of Hamburg and Robert Hess of Buffalo; two sisters, Joyce Hess (late Mike) of West Seneca and Betty Spencer of the Town of Tonawanda. She was the cherished grandmother of four grandsons: Jonathan, Kyle, and Derrick Schutrum and Jason Hayward. Friends may call Friday, July 16, 2004 from 5-8 p.m. at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME INC., 3290 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY where funeral services will be held Friday evening at 8 p.m. Friends invited. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Carol-Ann (Gurrie) Strzalkowski, July 5, 2004, of Grand Island, formerly of Riverside, wife of James J. Strzalkowski; father of James J. Jr. and Susan Strzalkowski; grandmother of Angelia Strzalkowski; daughter of the late Evelyn Fetcher; daughter-in-law of Irene Strzalkowski; sister-in-law of Robert (Anita) and Peter Strzalkowski; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.





James M. Fleming, 71, died Thursday, July 1, 2004 in his Town of Tonawanda home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Marcia (Zyne); dear father of Jeffery (Pam) of the Town of Tonawanda, Scott (Patti) of Clarence Center, Gregory (Heather) of Amherst; also survived by six grandchildren; brother of Beverly Baril of Connecticut and Sandra Bowers of Iowa; friend of Lois W. and Rachel K. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the DENGLER AND ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave, Kenmore. Friends are invited to attend a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2004 at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton St. at Cayuga, Williamsville. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Born on Grand Island, Mr. Fleming attended Charlotte Sidway School and graduated with the 8th grade Class of 1946. He attended high school and served in the U.S. Army as a cook during the Korean War. After his discharge in 1956, he graduated from Buffalo State College with a master's degree in education and taught at Hamilton Middle School and Hoover Elementary School during his 23 years as a teacher. Mr. Fleming was a sponsor and volunteer for Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 30 years. He enjoyed golf.




Lilian F. Robinson, June 22, 2004, of Grand Island; wife of the late John H. Robinson; beloved mother of Susan Yensan, Joanne (John) Podlucky, Lisa (R.J.) Wheeler, Jackie (Jack) Steckelberg, Lori Boulden and Sheri (Kevin) Cooney; stepmother of Gerry (Valerie) Robinson; grandmother of John (Kathleen) and Jason (Lisa) Yensan, John Michael, Jenna and Danielle Podlucky, Christopher and Sean Steckelberg, Adam and Sara Boulden, Marissa and Jessica Cooney, Justin and Jared Hale, Bradley (Jodi) and Brian (Dana) Robinson and the late Autum Nicole Theiss; also survived by nine great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.




Linda M. Wright, June 20, 2004, of Grand Island, after a brief illness; mother of Charles Robert Wright; daughter of Robert E. Sr. and the late Shirley (Meyer) Wright; sister of Robert E. Jr. (Julieann), James A. (Stacy), Sandra G. (Thomas) Edwards, John L. (Cathy) and Earl W. II (Judi) Wright; beloved friend of Charles W. Kittle and Robert G. Hoffmiester. Friends may call Wednesday, June 23, 2004 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 Thursday, June 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.




Wayne F. Cook, June 18, 2004, of Grand Island, died Friday in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a long illness. He was 76. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, the former Elaine Kunze; two sons, Ronald (Wendy) Cook and Michael (Wendy) Cook, both of Grand Island; two daughters, Joanne (Phil) Jordanof Lynchburg, Va., and Becky (David) McMoil of Buffalo, Minn.; a sister, Mary "Rusty" Sobzcak of Amherst; a brother, Jerry (Betty) Cook of Buffalo; and eight grandchildren: Karen, Jonathan, Kaitlynn, Zachary, Sara, Daniel, Anna and Aaron. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by a memorial service at 8:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Mount St. Mary's Hospital or The American Lung Association. Wayne was a retired auto mechanic and service station owner. The Plattsburg native moved to Buffalo with his family in 1946. An Army veteran of World War II, he was sent to Japan in 1946 where he worked in transportation. He worked for National Fuel for 18 years. Then, in 1975, he bought an Exxon Service Station on Grand Island. In 1981, he and his two sons bought a Mobil Service Station on Grand Island and in 1988, Grand Island Automotive, which is now Grand Island Auto Tech. He worked with both of his sons until retiring in 1993. His sons still operate Grand Island Auto Tech. He was a member of Bible Presbyterian Church and for years transported children to church in one of its buses.




Joseph C. Cinelli Sr., 70, died at home on Grand Island, NY Wednesday, June 16, 2004 after a long battle with cancer. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, the former Margie E. "Susie" Kovacsev; four sons, Michael, Joseph C. Jr. (Ingrid), and Christopher (Julie), all of Grand Island and Jon (Anne) Cinelli of the Town of Tonawanda. Also survived by nine grandchildren; and a brother, Robert (Anita) of Lockport. Predeceased by a brother, Frank (survived by wife Judy) Cinelli. Mr. Cinelli was the son of the late Nicholas and Jean Cinelli. 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Buffalo 14227. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery. Born in Buffalo, Joe was a retired employee of Praxair Inc. He served in the Marine Corps for eight years and was a member of the Conrad F. Kania Marine Corps League and the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 on Grand Island. Joe graduated from Canisius College with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1966 and went to work for Praxair. He retired in 1997. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a life member and past president of the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club and was a friend of many members of the Niagara River Station Fishing Club.




Joan M. Williams, June 12, 2004, of Grand Island, mother of James (Sharon) and John Williams; grandmother of Vaughn (Rosalie) and Sean (Maggie) Williams; also survived by five great-grandchildren; sister of Joseph O'Brien. Friends may call 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.




Gertrude Kranzmann, former Island resident, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2004 in Miami, Florida at the age of 94. She lived a full life with many friends and a family who loved her greatly. She will be missed. Survisors include four children, Herbert (Hazel) Kranzmann, Richard (Clare) Kranzmann, Linda Barichak and Lois (Robert) Marascia; seven grandchildren, Robin (Tim) Jordan, Scott (Patty) Kranzmann, Richard (Holly) Kranzmann, Brendan (Ellen) Kranzmann, Gina (Kevin) Chew, Brett (Frances) Marascia and Jessica (Al) Stanco; 11 great grandchildren, Christine (Joe) Torregrossa, Jessica Scheuing, Brianna and Stephanie Kranzmann, Kariane and Kevin Chew, Alyssa and Sydney Kranzmann, Aleesia and Nicolas Stanco, Sydney Marascia; and a great great granddaughter, Alyssa Scheuing.




Dr. Richard H. Christiansen, Ph.D., 79, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2004 in Florida. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 9, 1924 to Danish parents, he was a Florida resident since moving from Grand Island, NY in 1980. As a young man, Mr. Christiansen assisted his mother in her catering business, where he gained his love of cooking and fine food. An Army Air Corps member, he was a veteran of World War II. A graduate of University of Iowa with a degree in pharmacy, he also earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Texas and went on to teach at the University at Buffalo. He was a Washington, D.C. lobbyist for the outdoor advertising arm of the 3M Company, and later a realtor on Grand Island. He retired from the Buffalo area to Daytona Beach in the 1980s. He was a member of the Shriners, the Jesters, the Halifax River Yacht Club and the Pelican Bay Country Club. Preceded in death by Shirley and Peggy, he is survived by his loving wife of eight years, Doris; a stepson, James Rosensteele of Grand Island; a stepdaughter, Donna Adams of Victoria, British Columbia; a brother, Robert (Marion) Christiansen of Las Vegas; and four grandchildren who will all remember him with love and cherish the times they spent with him. A memorial service was held Friday, June 11, 2004 at the Chapel of Baggett & Summers Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Shriners Burn Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.




Joseph E. Kline, of Grand Island, owner of Kline Automotive in Niagara Falls, died Thursday, June 10, 2004 after a brief illness, in Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was 58. Mr. Kline was born in Philipsburg, Pa. He moved to Niagara Falls in 1951 and attended area schools, graduating from LaSalle Senior High School. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Kline was the owner/operator of Kline Automotive, a business his father, Joseph J., founded in 1965. He worked alongside his father for many years, becoming sole operator when his father died in 1993. Mr. Kline is survived by his mother, Stevana of Niagara Falls; a son, Joseph J.; and a daughter, Sharon. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.




Raphael Yalkovsky, a Buffalo State College professor and international science writer, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 in his Grand Island home after a short illness. He was 86. Born in Chicago, Dr. Yalkovsky had resided on Grand Island since 1961. A World War II Army veteran, he earned a doctoral degree in marine geology from the University of Chicago in 1956. Dr. Yalkovsky worked as a geologist, oceanographer, journalist, poet and professor. In Chicago, he worked as an associate engineer in Crane Research Laboratory. He then went on to become renowned in the science writing world and was accredited with the United Nations press corps. A member of the National Association of Science Writers, Dr. Yalkovsky was listed in "American Men of Science" in 1961, "Who's Who in the East" in 1970, "Community Leaders in America" in 1971 and "Who's Who in Technology Today" in 1984. On assignment in Geneva, Switzerland, for the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, Dr. Yalkovsky met and worked with Jacques Cousteau. He also traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to write about Spanish oceanography. He was the author of 35 professional works on marine sediments, international sea law and water geology. In the 1950s, he received the Harcourt Prize for short stories. Dr. Yalkovsky taught marine geology, sedimentology, mineralogy and oceanography at Buffalo State College for 22 years. He also taught at the University of Montana for five years. Dr. Yalkovsky also assisted the underwater squad of the Buffalo Police Department in finding abandoned cars and studied pollution in the Niagara River. He was the son of the late Shlomo and Elizabeth (Lamb) Yalkovsky; brother of the late Hal Borgen, Isabelle Byman, and Goldie Lamb. Graveside services will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery (Delaware/Delavan Entrance) 2 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2004 at 2 PM. No prior visitations. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr Yalkovsky's memory may be made to the Holocaust Museum in NY, NY. Arrangements by AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC.




Mark E. Goldbach, June 8, 2004; dear son of Mildred (late Harold J.) Goldbach; brother of Barbara A. (James) Bollman, David J., Robert M., Mary S. (Edgar) Douglas and the late James M. Goldbach; loving uncle of many nieces and nephews; also survived by loving friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers declined. Memorials to the American Diabetes Association.




