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Previous Death Notices
Ermina Mae "Mina" Atkinson - - April 17, 2024 of Grand Island. Wife of the late James F. Atkinson Jr. Mother of James (Caryn) Atkinson III, Timothy (Paula) Atkinson, Brian (Jill) Atkinson, Mary Atkinson and Karen (Nicholas) Mercorella. Also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sister of Donna Jeanne Bruning, George "Eddie" (Kathy) Blank and the late Betty Greco. Contributions in Mina's memory can be made to Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, where memorial services will be held Saturday, April 20th at 11 AM. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Savino P. ‘Nino’ Nanula - August 21,1930 - April 9, 2024, 93, of Grand Island, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9,2024 in Clearwater, FL, after a brief illness. Born August 21, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Savino and Emanuella (Gianoto) Nanula; and the beloved husband of 32 years to Virginia (Calvano) Nanula. At the age of 11 Savino took his first job as a stock boy and was a meat cutter by the age of 17. He met his eventual business partner, Armand Castellani, and the two operated the Great Bear Market from 1945 to 1955. By the early 1960s, Savino, Armand and a third partner, Thomas Buscaglia, established Tops Friendly Markets. They quickly expanded the grocery store chain, including many Tops locations, Wilson Farms convenience stores, and B-Kwik stores throughout Western New York, Rochester, Syracuse and Pennsylvania. Savino semi-retired in 1991 as Chair and CEO of the company following its sale to the Ahold Company, but continued to stay active as their Vice-Chair of the Board officially retiring in 1996.
In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Nanula is survived by his children, Philip (Theresa) Nanula, Steven (Dana) Nanula, Paul (Karen) Nanula, Anthony (Holly) Nanula and John (Jennifer) Mezhir; his adored grandchildren, Gregory (Brian Kron) Nanula, Vincent (fiance JoAnna Jacob) Nanula, Philip J. Nanula Jr., Michael (Felicia) Nanula, Christopher (Kristen) Nanula, Anthony (Katrina) Nanula, Daniel (Julia) Nanula, Jenna Nanula, Kerri (fiance David Podlas) Nanula, Nicole (Paul) Bonito, Savino Nanula, Isabella Nanula, Alexa Nanula, Malinee Mezhir, Anjali Mezhir, Kate Mezhir, Jack Mezhir Max Mezhir; stepgrandchildren, Joseph, Dante and Toriana Todaro; his cherished great-grandchildren, Dominic Bonito, Gemma Bonito, Giavanna Nanula, Arlo Nanula, Vera Nanula and Hayes Nanula; two siblings, Richard J. (late Shirle) Nanula and Jeanette (late Joseph) Cadille, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nanula was predeceased by two siblings, Frances (late Carmen) Mancuso and Anthony (late Violet) Nanula; his son, Dr. James (Elizabeth) Mezhir; granddaughter, Gabriella Nanula, and his former wife Eileen Nanula.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 2 - 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Savino’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 AM in St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road Grand Island, NY 14072. Please assemble at church. Entombment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, www.ochbuffalo.org/foundation/d onate/ - Online condolences shared at mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
William V. Young - November 14, 1944 - April 3, 2024. Of Grand Island and Buffalo, died peacefully, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by cherished daughter Melissa Ann Young of Central Florida, and his six siblings: Daryll A. Carter, Robert N. Young, (Carla), Thomas J. Young, (Janet), Deirdre J. McOwen (Richard), Lawrence R. Young, (Lynn), Deborah J Kellner, (Trey). His former wife of 29 years, Mary Ann Young. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, William V. and Elizabeth J. Thiesen Young. Bill, attended St. Joseph Collegiate Institute, and Canisius College and enlisted in the US Air Force serving in the Philippines during the Vietnam conflict. He returned with an expertise in electronics and applied his knowledge as a sales representative at Tri-Tech Electronics. Bill, William, Billy, brother, Uncle, Dad; spent much of this life on Grand Island, with his spouse raising their only child Melissa. He was an active member of Rotary Club, and local VFW. He was active enjoying a game of golf, bowling and the challenge of defeating another chess player. He had a great passion for the BILLS, jazz music and always his Shetland Sheep dog. Final burial with military honors will occur at the WNY National Veterans Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd. Corfu, NY Friday May 3rd at 1 PM. Donations in Bills honor to: NAMI Buffalo & Erie County info@namibuffalony.org or WNY HEROES VET DOG PROGRAM pawsitive@pawsitiveforheroes.org Condolences may be made at www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com