Raymond P. Jones Jr., 73, died unexpectedly Sunday, June 6, 2004 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Resident of Grand Island and Englewood, FL. He was the husband of 47 years of the late Ruthann (White) Jones who died in 2001; father of Janet E. (Bernie) Brower of Rochester and Joyce E. Jones of Grand Island; grandfather of Lcpl. Joel E., Jenel E. and Jarilyn E. Stoorza; nephew of James Pancook; son of the late Annamary and Raymond P. Jones Sr. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial services will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Shriners Hospital Fund, 1645 West 8th street, Erie, PA 16505. Mr. Jones was a member of Eggerstville-Grand Island Lodge # 1138, F & AM under whose auspices Masonic services will be held Tuesday 8 p.m. Burial was in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Ray, a retired Erie Community College professor,was born in Buffalo. He earned a bachelor's degree in recreation, physical education and health from Brockport State College and a master's degree from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass. He served in the Army in 1953 and 1954 and was a member of the Army Reserve until 1960. Ray taught for a year at St. Bonaventure University, then became a professor of recreation leadership at ECC in 1958. He retired in 1985. He served on the Grand Island Recreation Advisory Board from 1985 to 1991, was the former chairman of the Erie County Parks and Recreation Board and a member of the Grand Island Fire Company and Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ray was a member of Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge 1138, Free & Accepted Masons; the Ismailia Shrine; and the Jesters. He was the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Representative to Victoria, Australia, in 1987. A winter resident of Englewood, Fla., he also was a member of Rotonda West Golf Club in Rotonda, Fla., and the VFW and American Legion posts in Englewood. He enjoyed boating, tennis, hunting and golf.




Milton H. Leiner, of Grand Island N.Y., June 3, 2004. Beloved son of Marion E. (Kolb) and the late Henry L. Leiner; dear brother of Paul C. (Jean) Leiner; uncle of Paul H. and Elizabeth A. Leiner. No prior visitation. Private cremation services. Arrangements by Erie County Cremation Service. 824-6435.




Joseph J. Mroziak, 94, of Grand Island, died June 4, 2004 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a brief illness, beloved husband of 67 years of Emily (Mamon) Mroziak; dearest father of Mary Ann (Robert) Johns, Palmetto, FL, and Thomas (Mary-Elizabeth) Mroziak, Grand Island; loving 'Dziadzi' of Michael Mroziak and Dr. Melissa Mroziak; dear brother of Helen (late Alfred) Wilkey and Angela (late John) Piecuil, both of Lewiston; predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary (Kubas) Mroziak and his sister Victoria Richards Guthrie. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 7, 2004 at 9:15 a.m. at the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 356 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1419 Falls St. with Rev. Slawomir Siok officiating. Interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Renovation Fund. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mr. Mroziak, a former lab technician, was born in Buffalo and moved to Niagara Falls with his family as a child. He attended Niagara Falls public schools. Mr. Mroziak worked at Prestolite for 34 years as a production worker and later as a lab technician until his retirement in 1971. He moved from Niagara Falls to Grand Island in 1978.




Harvey R. Enser Sr. June 5, 2004, 89, of Grand Island, Husband of his high school sweetheart, Mary (Bottlinger) Enser (67 years); father of Nancy (Robert) West and Harvey R. (Colleen) Enser Jr., both of Grand Island; grandfather of Bonnie (Michael) Marino, David (Kelly) Lesinski Jr., Justine (Ronald) Sorri, Stephen West, Ryan, Jay, Erich and Caitlin Enser; also survived by seven great grandchildren. Private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Enser, who died in Episcopal Church Home after a brief illness, was born in Buffalo, and graduated from Depew High School. He was a chief stationary engineer with Vulcan Steam Forging for 38 years and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He retired in 1962. He lived on Grand Island since 1967 until moving to the nursing home. Mr. Enser enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.




Michael J. Jarzyniecki died unexpectedly Sunday, May 30, 2004 in his Kenmore home. He was 40. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Jarzyniecki was a 1985 graduate of Grand Island High School and worked as an assembler for Allentown Industries for 15 years. He enjoyed all types of art - particularly painting and drawing, as well as fishing, swimming and softball. Survivors include his parents, James of Cheektowaga and Kathleen Linsmaier of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Deanine Haney of Jacksonville; and a brother, Corey of Cheektowaga. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Josaphat Catholic Church, William and Peoria streets, Cheektowaga, following prayers at 9:30 in Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home, 85 George Urban Blvd., Cheektowaga.




William Batarla, 57, of West Virginia and Florida, formerly of Grand Island, died Wednesday, May 19, 2004 after a battle with cancer at home with his family. Bill is survived by his wife Martha (Schaerer); daughters, Kyle (James) Gorton, and Alyssa Batarla; granddaughter, MacKenzie Jude; father, William Batarla; brother, Robert (Jane) Batarla; and sister, Sheila Fortura. His mother, Barbara (Milne) and his wife, Judy (Nation), predeceased Bill. He was a talented artist, craftsman, musician and jeweler. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Palm Beach Pipe and Drums, c/o Don Horine, 3426 Theo Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33417; or Hospice of Palm Beach Co., 561-848-5200.




Mary Catherine (Murphy) Squires, May 26, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of the late Osborne F. Squires Jr.; mother of Osborne F. (Lynn) Squires III, Lisa E. Nadeau, Amy E. Squires and David C. (Kelly) Squires; beloved grandmother of Philip and Dillon Nadeau and Katherine Squires; sister of Albert and John (Helen) Murphy; dear aunt of Michael (Pat) and Erin Leahy. Friends may call Friday, May 28, 2004 only 4-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




Norma E. Walker, a retired licensed practical nurse, died Sunday in her Town of Tonawanda home under hospice care. She was 82. Mrs. Walker worked at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and United Church Home. She retired in 1990. Born Norma Young in Buffalo, she attended School 65 and graduated from Riverside High School. She attended Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. She enlisted in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, serving as a medical technician stateside. She met her husband, Robert L. Walker, while they were serving in the military. He died in 1977. Surviving are a son, Gary of the Town of Tonawanda; two daughters, Bonnie Chaney of the Town of Tonawanda and Betty Eagle of Jericho, Vt.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Grand Island.




Florence (Bojarski) Buzydlowski, May 24, 2004; of Grand Island; wife of the late Frank Buzydlowski; mother of Barbara Sterner and Robert (Jean) Buzby; grandmother of Deborah Brauer, Kenneth Sterner Jr., Eric and Jeff Buzby; great-grandmother of Paul and Debbie Sterner. Graveside services will be held Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 700 Pine Ridge Rd., Cheektowaga.




John G. Krehl, 37, of California, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 19, 2004. He was the husband of Amy Krehl, father of Michael, Brody, Daniel and 4-day-old daughter, Madalyn. John, born August 9, 1966, was the son of Island residents Daniel and Donna (Yakam) Krehl and brother of Kelly (Eric) Valone Maurer. Arrangements to be posted as they become available.




Janice A. (Schmidt) Roche, 94, longtime Island resident, passed away on April 4, 2004. Wife of the late John A. Roche and sister of Dorothy Bell. Survived by nieces, nephews and dear friend, Bonnie Peete. Predeceased by Phyllis Fisher. A memorial service was celebrated May 22, 2004 in St. Stephen's Church. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Tonawanda. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Shirley A. (Thompson) Krentz, May 8, 2004 in Bayonet Point, FL, formerly of Grand Island, NY, wife of the late Robert C. Krentz; mother of Karen Krentz, Cheryl Barnas (David) and Robin Krentz; grandmother of Brian, Kevin, Michael and Steven Barnas. Private burial will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Gulfside Regional Hospice, 3539 Universal Plaza, New Port Richey, Florida 34652.





Jean Cudmore, educator, naturalist, environmentalist
   Anna Jean Donalda (McLaren) Cudmore, died peacefully on May 19, 2004 at Alexis Lodge Retirement Home in Toronto, Ontario. Predeceased by her dear husband Bruce. Beloved mother of Ian Alfred Norman Cudmore (Dolores Watkins) and Mary Catherine Christine Vari (Andras). Proud grandmother of Vanessa, Jocelyn and David Vari, and Donavan Cudmore. Services were held at the Murray Newbigging Funeral Home in Toronto, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph, Ontario.
   Jean was born in London, Ontario, and spent the first few years of her life in Guelph before moving to Toronto where she attended Havergal College. In her teen-age years she lived in Bradford and King City where her father was a Presbyterian minister. Here she enjoyed the countryside and frequent visits with relatives. Jean and Bruce were married, and soon left Toronto for Grand Island.
   Moving to Grand Island in 1954, Jean Cudmore, quickly found her niche. Jean’s pioneering spirit inspired her as she worked with her husband, Bruce, to build a home for their family of four on Ferry Road. She enjoyed making new, lifelong friends and began a teaching career that spanned two decades. Teaching was her love and ecology was her passion. A born naturalist, she was a great proponent of the Grand Island Public School “outdoor education” program, and thoroughly enjoyed taking her fifth grade class on their annual outings. She even volunteered to assist on the outdoor education expeditions with her grandchildren’s school in Williamsville. Jean was also one of the founders of Eco Island, an educational nature trail on the island. Jean continued her advocacy of the environment through her involvement with Earthwatch research studies, examining the American Alligator in Florida, the Leatherback Turtle in the Virgin Islands and collecting genetic data in Hungary. As a member of Elderhostel she built her own canoe and paddles and attended numerous lectures on nature studies.
   In addition to enjoying several rappelling and wilderness survival excursions in Northern Ontario, white water canoeing in Vermont, hiking hundreds of miles of historic trails (including the 430 mile Bruce Trail in Ontario), exploring the Baja Peninsula, cross-country skiing in Norway, mountain climbing in Colorado, and snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, Jean also enjoyed figure skating with the Buffalo Skating Club, attending concerts, baking bread and especially, spending time with her four grandchildren. She was very proud of her grandchildren and was delighted by all their musical, academic and athletic accomplishments.
   Jean’s recent years have been spent at Alexis Lodge where, thanks to the devotion of family and the loving, compassionate care of the Alexis Lodge staff, Jean was able to bear her advancing Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and grace. Jean’s strength, courage, humor and passion for life is an everlasting inspiration to us all.
   Memorial donations may be made to Alexis Lodge Retirement Home, 707 Ellesmere Rd., Toronto, ON M1P 2W1.




Bernice (DeGlopper) Bailey, May 19, 2004, lifelong resident of Grand Island, wife of the late Reginald Bailey; sister of Hazel (late Clarence) Mallwitz, Earl (Rita) DeGlopper and the late Walter (survived by wife Hazel) DeGlopper and Marion (late Gerald) Coates; daughter of the late Walter and Florence DeGlopper; cousin of Carol (French) Mabey; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday 10-11:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services to follow at 11:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church.




Services for John Pater, who was an upholsterer at Sattler's, will be held at 10:30 a.m. today (May 21, 2004) in St. John Lutheran Church, 67 Litchfield Ave., Depew, after prayers at 10 in the Zubrick-Amigone Funeral Home, 5615 Broadway, Lancaster. Mr. Pater, 80, of Grand Island, died Tuesday in Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Batavia. Born in Kosiciach, Czechoslovakia, he came to the United States in 1938 and attended Depew High School. He worked at Sattler's department store at 998 Broadway for 30 years, retiring in 1975. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Pater was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9249 on Grand Island, and the Disabled American Veterans. He predeceased his first wife, the former Josephine Mottle, and his second wife, the former Patricia Kelly. Survivors include three daughters, Kathleen A. Herman of Elma, Sally J. Tysiac of Rochester and Linda M. Matuszewski of Marilla; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.




John Gilbert Martin, 76, of Grand Island, a retired guidance counselor, died Monday, May 17, 2004 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston after a short illness. Born in Oswego, he received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Oswego State College. He moved to Grand Island in 1968. During and after World War II, Mr. Martin served in the Army with the 12th Cavalry Regiment in Japan, and was a corporal upon his discharge in 1947. From 1971 until his retirement in 1989, he was a guidance counselor at West Seneca West High School. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Psi Phi fraternity, as well as an honorary recruiter for the Navy. His hobbies included golf, travel, chess and ice skating. Survivors include a daughter, Jacqueline of Grand Island, and two sons, Lee of Las Vegas and Gary of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Private services will be held in Bath Military Cemetery, Bath.




Marian (Wiley) Skindell, May 17, 2004, of Grand Island. Wife of James J. Skindell; mother of Susan M. (Norm) Bauman and Lori A. (Doug) Banker; grandmother of Andrew Banker, Faith and Wyatt Bauman; sister of Earla (Glen) Bell, Verna (John) Runk, Inez Prentice, and the late Melvin, Enloe, and Carlton Wiley and Martha Sinden; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, May 19, 2004 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, May 20, 2004 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, 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 the American Lung Association. Mrs. Skindell was a cafeteria aid for eighteen years at Sidway School on Grand Island.




John B. Henshaw, an operating engineer who helped shape Buffalo's skyline for more than a half-century, died Saturday, May 15, 2004 in his Grand Island home after a long illness. He was 80. During his 56 years as a member of Local 17 of the Operating Engineers, Mr. Henshaw helped build the Buffalo Skyway, the Dulski Federal Building, housing projects and the Kinzua Dam, among other area landmarks. His son, John E. Henshaw, a retired state trooper, said his father was the oldest living member of the local operating engineers. His father took pride in remembering his work. "We'd be out driving, and he'd say, "John, I put up all the steel for that building,' " his son recalled. Born in Rochester and raised in Kenmore, Mr. Henshaw moved to Grand Island in 1976, where he spent the rest of his life. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Henshaw was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending winters in Fort Myers, Fla., with his wife of 58 years, the former Mary M. Daigler. Survivors in addition to his wife and son include a daughter, Jacquelyn (Michael) Hogan of Clarence; a sister, Mary O'Brien of Kenmore; three grandchildren - Susan (Peter) Morrissey, Lynda (Matthew) Carver and Kelly Hogan; and two great-grandchildren - Ryan M. and Connor P. Morrissey. Mr. Henshaw was the brother of Mary Ann O'Brien and the late Thomas M. Henshaw. Friends may call Sunday 7-9 PM and Monday 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. Tuesday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Make A Wish Foundation.




Sharon G. Colosi - A memorial Mass for Sharon G. "Sherry" Colosi, 55, who retired from Verizon in Buffalo, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Peter's Catholic Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston. Ms. Colosi died May 1, 2004 of cancer in her home in Navarre, Florida. Born in Dunkirk, Ms. Colosi spent her early years abroad because of various postings of her father, who retired as a colonel in the Air Force. She graduated from high school in Okinawa, Japan, and later attended the State University at Albany and Fredonia State College. Ms. Colosi retired in 2002 after 30 years with the telephone company. A Grand Island resident during that time, she was a volunteer and counselor with Crisis Services and was an active member of the Communication Workers of America. After she retired, she moved to Navarre, in northwest Florida, where she had a waterfront home. She was the daughter of the late Betty (fisher) Thorough. Survivors include a daughter, Kristen of Lewiston; her father and stepmother, Jerome and Dorothy "Doe" Thorough of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.; a sister, Sandra Gray of Navarre; and a brother, William Thorough of Destin, Florida. Services were also held in Navarre.




Patricia R. McKenna, May 9, 2004; wife of Michael R. McKenna; mother of Wesley (Tabitha) Payne; grandmother of John Wesley; sister of Franklin (Pam) Payne, Libby (Dennis) Ponton, Ralph Payne and David Mahone. Friends may call Wednesday only 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island.




Marvin Walter Voelker, 67, a chemical company executive, died Saturday, April 17, 2004, at his residence. Mr. Voelker was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Voelker and son, Eric Voelker. He is survived by his wife, Kathryne Voelker of Grapevine; daughter, Linda (George) Worthy of Montgomery, Ala.; sons, Raymond (Carolyn) Voelker of Newbury, Ohio and Jonathan (Sarah) Voelker of Lewisville; seven grandsons; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter. Mr. Voelker and his family resided on Grand Island from 1968 to 1987, and was active in St. Martin-in-the-Field's Church where he was an usher and on the vestry.




Nina C. Hurley, May 5, 2004, of Grand Island, daughter of Charles and Marjorie Hurley, of Ocala, FL; sister of Melissa (Gregory) Levinsky, of Louisville, KY. Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo. Nina was a graduate student at SUNY at Buffalo and was a Registered Nurse with Hospice Buffalo.




Mary Frances Mure, May 3, 2004, of Buffalo and Grand Island, loving daughter of the late Sebastian and Carmela (Bordonaro) Mure; cherished mother of Michael (Debra) Mure and Diane (Joseph) Marino; beloved grandmother of Joseph (Jeannie), Melina, Stephen and Michael (Bonnie) Marino and Gretchen (Lenny) Rodriquez; loving great-grandmother of Marisa, Zachary, Taylor, Ayla, Nathan and Michael Marino and Bianca, Karina and Isabela Rodriquez of Florida; dear and loving mother figure to Carmela Rybczynski; survived by loving nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, June 7, at 11 AM at St. Martin in the Fields Church, Baseline Rd., Grand Island. The Rev. Cyril S. Hurnyak of Murraysville, PA officiating. Mrs. Mure was a member of the former Dante Alighieri Cultural Society and the Realty Assn. of Buffalo. Memorials in her memory may be made to Summit Educational Resources, 300 Fries Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150.




Dorothy C. (Burshtynski) Erling, of Hamburg, formerly of Grand Island, suddenly May 4, 2004, mother of Linda (Edward) Erling-Baker and Rick (Kerry) Erling; sister of Walter Burshtynski, Alfrieda Powers, Bernadine English, Richard Burst and the late Virginia Zielinski and Leonard Burshtynski; grandmother of Ricky and Robert Erling. Friends may call at the DONALD M. DEMMERLEY FUNERAL HOME INC., 21 Pierce Ave. Hamburg, Friday 6-9 PM where a funeral service will be held Saturday at 9:30 AM. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Olmsted Center for the Visusally Impaired.




Elizabeth J. "Betty" Swann, April 28, 2004; of Grand Island; wife of the late Alfred Swann; mother of Stephen (Victoria) Swann of Fair Lawn, NJ; sister of George (Cait) Durnan of Alliston, Ontario; daughter of the late Wilfred and Isabelle Durnan. The family will receive friends Sunday 2-5 PM at the family home, 3086 Second Ave., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.




William J. Lock, of Grand Island, NY, May 2, 2004, beloved husband of Phyllis M. (nee Occhino) Lock; father of Stacy and Adam Lock; brother of Phyllis (Frank) Crupe; brother-in-law of Joanne and Vincent (Barbara) Occhino; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends received Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 and in Holy Angels Church at 10.




Gerda J. Zizzi Miller, 88, April 26, 2004, of Naples, FL, formerly of Grand Island, she had been a Naples resident for the past 18 years. She is survived by Valentine Zizzi of Naples; daughters Sonja C. Miller of Grand Island and Susanne Tranter of Tonawanda and brother Heinz Schwanke residing in Spain. Others survivors include her grandchildren, Robert P. Tranter Jr., Leah C. Hill, Emily, Gabrielle and Sophia Zizzi. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Harvey A. Miller, Master Sgt. US Army Ret. who died in 1983. No prior visitation. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.




Dorothy Winship Evans, a longtime resident of Grand Island, died Saturday, April 24, 2004 in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a long illness. She was 87. Mrs. Evans was born in Bloomington, Ill, moved to Niagara County with her family in the late 1920s and graduated from Lockport High School. She lived for a time in Niagara Falls and then moved to Grand Island after her marriage in 1946. Mrs. Evans worked at the Buffalo plant of Harrison Radiator Division for a few years in the 1940s. She was a cashier at Hengerer's Department Store in downtown Buffalo in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She was a member of Island Presbyterian Church and the Sandy Beach Garden Club on Grand Island for many years. She enjoyed knitting Christmas stockings and sweaters for her family. Her husband of 39 years, Charles A., died in 1986. Survivors include two daughters, Amy Mang of Niagara Falls and Melinda of Grand Island; a son, Arthur (Marta) of Grand Island. She was the grandmother of Amy (Daniel) Oswald, Nathan, Abigail and Rebekah Evans; great-grandmother of Alyssa, Meaghan and Hannah Oswald. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Island Presbyterian Church. Memorials to The Alzheimer's Association of WNY. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston.