David O. Bachert - April 5, 2024 Of Grand Island. Son of the late Donald and Patricia Bachert. Father of Jamie (Kenneth) Duncan and Tanya Bachert. Grandfather of Lyndon Pryce Jr. Brother of the late Sharon and Linda Bachert. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 27 at 1 PM at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Patricia Waldow Dowd - entered God's kingdom on March 12th, 2024. She was born in Kentucky to William and Helen Smith on January 12th, 1940. She passed away of natural causes in Orlando, FL where she resided for the past 17 years. She raised her children on Grand Island from 1972-2000. She was predeceased by her first husband, Stephen Robert Waldow, her second husband, Brian Dowd, her son Mark Waldow, her stepdaughter Cherie Dowd, Robin Rochevot, and her step grandson Tyler Balcomb. She leaves behind a son, Stephen (Kathleen) Waldow, of Ocean City, NJ, a daughter, Karen (Bret) Marlin of Orlando FL, a daughter in law, Jeannine Waldow, stepdaughter Kelley (Barry) Balcomb, both of Rochester NY, and a stepson KevPin (Darlene) Dowd of Boston, Mass. She had 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Arrangements are made by Kaiser Funeral home and burial will be at St Stephens Cemetery, in Grand Island, NY. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Frank Kustra Sr. - April 5, 2024, (1948-2024), of Grand Island passed away April 5th. Frank was a talented artist, proud Marine Corps veteran, loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by wife Doris, children Francesca, Frank Jr, Savanna, and Victoria, grandchildren Oliver and Kolya, and fur babies Hawt Dawg, Cheddar, MK, and Zebra. Frank considered all a friend and will be dearly missed by those who knew him. A celebration of his life and art will be held on April 11th at Kaiser Funeral Home from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buffalo VA-Buffalo Recreation Therapy. To make a donation, please contact nicholas.lamarca@va.gov. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Henry G. "Hank" Kammerer - April 6, 2024, formerly of Grand Island. Husband of the late Patricia (nee Herriman) Kammerer and Grace (nee Loree) Kammerer. Father of Amy Natalie Kammerer, Gregory "Jack" Kammerer and the late Tracy (survived by husband John) Falkowski. Grandfather of Emilia Falkowski, also survived by other grandchildren. Brother of Susan Hatch. Also survived by nephews. Stepfather of Howard, Paul and Ruth Loree. Friends may call Wednesday, April 10th 6-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A memorial service will be held at St Mathias Episcopal Church in East Aurora at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Joseph Patrick Kerr - April 29, 1940 - January 24, 2024. Age 83, passed away at his home in Washington, DC. Joe was born in Buffalo, NY. He grew up on Grand Island and attended Canisius High School and Canisius College. After graduation in 1961, Joe joined the US Army. He served as a commissioned officer until his retirement as Lt. Colonel in 1984. The Army took him to Korea, Vietnam, several posts in the US, and in Germany, including to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for language school (Russian) and a divided Berlin, where he served as a Liaison Officer with the US Military Liaison Mission, a small group of military intelligence personnel providing surveillance of the Soviet-occupied sector of East Germany. He was awarded a number of medals, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Joe returned to work with the Defense Intelligence Agency in a civilian capacity until 2005, supporting its efforts for arms control. He was an integral part of the US delegation for the CFE Treaty negotiations in Vienna, Austria, and was awarded the DIA Director's Award for Exceptional Civilian Service. After retiring from civil service, Joe worked as an arms control consultant with the CIA until 2014. Here he earned the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement.