Marian L. Maurer, 78, of Grand Island, a homemaker, died Tuesday (April 20, 2004) in Buffalo General Hospital after a short illness. She was born Marian Higgs in Brocton and attended Brocton High School. She and her husband, Donald, moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., after they were married in 1959 and returned to the Dunkirk-Fredonia area in 1999. They had just built a home on Grand Island. She was a member of Fredonia Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, survivors include a son, William H. of Grand Island, and a sister, Helen Higgs of Laona. Services will be private. Burial will be in Stockton Cemetery.




James G. Nice, April 20, 2004 of Grand Island, age 75. Devoted husband for 54 years to Arlene (Worden) Nice; loving father of Michael J. (Lisa) Nice, James G. (Pamela) Nice Jr., Lauri B. (George) Rogers, Luann (Timothy) Chambers and Lisa D. (Bruce Kelly) Nice; devoted grandfather of James G. III, Brian and Victoria Nice, Samantha Lucas, Emma Chambers, Andrew and Lauren Rogers; step-grandfather of Amanda and Gregory Hackney; great-grandfather of Brooke Nice; surviving siblings are Dorothy (late Robert) Davis and Beatrice (William) Cooper; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. Mr. Nice was a U. S. Army veteran and worked at Union Carbine-Linde Division in Tonawanda as a welder for 20 years, retiring in 1993




Myron L. "Mike" Strope, 64, of Grand Island, Tuesday, April 20, 2004 in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. Husband of Jean E. (Soeder) Strope; brother of Dee-Ann (Rick) Herold of San Diego, CA; also eight nieces and nephews. Friends 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM Thursday in LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls where services will be held at 8:30 PM. Memorials to Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226 or a charity of your choice. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Myron "Mike" Strope was born in Niagara Falls, was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and attended Colorado State University. He was the former business manager of Hospital Corporation of America at Metro Health Center, Erie, Pa. Strope also lived in Erie, Pa., and Denmark, Wis., before moving to Grand Island. He formerly worked at Marine Midland Bank, now HSBC, and was district sales manager at Nissan Motor. He then worked at Metro Health Center and retired in 1999. Strope played football, baseball and basketball for Niagara Falls High School. He was also a catcher and first baseman in the Niagara Falls II League. He worked as a professional baseball umpire in the Single A League, played semi-professional football and was a fast pitcher for a team in the Ponzi League. He also was a fast and slow pitcher in various leagues in Niagara Falls and Buffalo.




Robert J. Hackett, 63, of Grand Island, died April 18, 2004 unexpectedly in his Grand Island home. He was the husband of 38 years of Judy (Gee) Hackett; father of Robert J. (Dawn) Hackett II of Amherst; brother of Donna Lou (Alan) Nicholson of Waverly, Va and the late Peter Hackett; nephew of Robert (Reta) Schroeder; also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Memorials to The Make A Wish Foundation or the American Heart Assn. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Mr. Hackett was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for more than 40 years. Born Oct. 13, 1940 in North Tonawanda, the son of the late Donald and Lucille Hackett, he was a North Tonawanda native,and a graduate of Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls. He worked out of Local 17, International Union of Operating Engineer, and retired as a technician from the Saint-Gobain in 1999. He was commander of the LaSalle Yacht Club and served as president of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Niagara Chapter. Mr. Hackett also held membership in Grand Island Lodge 180, Loyal Order of Moose; International Order of the Blue Gavel; Swiftwater Power Squadron; American Power Boat Association Racing; Antique Boat Museum in Clayton; Fishers Landing Racing Club; and Thursday's Lunch Brunch.




William James Wietan, 75, born January 16, 1929, one of 10 children of Joseph and Anna Kieffer Wietan and died April 17, 2004 of cancer in Tavares, FL. He attended school in the Buffalo School System and was married February 5, 1947 in Ohio to Rose Marie Gualliano. He was a free-thinker and did a variety of things in his lifetime. As a teenager, he worked on the Great Lakes on the lake freighter ships. He became an independent contractor, building dry cleaning establishments in the Buffalo area and in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He worked at Lucidal. He owned and operated his Liquor Bar and Restaurant in Grand Island, NY, at the same time as working on the trains of Penn Central Railroad as a fireman and engineer. He was also a very forceful Union Leader and President while working in Buffalo, helping to obtain the benefits many employees of today receive. In 1971, he retired and moved his family to Leesburg, FL where he bought two mobile home parks across from what is now Lake Square Mall. At that time, the land was filled with orange groves and Route 441 was a two lane highway with an occasional car passing. He became a Real Estate Broker and salesman, sold his parks and went to work selling mobile homes for Continental Country Club, Mid-Flordia Lakes Mobile Home Park and Zellwood Station Mobile Home Park, when they were getting started. He also sold commercial properties and became a Colonel as an auctioneer for real estate. He has a certificate for electrical wiring, air-conditioning, auctioneering and stationary engineering. When retiring from these, he and his wife, Rose, worked in various local flea markets to keep active. After her death in 1994, he stopped marketing and visited them frequently. He was predeceased by his first wife of 45 years, Rose and two stepsons, Charles and Robert Farrugia. Survivors are his son, William Joseph Wietan of Apopka, FL; daughter, Debbie (Jim) McElroy of Grand Island, NY; granddaughter, Lesa (Mark) Beehlar; grandsons, Aaron (Alison) McElroy and Isaac (Kristy) Wietan; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, Stacy and Chucky; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna (Curt) Korff and Joan Albert; several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, April 19, 2004 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, Leesburg, FL. BEYERS FUNERAL HOME, Umatilla is in charge of arrangements.




Alice R. (Greenfield) Watkins, 86, April 15, 2004 in Alterra Wynwood, Kenmore, after a short illness. Wife of the late Dr. George W. Watkins. dear mother of George P. (Maryjean) of Kenmore, Sheldon C. (Alice) of Phoenix, Richard J. (Barbara) Watkins of Liverpool and Joan F. (Donald) Portik of Grand Island. Dearest grandmother of Scott Watkins, Lisa Meyer, Karen Conway, Keith, Richard Watkins, Leslie Schoen, Christine and Daniel Portik and Lisa Stivala and Kirk Allen; survived by 13 great-grandchildren. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave, Kenmore. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 19, 2004 at 10 a.m. at St Martin in the Field Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd, Grand Island. Memorials to Episcopal Church Home or St. Martin in the Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Alice, born in Buffalo, was a graduate of Bennett High School and attended the University of Buffalo. A retired dental hygienist, she graduated from the Eastman Dental School of the University of Rochester. She was a practicing dental hygienist with her late husband, dentist Dr. George W., for over 40 years. She was past president of the Buffalo Chapter of Dental Hygienists; past delegate of the state Dental Hygienists Association; honorary member of the Episcopal Church Home Associate Board; past president of the Business and Women's Club of the Episcopal Church Home; and past president of the Women's Group of Transfiguration Church and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. She also was a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Meals on Wheels Program of Grand Island; chairman of the Bereavement Committee at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church; volunteer in Deaconess Hospital; and an active member of the Grand Island Senior Citizens Center. Her husband of 57 years died in 1994.




Harold "Beaver" Schrutt, April 9, 2004. In loving memory of the greatest antique and scrap metal dealer. Beloved son of Joan Schrutt Omeara, Harold Schrutt Sr. deceased and step father John Patrick Omeara deceased; brother of Stuart Goodman, Barry Schrutt, Douglas Schrutt, Craig Schrutt, Deborah Schrutt Jablonski, Joan Schrutt Pingitore, Rebekah Schrutt Weber and Joshua Schrutt. Photo, memories and stories about Beaver will be welcomed for a book being written on his life. Send to Joan Omeara, PO Box 50339, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. Raised in Angola and on Grand Island, he spent his happiest times fishing and hunting. He was known and loved by many people at Antique World in Clarence and throughout the City of Buffalo. Beaver spent the last 15 years of his life investigating and searching for the people responsible for his father's death. Those who knew Beaver will always remember his caring heart, his strong courage and his righteous beliefs. Phone 1-877-SCHRUTT. Friends may call Friday, April 23, 12 Noon-1 PM followed by Memorial Services at 1 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Interment to follow.




Douglas P. Henderson, April 11, 2004, of Grand Island, NY formerly of Kenmore, NY, beloved husband of Eleanor (Lewis) Henderson; father of Douglas Bruce (Susan Gingrasso) and David Lewis (Patricia Hogg) Henderson; grandfather of Jonathan, Michael USAF, Eleanor, Phillip and Timothy Henderson; brother of the late Erland Moest. Friends are invited to attend Memorial Service in University Presbyterian Church (Main St. and Niagara Falls Blvd.) Friday afternoon at 1. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to University Presbyterian Church.




Linda A. Curcie Peate, April 10, 2004; beloved wife of Bertram Peate; dearest mother of Christine (John K) McNamee and the late Bertram T. Peate; sister of Anna (Bob) Corritone and the late Vinnie Maas and Gloria Ainsworth. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Stephens R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Saturday at 10:00 AM. Entombment private. Arrangements CARLTON A. ULLRICH FUNERAL HOME INC.




Vito L. Lavango, April 2, 2004; of Grand Island; husband of Caroline (Cappello) Lavango; father of Vito F. (Kristine) Lavango; AnneMarie (Richard) Desaulniers and Joseph L. Lavango; grandfather of Samantha and Melissa Desaulniers; son of Anna Rose and the late Vito F. Lavango; brother of Dorothy DeDominicis, Robert (Nancy) Lavango, Marlene Lavango and the late Karen Lavango. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:15 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Co., 2275 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, 14072.




Janice A. (Schmidt) Roche, Of Grand Island, Sunday, April 4, 2004, wife of the late John Roche; sister of Dorothy Ball and the late Phyllis Fisher; also surviving are nieces, nephews and dear friend, Bonnie Peete. A Memorial Mass will be held at a time to be announced. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.




Frank A. DelSignore Sr., 64, of Grand Island, NY, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. Frank was a Grand Island School Board member who retired as a teacher and principal in the Niagara Falls School District. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, he had lived on Grand Island since 1971. Frank was a graduate of Bishop Duffy High School and Brockport State Teachers College. He began his Niagara Falls School District teaching career in 1963 and taught in several elementary schools before becoming assistant principal of Niagara Street School. He later served as principal of G.J. Mann and Harry F. Abate elementary schools, retiring in 1996. Frank was elected to the Grand Island Board of Education in 1997 and continued to serve until the time of his death. A member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island, Frank enjoyed traveling and horse racing and was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. He was the son of the late Salvatore and Katherine (Tavano) DelSignore and brother of the late Angelo (Helen) DelSignore. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, the former Maria Marchioni of Grand Island; sons Frank (Roseanne) DelSignore, Jr. of Grand Island; David (Jodi) DelSignore of Las Vegas; Michael (April) DelSignore of Williamsville; and a daughter Marla (Niall) Majury of Belfast, Northern Ireland; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday, April 3 from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, April 4th from 3-7 p.m. at M.J. Colucci And Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 5th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Everyone will assemble at church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Kevin Guest House, the Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo or to the building fund of St. Stephen's Parish.