Joe had many passions outside of work. He loved travel, especially if it afforded him a chance to connect with the legions of friends and family he had all over the world. New cultures, art, and music fed his innate curiosity. He was a long-time supporter of local arts, especially Opera Lafayette and Arena Stage. Joe loved being part of the Capitol Hill community, volunteering with Capitol Hill Village (winning its "Driving Miss Daisy" award) and singing for a time with Second Wind Chorus. He was elated when MLB returned to DC within walking distance of his home. Enormously proud of his Scots-Irish roots, Joe displayed the Kerr crest or tartan regularly and even finagled a tour of the ancestral Kerr castle in Scotland.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Cleary; his four children: Amy Kerr Thome (Stephen) of Cleveland, OH, Megan Kerr (Thomas Powers) of Needham, MA, Joseph Kerr, Jr. (Anna Fuhrman) of Washington, DC, and Steven Kerr (Hannah) of Brookeville, MD; as well as nine beloved grandchildren: Julia, Grace, and Eleanor Thome, Henry and Peter Powers, Lucy Kerr, and Thaddeus, Remington, and Cora Kerr. Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife, Andrea (d. 2018). A celebration of life is planned for June 22nd at St. Mark's Church on Capitol Hill, and he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Thomas G. Kelly - March 24, 2024. Husband of Merlyn (Lynn) Kelly. Father of Michael (Jamie) Kelly, Kimberly (Greg) Van Norman and Patty Kelly. Grandfather of Zachary (Nicole) Kelly, Gregory (Kassy) Kelly, Victoria (Kody) Elinski, Vanessa (Jed) Kelly, Gabran Kelly and Nathaniel Kelly. Great-grandfather of Sadie, Olivia and Denver. Thomas is also survived by sister Coleen D'Ingillo, several nephews and a niece. He was a US Army Vet and member of the American Legion for 39 years. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday May 4th at 11 AM at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Joseph G. "Snuffy" Osinski - Dec. 8, 1938 - March 24, 2024, of Ormond Beach, FL and formerly of Grand Island, NY; age 85. Beloved husband of the late Margaret J. (nee Sowa) "Peggy" Osinski. Devoted father of Joseph A. II, Susan M. and Matthew S. (Heidi) Osinski. Cherished grandfather of Gabrielle (Haley) Justice, Austin, Matthew and Jerrime. Adored great-grandfather of Sawyer and Lux. Loving son of the late Joseph and Anne Osinski. Dear brother of Anne Marie Buss and the late John (Roberta) Osinski and the late Francis (late Catherine) Osinski. Also survived by nieces, nephews and his many friends of the Western New York and Holiday Village Communities. Family will be present on Tuesday, April 2nd from 3-8 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive (corner of Parker Blvd.). A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 3rd at 9:30 AM at St. Stephens Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Please assemble at church. Flowers gratefully declined. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Donde Fabiilli - March 26, 2024 Of Grand Island. Husband of Laurie (Ames) Fabiilli. Father of Alexander and Talia (Nate Benoit) Fabiilli. Brother of Carmen (Christine) Fabiilli, Luisa (Jerome) Gasiewicz and Martha (Joseph) Torregrasso. Brother-in-law of Richard (Justine) and Gregory Ames. Donde is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Wednesday from 3-7 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at Heart.org. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Carolyn Sue (nee Back) Huffman - March 25, 2024, age 79, of Grand Island, New York passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024. Wife of James R. Huffman; mother of Julie (Mark) Deuble and Alice (Stephen) Brod; grandmother of Katrina Fritz - Dickman (Christopher) and Charlotte Brod;great grandmother of Nathan Fritz and Nora Fritz - Dickman; predeceased by three brothers; daughter of the late Dorothy June Davis Back and the late James Douglas Back. A visitation for Carolyn will be held Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME,1671 Maple Rd, Williamsville, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon. Carolyn was the longtime Regional Director of the NYS Dept. of Children & Family Services and the founding Director of the child care center at Roswell Park Cancer Inst. Contributions in Carolyn's memory may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Inst., www.roswellpark.org. Online condolences may be shared atwww.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.
John "Johnny" Anderson -
Nov. 26, 1963 - Mar. 26, 2024,
passed away suddenly on March 26th, 2024. Born November 26th 1963. Survived by wife Laura Schmidt Anderson, daughter Melanie Anderson, son Tyler Anderson and several grandchildren. Son of the late Russ Anderson and Judy Milley and brother of Russ (Jill) Anderson, the late Dave (Eileen) Anderson, Jenny Anderson and Tammy (Dave) Uptegrove. Friends may call Friday March 29th, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Kaiser Funeral Home,1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined.
Gary M. McTigue - passed away March 22, 2024 under the care of Buffalo Hospice. Born October 5, 1951 in Buffalo he was the son of the late Paul and Alma (Jones) McTigue. Gary was an independent contractor operating heavy equipment, retiring in 2001. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Gary is survived by his wife Candace (Bjarnov) McTigue; children Erik (Diane) Ostertag, Krista Ostertag, and Alicia Roberts; grandchildren Dylan Ostertag-MacKenna, Juliette Itzo, Alera Ostertag, Erika Ostertag, and Tristan Ostertag; cousin Andrew Macfarlane; brother Timothy McTigue. Besides his parents Gary was predeceased by his brothers Dennis and Ronald McTigue and sister Judy Cedro.