Nancy S. Andrews, 53, of Grand Island, NY, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Town of Lewiston. Mrs. Andrews was born in Niagara Falls, NY on January 26, 1951, a daughter of the late George and Helen (Schmidli) Cooper. She graduated from Niagara Wheatfield High School in 1969, Niagara County Community College and Buffalo State College. She was employed with the Niagara Falls School Systems as a Language Arts teacher at LaSalle Middle School, Niagara Middle and most recently at Niagara Falls High School. She was a caring and supportive educator, and a devoted and loving mother and wife. Mrs. Andrews was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where she served as superintendent of Sunday School and sang in the church choir. "Teaching and the church were pretty much her life," said her husband of 29 years, Mark J. "That and raising her sons to be men were what she felt was important in life." She is also survived by two sons, Jake Andrews and Myles Andrews; four brothers, Jere Cooper of Wilson, NY; Gary Cooper (Claudia) of Lewiston, NY; Larry Cooper of Dansville, NY; and Mark Cooper (Margaret) of Ft. Worth, TX. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Helen Falcone; and a brother, George Cooper. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 1, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 2, 2004 in Grace Lutheran Church, Cayuga Drive at Pershing Avenue, Niagara Falls, with the Rev. Evan Gaertner officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.




A memorial Mass for Harrison W. Rogers Sr., controller and treasurer for Birdair in Amherst, will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Friends may call Wednesday only 2-5 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to a charity of your choice. Mr. Rogers, 52, of Grand Island, died in his home Sunday, March 28, 2004 after a six-month illness. A certified public accountant, Mr. Rogers had been with Birdair, maker of umbrellalike fabric roofs for pavilions and stadiums, since 1988. Before that, he was with Sen-Wel Industries. He started as an auditor with Ernst & Young in 1976 and moved on to Delaware North Cos. in 1979. Born in Seneca Falls, Mr. Rogers graduated with high honors from Niagara University in 1976 and became a CPA in 1979. He was a noncommissioned officer in the Army from 1969 to 1972, serving in Germany. Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Karen Hewner Rogers; two sons, Harrison W. Jr. and Theodore H., both of Grand Island; a daughter, Katharine Rogers of Grand Island; and three sisters, Cynthia A. Washburn of Savannah, Christine S. Budd of Lodi and Caroline L. Lent of Port Richey, Fla.




Mark J. Coffey, of Grand Island, March 23, 2004 in Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after a long illness. He was 46. Beloved husband of Robin M. Phillips Coffey; dear father of Nadine M. and Cassandra L. Coffey both of Grand Island; son of Michael J. and Ann Samber Coffey of Kenmore; brother of Michael (Karen) Coffey of the Town of Tonawanda and Judy (Michael) Merlino of Corfu, NY; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Saturday 7-9, Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's RC Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Monday at 10 AM. Please assemble at church. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island, will follow. Memorials to Shannon's House, 76 Sewell Ave., Brookline, MA 02446 are preferred. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island. Mark, a manufacturing engineer, was a Kenmore native, graduated from Kenmore West High School and attended Niagara County Community College. He worked in the machine shop at American Precision Industries for a number of years, then joined Curtis Screw Company as a manufacturing engineer in the machine shop. Recently, he worked as a supervisor in the machine shop at Sherwood Corp. in Lockport, before his illness progressed. In 1977 Mark married the former Robin Phillips and settled on Grand Island, where he was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. He was remembered by his family as loving to make people laugh and inspiring people with his fight to try to overcome his illness. He enjoyed fishing, especially in Bobcaygeon, Canada, with his family and boating on the Niagara River. Mark, who collected Bills memorabilia for more than 30 years, was an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills fan and recently was a guest of former Buffalo Bill Thurman Thomas at a Bills game.


Alma "Tam" Hill, who made Native American crafts, died Wednesday (March 17, 2004) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a lengthy illness. She was 80. The former Alma Wilson, a member of the Beaver Clan, was born on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation and attended local schools. She moved to Grand Island many years ago. Her husband, Stanley R. Sr., a world-renowned pioneer of bone and antler carving, died in December. Survivors include three sons, Russell S. and Richard W. Sr., both of Ohsweken, Ont., and Stanley R. Jr. of Conne River, Newfoundland; a daughter, Janet E. D'Alimonte of Kenmore; a brother, Findley J. Wilson of Fort Erie, Ont.; 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. A prayer service will be at 8 p.m. today in Tuscarora Indian Mission, 5035 Walmore Road, Lewiston. Burial will be in Church of Jesus Christ Cemetery, Six Nations Reservation.




Peter M. Mayo, March 20, 2004, of Grand Island, husband of Helen P. Mayo; father of Susanna Mayo; son of John P. of Camillus, NY and the late Mary Jane Mayo; brother of Mary Ellen (David) Hoag of Camillus and Joanne (Richard) Henry of Oswego, NY; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM at St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or Roswell Park Cancer Institute.




Adrian P. Pollock, Saturday, March 20, 2004, of Grand Island, husband of 63 years of Audrey (Petersen) Pollock; father of Allan (Nancy) Pollock of Louisville, KY and Annette (William) Zuber of the Village of Wyoming, NY; also survived by seven grandchildren and five nieces and nephews; son of the late Phil and Ida Pollock; brother-in-law of Myrtis Whydotski and Margery Petersen. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church followed by burial in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Grand Island Lions Club PDG Adrian P. Pollock Scholarship Fund, PO Box 71, Grand Island 14072. Mr. Pollock, who died in Weinberg Campus, Getzville at the age of 91 was a retired industrial arts teacher and taught at Buffalo State College from 1964 to 1972. Before that, he taught at Ferndale High School in Michigan and at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Active in the Lions Club for more than 40 years, Mr. Pollock was a past president of the Grand Island Lions Club and a past district governor. Last year, the Grand Island Lions Club honored him by establishing the Past District Governors Adrian P. Pollock Scholarship for students at Grand Island High School. In 1996, he received the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, and in 1990 he received the International Lions Club's highest service honor, the Melvin Jones Award. Mr. Pollock traveled throughout the world representing Lions of New York State, and for many years he was business manager of the Niagara Frontier Lion, the publication of the District Governors. He was named Senior Citizen of the Year while volunteering for Meals on Wheels and chaperoning the Reality Cafe, a teen center. Born in Kenosha, Wis., he graduated from Stout State College in Wisconsin and earned a master's degree at Wayne State University.





Edwin Lodge Pfohl, of Grand Island, NY.
Edwin Pfohl went to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 14, 2004 due to sudden illness. Beloved husband of Marcia (Cota) Pfohl; dearest father of Margaret Sano, Rev. Edwin Pfohl Jr., Rev. Jeffrey (Lori) Pfohl, Marcia Pfohl, Jun Sano and predeceased by his son, Sgt. Roswell Pfohl III; cherished grandfather of Kelsey, Lindsey and Leah Pfohl and Roswell Sano; brother of Francis (Maryellen) Pfohl, and Margaret (Norman) Bauman; brother-in-law of Jane (John) August; dearest uncle of Norman (Sue) Bauman Jr., Dennis (Mariana) Bauman, Laurie Kalman, Amy (Grant) McKnight, Paul Bauman, Matthew Bauman, Francis (Kathy) Pfohl Jr., Kathy (Eddie) Ellisor, Michael (Lora) Pfohl, Shoshanah August and Ariel August. Ed is also survived by several grandnieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family. Ed opened E.L. Pfohl Insurance Agency in 1959 and was joined by his wife Marcia in 1978. Ed sought various avenues to serve his community. He was closely involved with Rotary International from the early 1960s to his untimely death. In this capacity he served as president of the Grand Island Rotary Club from 1967-68, as District Governor in 1975-76, as well as the leader of an exchange team to Japan in 1974 for the purpose of building good will between our nations. Ed also served as a member and leader on a variety of community boards and groups such as the Library Board and Chamber of Commerce. A devout Christian, Ed was a member of The First Assembly of God in Niagara Falls, NY. He had a profound burden for those in need of Christian intervention and fulfilled this through active involvement in the Salvation Army from the 1970s to present and currently was on the board of the local Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center and the Tonawanda's and Grand Island's Corps/Community Center, located in Tonawanda. Royal Rangers, Total Christian Television and his church's van ministry were also blessed with his involvement. In the midst of his religious and community contributions, Ed continued to be a leader, counselor, and caretaker for his family and friends. Ed was an avid photographer and fisherman and enjoyed his membership in the Niagara Muskie Association and Niagara River Anglers Association along with his wife and grandson Ros. He was a very special man who was greatly loved by many. His commitment to God, family and community service made him an extraordinary role model to his children, grandchildren and friends. Few words can adequately express this loving and honorable man who walked this earth for 67 years. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love, respect and gratitude. Ed's family would like to thank the Grand Island Rescue Squad for their valiant efforts and caring in the family's time of need. Friends may call Thursday 2-4, 7-9 and Friday 2-4, 7-9 at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY, 716-773-3433. A celebration of Ed's life and homecoming will be held on Saturday 1:00 p.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY. Internment will follow at Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. If you have a special thought or story about Ed, his family invites you to share it in writing to be included in a Remembrance Book. Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army ARC, 1080 Military Rd., Buffalo, NY 14217, Buffalo Teen Challenge, 124 Locust, Buffalo, NY 14204 or Grand Island Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 103, Grand Island, NY 14072.




Eric Howard Lloyd, March 9, 2004, of Grand Island, beloved son of Larry and Deborah (Palisano) Lloyd; devoted brother of Aaron Lloyd; dear grandson of Francis and Mary Palisano, Isabel and the late Howard Lloyd; loving nephew of Leslie (Phillip) Lynch, Mary (Phillip Reimondo) Lloyd and Donna Lloyd. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 12 Noon at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, P.O. Box 448, Buffalo, 14215.




George J. Lodick Jr. "Butch", 61, of Grand Island, died Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Buffalo, NY on February 20, 1943 to the late George Sr. and Geraldine Lodick. After graduating from Canisius High School and Canisius College, Mr. Lodick worked in the food industry for over ten years, last serving as vice president of Klein's Bells Supermarkets. In 1972, Mr. Lodick moved into the environmental and recycling industries, which would be the primary focus of his career. Beginning as a general manager at Frontier Chemical Waste Processing in Pendleton, NY, he helped expand that business to Niagara Falls and over the next seven years, became president of the company. He left Frontier in 1979 to lead Frontenac Environmental Services, a division of the Laidlaw Company. Mr. Lodick entered the industrial recycling business in 1986 and, over the next 12 years, built International Recycling Services and Diversified Resources International. At the time of his death, Mr. Lodick was working on a project to commercialize a patented test for BSE, the so-called mad-cow disease. In his leisure time, he was a history and trivia enthusiast, golfed frequently, enjoyed bowling and boating, and as a member of the LaSalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls. Mr. Lodick is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Bourbar; his children, George III (Kristin), David (Ann Marie), Sgt. Jeffrey and Nicholas Lodick and Brandy, Amy and Robert Bourbar; his eight grandchildren; his sister, Susan (Nicholas) Constantino of Albany, NY; his brother, Michael (Elaine) Lodick of Buffalo; and a number of nieces and nephews. He deeply loved his family, friends and especially the time spent with his grandchildren. Family and friends may call Wednesday, March 10, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Dietrich Funeral HOme, 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst, NY where funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Timothy's Church, 565 East Park Dr., Tonawanda at 10:30 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined.




Gladyce (Fye) Trautman, March 9, 2004, of Grand Island; wife of the late Arthur J. Trautman; mother of Patricia A. Trautman; daughter of the late Ambrose and Sarah Fye. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport 14094.




Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Ackendorf, 78, a former Grand Island resident, and avid bridge and golf player, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2004 in her Tennessee home. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, William P. Ackendorf; three sons, William F. (Lisa) Ackendorf and Paul M. (Sue) Ackendorf of Grand Island, and John M. (Lynn) Ackendorf of Amherst; a brother-in-law, Leo F. Ackendorf of Florida and nine grandchildren. A memorial mass was celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Crossville, TN. Burial is in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Ruth A. Yensan, March 2, 2004 of Grand Island. Wife of the late David A. Yensan. Mother of Alfred 'Bud' (Patricia) , Richard, David 'Nutzy' (Patricia), Michael (Lynn) Yensan and Kathleen Barton (Lyle Dinsmore). Grandmother of Chris, Ann, Todd, Bob, Kim, Rich, Brian, Ken, Jessie, Brett, Shane and David, Jr. Also survived by 12 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by four brothers and sisters. Mother-in-law of the late Robert Barton, Sr. Friends may call Saturday, March 6, 2004 from 2-3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, followed by funeral services at 3 p.m.. Flowers gratefully declined; memorials to the American Heart Association.




Charles F. Dienst, 83, died Thursday, February 26, 2004 in Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a brief illness. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, the former Mary Kirkpatrick; two daughters, Nancy Auger of the City of Tonawanda and Kate Browand of Spokane, Wash.; a sister, Marion Jean Pascoe of Los Angeles; two brothers, Leslie of Wheaton, Ill., and Dr. Stanley of Hendersonville, N.C.; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Born in Boise, Idaho, he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of the Army ROTC. Mr. Dienst served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II as a forward observer in the artillery, attaining the rank of captain. Wounded in the Philippines, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After working for chemical companies in New Jersey and Virginia, he came to the Buffalo area in the early 1950s as a supervisor for Stauffer Chemical Co. in Niagara Falls. He later joined Carborundum Co. and was superintendent of a Carborundum plant in Ohio before returning here in the 1960s. After leaving Carborundum, Mr. Dienst developed and ran an independent fiberglass fabrication company. A longtime Grand Island resident, he was active in Trinity United Methodist Church and was a member of its men's group. He was an avid golfer and a dedicated duplicate bridge player. He also enjoyed gardening and raising roses.




Margaret C. Staub, entered into rest February 29, 2004, age 92, of Grand Island, wife of the late Homer E. Staub; beloved mother of Charles (Jacalyn) Staub; loving grandmother of Richard (Kim) and Tracey Staub; dearest great-grandmother of Kyle and Kayla. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Norman C. Manson Jr., February 26, 2004, 75, after a brief illness in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A Grand Island resident since 1954, he was the beloved husband of JoAnne (Siamro) Manson and the late Eleanor Manson; loving father of Steven (Caroline) Manson of North Tonawanda and Keith (Vicky) Manson of Cassadaga, NY; very special grandfather to Paul; brother of Marilyn (Boyd) Lewis of the Town of Tonawanda and Donna Callahan of East Amherst; son of the late Gladys and Norman Manson Sr. Friends may call Wednesday, March 3, 2004 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 4th at 10 AM. Interment will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.
    Born in Niagara Falls, Mr. Manson was president of Manson Construction on Grand Island from the mid 1950s until his retirement in 1996. Manson Construction was the largest marine contractor in Western New York and was involved in building many of the marinas and water projects in the area including putting in and taking out the ice boom on Lake Erie for the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Manson was an accomplished sailor. He and his boat "Spirit of 76," a 38-foot sailboat, were well known in both Lake Ontario and Lake Erie yacht clubs. Earlier he was involved with unlimited hydroplane racing with Miss Atlas Van Lines. Norm was most proud of his three trips from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie to participate in the Lake Erie Interclub Cruise, which consisted of four races starting from Erie, PA and finishing in Buffalo. He successfully sailed his yacht in all three trips to three division and overall championships. He was named Boater Of The Year for Lake Ontario during that time. He was a member of the Niagara On-The-Lake Sailing Club, the Buffalo Yacht Club and the Buffalo Launch Club. He was also a history enthusiast. He studied the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War with great passion and visited numerous battlefields during this life, family members said.




George Schlegel, 85, died February 29, 2004 in St. Joseph Hospital, Syracuse, after a brief illness, former Grand Island resident, of Pendleton; beloved husband of the late Muriel I. (nee Robinson); beloved father of Sandra (late Fred) Thompson; Sharon Maul and the late Jack Schlegel; dear grandfather of Donna Schlegel, Nancy Schlegel, Laurie (Daniel) Moeller, Jeffrey (Tamara) Thompson, Michael (Gina) Thompson, Michael Maul and the late Stephen Maul; great-grandfather of Danielle, Adam, Violet, Tristen, Madeleine, Ava, Jeffrey and Leah; brother of Florence (Robert) Wiedemer and the late Carl David. Family present Thursday, March 4, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive (at Parker Blvd.), where Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 5 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA. Mr. Schlegel was born in Buffalo, attended high school and served in the Army during World War II. Mr. Schlegel was a truck driver for Frontier Delivery and a member of the Teamsters. His wife, Muriel, died in 1992.




Beatrice M. Pax, - Services for Beatrice M. Pax, 93, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2004 in Ascension Lutheran Church, 4640 Main St., Snyder. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Mrs. Pax, of the Town of Tonawanda, died Friday, February 27, 2004 in Wedgewood Nursing Home, Amherst, after a brief illness. The former Beatrice Young was born in Buffalo and graduated from South Park High School. In 1933, she married John H. Pax. He died in 2001. A homemaker, Mrs. Pax volunteered for more than 35 years at the Niagara Lutheran Home, at Millard Fillmore Hospital and for the American Red Cross. She was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church. Mrs. Pax is survived by two sons, John Y. (Nancy) of Grand Island and James H. (Sue) Pax of Lockport. She was the beloved grandmother of John R. (Diane), William H., Jennifer (Anthony) Wonsala, Mary (Jay) Shipley, James W. (Karen), Jeffrey (Sheryl), Jacqueline (Joseph) Valente and Jason (Lori) Pax. She is also survived by a brother, William C. (Nancy) Young and ten great-grandchildren. Friends may call at CARLTON A. ULLRICH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 855 Englewood Ave. Sunday, February 29 from 4-7 p.m. and Monday, March 1, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Gifts made to Ascension Lutheran Church or Hospice Inc. would be appreciated.




Evelyn (Mackey) Lesniak, February 28, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of the late Stanley Lesniak; mother of Diana J. Bell; grandmother of Candace (Jonathan) Rodwin and Melissa (Donald) DeLaria; also survived by six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sister of Sally Toney and the late Frank, Lawrence and Ruth Mackey and Doris Klementowski. Friends may call Monday 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.




Salvatore J. Tortorice, February 24, 2004, loving husband of the late Grace M. (Guarino) Tortorice; beloved father of Samuel R. (Nina) Tortorice, Joyce (Chick) Dean and the late Anthony Tortorice; dearest grandfather of Kimberly Anne (Dennis) Dynko and Nicole Marie (Jeffrey) Sullivan; loving great-grandfather of Ryan Mitchell and the late Brooke Madison Dynko; predeceased by one sister, Rose LoFaso and five brothers, Tony Tortorice, and Tom, Dominic, Sam and Anthony Cappadonia. Friends may call Thursday only, 4-9 PM, at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where prayers will be offered Friday at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen's Church at 10 AM. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Leroy, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Childrens March of Dimes Fund.




Mary H. (Heaney) Lash, February 25, 2004, formerly of Grand Island and Williamsville; wife of the late Garry W. Lash; mother of Garry G. (Anne) Lash of Grand Island; grandmother of Patrick M. Lash, Theresa A. (John) Conway and the late Kevin C. Lash; great-grandmother of Christopher M. Conway; daughter of the late Patrick and Rose Heaney. Friends may call Friday only 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Association for Research of Childhood Cancer, PO Box 251, Buffalo 14225.





G. Granson Geis, 70, a retired land surveyor, died Monday, February 23, 2004 in his Grand Island home; husband of Suzanne (Arber) Geis; father of Amy (Mark) Brockett of Grand Island, Gretchen (Shawn) Zielski of Wilson, Jonathan (Rene) of Grand Island and Andrew C. Geis of North Tonawanda; grandfather of Hannah, Adam, Emily, Hillary, Thabeh, Amadu and Adama Brockett, Noah, Rachel, Caleb, Jacob and Lydia Zielski, Heidi (Andrew) Willlert, Amanda, Elijah and Leah Geis; brother of Jack (Elaine) Geis of Florida and Gay Schmidt of Florida; son of the late George H. and Viola Geis. Friends may call Thursday 1-4 and 6-9 PM at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday at 11 AM. Memorials to G. Granson Geis Memorial Fund, c/o Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.
    Born in Buffalo, Mr. Geis graduated from Kenmore East High School, where he met his future wife, Suzanne Arber. They were married for 45 years. Mr. Geis attended the University at Buffalo for engineering and worked at Krehbiel Associates for 30 years as a licensed land surveyor. From 1989 to 1991, he was president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and was named its Citizen of the Year in 1990. Mr. Geis volunteered time and helped set up Heritage Christian Homes of Western New York. He also served on the board of Parents of Retarded Children. Formerly a member of Grace Baptist Church in the Town of Tonawanda, he served as a trustee and a bus driver to pick up children. He was a longtime member of Whitehaven Road Baptist Church on Grand Island, where he served on the building committee and organized the Sesquicentennial Tent Revival in 2002. Mr. Geis loved traveling, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. According to his family, he was known as "Granny" by his friends and "Mapsman" by his family.




Ruth (Dobson) Hosie, 83, of Towanda, PA, passed away early Sunday morning, February 22, 2004 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre as a result of complications from long-standing respiratory and other health problems. Ruth was born December 27, 1920 in Bath, ME, the daughter of the late Ann and Harry Dobson. She attended local schools and later moved to the New York City area to obtain work. She married James M. Hosie in 1943. She moved to Buffalo, NY where she worked in the defense industry while her husband, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, served in France and Germany during WWII. After the war, she and her husband remained in Buffalo where others in his family also had emigrated from Scotland. She became a licensed practical nurse and retired after a long career at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. After her husband's death, she moved to nearby Grand Island, NY where, for many years, she was an active member of the Grand Island Golden Age Center. She enjoyed traveling around the country and elsewhere with other members of the center. Bowling was a favorite hobby, as were crafts. She also was known for her melodious voice. In recent years, she had lived with her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald W. and Donna W. Hosie, both now of Towanda. Other survivors include a step-grandson, Brian J. Wallace of Winter Springs, FL and numerous nieces and nephews and their children in the Buffalo area, Tennessee and Rhode Island. Ruth also was preceded in death by a son, James Garry and two younger brothers, Andrew and Harry. Services will be at the convenience of the family with MARYOTT-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME in Towanda assisting with the arrangements.




William Titta, of Grand Island, a retired postal carrier, died unexpectedly Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2004) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda. He was 80. A native of Ansonia, Conn., he served in the Navy from 1945 to 1948. He was a retired mail carrier and a member of the National Letter Carriers Union for 45 years. He was a member of Christian Assembly on Grand Island. Mr. Titta is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Helen Affinito of Grand Island; a daughter, Ann Bradish of Watertown; two sons, Mark of Youngstown and John of Grand Island; three brothers, Philip of Waterford, Conn., Mike of Waterbury, Conn., and Sam of Oregon; a sister, Marie Walker of New Haven, Conn.; and four granddaughters. Services will be at 9 a.m. today in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston..




Antonio E. Saldana, February 10, 2004; of Grand Island. Husband of Soledad Saldana; father of Roland, Danilo, Teresita, Tony, Manuel Saldana and Erlinda Morrison; also survived by 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and three brothers. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.




Alma L. Mitchell, February 9, 2004; of Grand Island. Wife of James P. Mitchell; mother of John and Pamela Mitchell; sister of Jane Lade and the late Ava Parish. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.




Michael R. Martineck, 64, a retired director of personnel at what is now the Niagara Falls Joint Air Reserve Station, died Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2004) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a brief illness . Beloved husband of Judith A. Nowicki; dear father of Michael J. (Sarah) and Christopher L. Martineck, both of Grand Island; grandfather of Nina May; brother of Marilyn (John) Cash of Kenmore, Gary (Bonnie) of Columbus, Ohio and Donald (Linda) Martineck of Barker; son of the late Michael and Jean Martineck; son-in-law of Kay (late Frank) Nowicki; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 335 Ontario St., Friday 2-4 and 6-9 PM. Friends may gather for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 9 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mike was a member of the Knights of Columbus Grand Island branch. Mr. Martineck, of Grand Island, graduated from Niagara University and was an investigator for the U.S. Civil Service Commission from 1963 to 1972. He was assigned to Alabama and Mississippi in 1964 and 1965, where he worked to ensure the voting rights of African-Americans. He was a civilian employee of the Air Force from 1972 until 2000, and was director of personnel when he retired. Mr. Martineck was a member of the Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea and a lector at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Grand Island. He was born in Buffalo.




Frank L. Echelberger, February 5, 2004 of Grand Island, husband of Beverly Echelberger; father of Ann (Jerry) Adam and the late Diane Echelberger; grandfather of Andy and Sarah Adam; brother of Regna Karl. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Monday at 11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assn.




Longtime Grand Island resident John M. Gilmore passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2004 in Amherst, NY. He was born June 22, 1924 to Anne (Deveney) Gilmore and Michael P. Gilmore in Lowell, MA. His parents; his brother, Edward Michael Gilmore; his sister, Sue Gilmore Oliver; his first wife Lucy (Zaretto) Gilmore; an infant son, James Edward Gilmore; and his second wife, Marjorie Belch Gilmore, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters Barbara Eileen Gilmore, Mary Shelagh Gilmore and Martha Gilmore Ledoux. He is also survived by his children, John Martin (Renee) Gilmore Jr. of Hopedale, MA; Terry (David) Gilmore Rutledge of Houston, TX; Peter Joseph (Carol) Gilmore of Houston, TX; also survived by six grandchildren, Kelly Gilmore, Adam (Tonya) Gilmore, April Rutledge, Mathew (Katrin) Rutledge.
   John was a member of the Army Air Corp, serving as a control tower operator in the Caribbean and in South America during WWII. He married Lucy Zaretto in Cambridge, MA in 1946. He received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University in Medford, MA in 1950 and accepted a position with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. His career with Goodyear lasted over 30 years with positions in Akron, OH; Beaumont, TX; Baton Rouge, LA; and Niagara Falls, NY. He retired from Goodyear in 1981, having served as the Plant Manager of the Niagara Falls Chemical Plant for the last ten years of his career.
   While he had lived in many different parts of the United States, John made Grand Island his home for the last 33 years. Following the death of Lucy Gilmore in 1971, he later met Marjorie Beich and they were married in 1983. John and Marge made their home together on West River Road for 20 years, while enjoying travel and time spent with their friends and family.
   Beyond his family, John had three great loves in his life: sailing, golf and his faith in the Catholic Church. He spent many hours building and sailing boats on the Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Some of the happiest moments of his life came on his sailing trips to Cape Cod and to the Virgin Islands.
   While never a great golfer, he loved to study the game and played golf every chance that he could. He was often quoted as saying, "It never rains on the golf course." It should be noted that despite many attempts, none of his children were ever able to best him in a round of golf.
   John was an active member of St. Stephen's Church on Grand Island. His work at St. Stephen's included serving as a lector, usher and adult leader for the Boy Scout troop. He was president of the Parish Council for two terms, served on the Parish Advisory Board and was a member of the New Building Fund Drive Committee. He served as treasurer, trustee and president of the Holy Name Society. John received both the St. Joseph Award and Holy Name Society Man of the Year Award. He was also the former treasurer of the Knights of Columbus and past president of the Lions Club.
   The Gilmore family would like to especially thank the members of St. Stephen's Church and the Beich family of Grand Island. "St. Stephen's provided a wonderful place for our father to worship and serve others in his faith. Following John ad Marge's wedding in 1983, Jeff Belch, his wife, Susan and their daughter, Amy welcomed John into their family, giving him love and support throughout the last 20 years of his life."
    Friends may call Friday, February 6, 2004 only 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, February 7, 2004 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Baseline Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's research or a charity of your choice. Interment will be in Lowell, Massachusetts.




Evelyn (Jones) Scott, January 28, 2004, of Grand Island, wife of 55 years of Russell L. Scott; beloved mother of the late Michael R. Scott; daughter of the late Evan and Evelyn Jones. Friends may call Monday only 9:30-11 AM, followed by Funeral Services Monday at 11 AM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.




Services for Lueaner Jones of Grand Island will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in New Hope Baptist Church, 543 Richmond Ave. Burial will be in Forest Lawn. Mrs. Jones died Sunday (Jan. 25, 2004) in Waterfront Health Care Facility after a long illness. She was 86. Born Lueaner Thomas in Chattanooga, Tenn., she attended the Choctaw County School System. During the 1940s, she came to Buffalo, where she worked on the assembly line at Pullman Co. Later, Mrs. Jones made a living cleaning houses. She retired in 1975. Mrs. Jones was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. She liked to bowl, listen to music and watch professional wrestling. Her husband, McKinley, died in 1988. Survivors include four daughters, Earline Oliver and Cheryl Gainer, both of Grand Island, Beatrice Parks of Henrietta and Connie Smith of East Amherst; a son, Jimmie M. of Chicago; two sisters, Corrie Crowell of Buffalo and Icoler Thomas of Chicago; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.




Phyllis A. (Winkler) Kumlander, of Grand Island, passed away January 25, 2004, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband, Theodore E. Kumlander and her first husband, Theodore H. Fortman; mother of Raymond (Deborah) Fortman, Douglas (Katherine) Fortman and Kathy (Robert) Murphy; sister of Linda Hankinson; grandmother of six. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Hilliard-Creasey Funeral HOme, INc., 147 Delaware Street, Tonawanda where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2004. Interment in White Chapel Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Caring Arms Memorial Fund, 901 Washington St., Buffalo, NY 14203 or Lewy Body Dementia, PO Box 49549, Greenwood, SC 29649 would be appreciated.




Gerald J. Nowak, 59, of Grand Island N.Y., Thursday, January 22, 2004, in Buffalo General Hospital after a long illness. Beloved husband of Patricia (Gibbs) Nowak; dearest father of Pamela (Lawrence) Clark of Cuba N.Y. and Dawn Bauer of Niagara Falls; dear brother of Kenneth (Pam) Nowak, Patrick (Marlene) Nowak, both of Niagara Falls, Frank Nowak of Pennsylvania, Sharon Nowak of Niagara Falls, Jacqueline (Robert) Panna of San Antonio TX. and Betty Lou (Merle) Rotherforth of Florida; beloved grandfather of Edward Nowak, Kyle and Brandon Clark and Coreen Nowak; pre-deceased by his parents Walter and Louise (Moon) Nowak, a brother, Joseph Nowak and his sister, Beverly Penders. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 26, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island, Rev. Diane Phinney and Rev. David Smith officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Island Presbyterian Church. There is no prior visitation. Private burial will be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by the LABUDA FUNERAL HOME INC. A chemical operator for Hooker Chemical Co. for 17 years, Gerry was born in Niagara Falls, attended Evershed Elementary School, 66th Street School and LaSalle Junior High School and was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School. He also was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls and from 1964 to 1966 served as a missionary in Africa, where he helped build landing strips for airplanes. He and his wife of 36 years, the former Patricia Gibbs, were foster parents for West Seneca Developmental Center for 25 years. During the early 1990s, Gerry drove a bus to transport the elderly and children for First Presbyterian Church and also served as a deacon and an elder in the church. At the time of his death, he was a member of Island Presbyterian Church on Grand Island. After working at Hooker, he drove a truck for eight years at Western Drum & Barrel in the Town of Tonawanda and three years for Opportunities Unlimited. He retired in 1990.




Richard C. Clarke, January 19, 2004 of Grand Island. Father of Cindy (Kenneth) Burns and Darryl Clarke; grandfather of Jennifer, Ken and Sarah Burns, and Anthony Clarke; brother of Bettygayle McConaughy. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by funeral services Thursday at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.




Dale Frank Green, of Grand Island, January 20, 2004, dear husband of Thea DeKort; beloved father of Kenneth (Jane Ciancio) Green; grandfather of Christopher and Deanna Green; beloved son of Phyllis and the late Kenneth Green; brother of David, JoAnne, Michael (Chris) Green, Diane (Paul) Brown, Lynda (Gerald) Kane and Janice (Vincent) Ingrando; also survived by Michael (Kim) Green, Christopher Valle, Kelli (Tom) Hunt, Ryan, Devon, Stephanie and Shane. All are invited to a memorial service at Kenmore Presbyterian Church, 2771 Delaware Ave. at East Hazeltine Ave., Kenmore, Thursday at 7 PM. Memorial contributions to Roswell Park Cancer Instititue, Buffalo, NY are preferred. Arrangements by D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, Kenmore, NY.




Marilyn J. Robertson, 61, died Sunday, January 18, 2004, in Buffalo General Hospital after a yearlong battle with cancer. Surviving are her husband of 44 years, John W. Robertson; two daughters Tracey (Paul) Pici and Sarah (Vincent) Colan both of Grand Island; a son, Jonathan (Susan) Robertson of Niagara Falls; seven grandchildren, Emily, James, Sarah, Cameron, Alexandra, Ryann and Jessica. She was the sister of Tom (Cathy) May of Whitby, Ontario and the late Patricia Howard. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or the American Cancer Society. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Born Marilyn May in Niagara Falls, Ont., she attended schools in St. Catharines, Ont., and came to the United States in 1960. She lived in Niagara Falls before moving to Grand Island 36 years ago. Mrs. Robertson began working in the travel and tourism business in the 1970s as catering secretary for the Holiday Inn on Grand Island. She went on to become director of sales for the Buffalo Hilton and the Sheraton Foxhead and Sheraton Brock hotels, both in Niagara Falls, Ont. Most recently, she was director of international sales for the Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ont. She traveled extensively on business to Europe and Asia. A sailor, she was a former member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club on Grand Island and the Youngstown Yacht Club. She and her husband raced a J-24 sailboat on Lakes Erie and Ontario for several years and spent summers cruising on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. They also spent many winters sailing in the Virgin Islands and the French West Indies. She also was a gourmet cook and assembled her favorite dishes into a cookbook.




Gust M. Mathews, January 13, 2004 of Grand Island, NY; husband of Marjorie (Bruce) Mathews; dear father of Michael (Olive), James and Peter (Jeannie) Mathews; grandfather of Rachel, Catherine, Sean, Mark and Athena; brother of Mary Valantasis and Katie Mathews. Friends may call Friday 6-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC., FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services in the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (Delaware and Utica) Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM. A Trisagion Service will be held Friday at 7:30PM. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery.




Kathryn (DeBlieux) Cady, 79, of Grand Island, died Wednesday, January 14, 2004 after a car accident. A Memorial Service will be held on April 10, 2004 at 4:00 PM at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Beloved wife of George H. Cady of Grand Island; mother of Jeffrey (Yumiko) of Mill Valley, California; Drew (Nitza) of Del Mar, California; and Judd (Suzette) of New York City; sister of Anne Geisler of Austin, Texas; also survived by three granddaughters. Born Kathryn DeBlieux in Natchitoches, La., she was a descendant of Samuel F.B. Morse, inventor of the telegraph, as well as Maj. George Armistead, commander of Fort Henry during the War of 1812, and Gen. Louis Armistead, a Confederate soldier who died on Cemetery Ridge in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Mrs. Cady attended Texas Women's University, where she taught riflery. During World War II, she volunteered as a tap dancer in a USO review that performed for American troops, including Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. She earned a master's degree in social work from Tulane University and was a psychiatric social worker for the American Red Cross, working in military hospitals, before she married and moved to this area. Mrs. Cady continued her career with Family Services of Buffalo and Church Mission of Help from 1964 until her retirement in 1987. She served as vice president of the National Association of Social Work and as chairwoman of the Episcopal Diocese Department of Social Work Relations. She was a fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association and a diplomate of the social work association. For 15 years, she was a field instructor for the graduate school of social work at the University at Buffalo, and was a teacher and group leader at Trinity Center. Mrs. Cady was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo, Buffalo Bonsai Society and Grand Island Women's Golf League. A Memorial Service will be held on April 10, 2004 at 4:00 PM at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Memorials to the Church Mission of Help, 153 Utica St., Buffalo, NY 14222 would be appreciated. Arrangements by the HILLIARD-CREASEY FUNERAL HOME, INC., Tonawanda, NY.




Santo A. "Sandy" Nalbone, 90, of Grand Island, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004 in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. The Niagara Falls native graduated from Niagara Falls High School. In the 1930s, Nalbone, who was known as Sandy, was the maitre d' at the Hotel Niagara. During World War II, he worked at Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, Lewiston, and later was shift foreman at B.F. Goodrich for more than 25 years, retiring when the plant closed. Nalbone was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Grand Island Senior Center. His beloved wife of 61 years, the former Mary Rose Pirinelli, died in 1998. Survivors include three daughters, Sandra (Robert) Villani of Niagara Falls, Carol (Jack) Lindelow of Grand Island and Mary Jane (James) McCarthy of Buffalo; a son, William A. (Dolores) Nalbone of Niagara Falls; a brother, William J. (Jennie) Nalbone, Sr. of Niagara Falls; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Peter, Samuel and Augustine C. Nalbone. The family will be present to receive friends Thursday, January 15, 2004 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the SPALLINO-AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, 1300 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, where Funeral Services will be held Friday at 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church. Friends invited. If desired memorials may be made to St. Joseph Church Centennial Legacy Campaign. Burial will be in the church cemetery.




Theodore F. Hildebrandt of Grand Island, a retired Kimberly-Clark Corp. machine operator, died Monday (Jan. 12, 2004) in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga. He was 76. He worked for the company for 25 years, then became a process operator at Ashland Oil, retiring in 1983. A lover of the Scriptures, Hildebrandt was a past deacon and Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in his native Niagara Falls and also was a senior high youth ministry leader. He was an avid gardener, and people came from miles around to admire his flower and vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed woodworking, remodeling, hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Elaine Affleck; two sons, Theodore A. of Boston, Mass., and Terry L. of Grand Island; three daughters, Joy E. Spiesz and Dawn C. Fitzgerald, both of Grand Island, and Kathleen D. Vandermey of Greenville, S.C.; a brother, Gerald of Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 129 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery.




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 saxophone player, 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.




Walter F. Keller Sr., of Williamsville, formerly of Grand Island, January 10, 2004, beloved husband of the late Katherine D. (Sweeney) Keller; dearest father of Walter F. Keller, Jr., Richard C. (Diane) Keller, Mary K. (William) Schaab, Patricia A. (Samuel) Martin, Joan A. (Denis) Fischer and Bryan J. (Ann) Keller; loving grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; also survived by a sister, Marion (Cathcart) Aitken and brothers, the late Charles, Elmer, Norman and the infant George Keller. Mr. Keller was an active member in the Buffalo Skating Club and Founder of the Grand Island Skating Club, contributing his time and efforts in numerous skating events. Family will be present Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5200 Sheridan Dr. (corner of Hopkins) where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 8:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter & Paul Church, Main St., Williamsville at 9:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, you may make donations to the charity of your choice.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Nicholas M. Pelosi, a retired businessman, will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2004 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Pelosi, 76, died Sunday, January 11, 2004 in his Grand Island home. Friends may call Tuesday, January 14th only 2-4 and 7-9 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, the former Diane Egner; a daughter, Linda (Edward) McGowan of Grand Island; a son, David (Susan) Pelosi of Grand Island; and three grandchildren, Stephanie and Lauren McGowan, and Alyssa Pelosi. He was the brother of the late Frank and Anthony Pelosi. Born in Buffalo, Nick attended Holy Angels Academy and received a bachelor's degree from Canisius College in 1945 and a master's degree in education in 1958. He served in the National Guard from 1948 to 1950 and in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. He started Contract Interiors, a floor covering business, in 1972 and was active with the company until about a year ago. Nick was named Citizen of the Year in 1991 by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, of which he was a past vice president and director. He taught math from 1955 to 1962 at Hutchinson-Central Technical High School, where he also was a baseball coach. He then worked for Dowd Chair Company before starting his own business. Nick was a past president of the Falconwood Association and a member of the Buffalo Launch Club and the Knights of Columbus.




Richard M. Danheiser, January 9, 2004 of Grand Island; husband of Dorothy Danheiser; father of Deborah Ann (Daniel) Parker and Doreen (Rick) Nawotka; grandfather of Danny and Doug Parker, Rikki and Andrew Nawotka; son of the late Helen and Martin Danheiser; brother of the late George Danheiser and Bernice Farrell; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers are gratefully declined.

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