Relatives and friends are invited to a service Tuesday, April 2nd at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road.
Ray L. Kaiser - March 22, 2024 Born to Ethel (Trautman) and John Kaiser on July 24, 1942. Ray leaves behind his loving husband, Bob, faithful cat, Silver Noel and many friends and family. Ray was predeceased by his parents and three brothers. Friends may call Tuesday, March 26th 4-8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Share condolences online at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Mira Tetkowski Berkley - of Fredonia, NY, died unexpectedly on February 14, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
Mira was born on June 19, 1952 in Buffalo, NY. She spent most of her childhood on Grand Island, with a couple of years spent living in Siena, Italy. Through this experience, she developed a lifelong passion for travel and Italian culture.
Mira received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Cornell University and her Master’s Degree from Buffalo State. She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to work as a preschool teacher. There she met her husband of 46 years, Jack Berkley. After getting married, they moved to Arizona where they had their first child, Jory, and then to Fredonia, NY, where they had their second son, Alexander, and where they lived for the next 40 years.
Mira worked as a kindergarten teacher in Silver Creek before becoming a college professor at Jamestown Community College for several years. During this time, she worked on and earned her PhD from the University of Buffalo, eventually leading to a position at SUNY Fredonia where she served as chair of the early childhood department. Mira led several overseas trips for students to learn from other cultures, including to Wales, England, Belize, and Italy. She was a lifelong advocate for learning through play. Upon retiring from SUNY Fredonia, Mira worked for Quality Stars training Pre-K teachers in New York City. Mira’s influence on her students and the impact that she had on children in New York State is incalculable.
She loved Dipper ice cream, walking dogs to the creek, and monarch butterflies. Mira leaves behind her loving husband, Jack; her son, Alex (Kayleigh); four grandchildren: Clemmie, Polly, Evan, and Caroline. She also leaves behind her mother, Lenore Tetkowski; her brother, Neil (Olga) Tetkowski; her sister, Diane (Ron) Pokorski, and many close nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great niece. She was predeceased by her son, Jory and her father, Clement Tetkowski. Mira made everyone she met feel like the most important person in the world. Her memory is our blessing. A memorial service will be held and announced this summer. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON- TIMKO Funeral Home.
Richard E. Baldwin - 89, longtime reporter and editor at Buffalo newspapers. Aug. 9, 1934 – March 9, 2024.
Dick Baldwin became a newspaperman at the age of 12. He not only filled his paper, The Journal, with news from his neighborhood, he also set it up on a miniature printing press in his bedroom, placing rubber type on pages with tweezers, then ran it off on a used mimeograph machine he purchased. He went on to a career of more than 60 years in newspapers, primarily at the Buffalo Courier-Express and The Buffalo News, where he was the longtime chief of the Niagara Bureau.
Mr. Baldwin died March 9 under hospice care in Attica after a period of declining health. He was 89. Born in Syracuse, Richard E. Baldwin grew up in suburban Fayetteville, the son of Herbert E. and Doris Schauble Baldwin, and the older of two children. His father was a chemist and a manager at a local steel plant. At Fayetteville High School, where he played on the baseball team and graduated in 1951, he was editor of the school newspaper and the yearbook, just as his father had been. He also wrote a school news column for the local newspaper. While earning a bachelor's degree at Syracuse University, he was a reporter for the Fayetteville Eagle-Bulletin and the Syracuse Post-Standard. In the summer preceding his junior year, he was editor of summer editions of the student newspaper, the Daily Orange. After graduating with a journalism degree in 1955, he married Mary Elizabeth Quigley, who worked at the Post-Standard, and moved to Oneida, where he worked for the Oneida Dispatch.
After two years, Mr. Baldwin resumed the Army ROTC training he received at Syracuse University and became a first lieutenant in the Army Reserve, serving as regimental public information officer at Fort Dix, N.J. In November 1957, he joined the Buffalo Courier-Express. As a reporter, one of his many front-page stories was an account of the Tewksbury disaster in January 1959, when a runaway lake freighter collapsed the Michigan Avenue lift bridge into the ice-choked Buffalo River and caused widespread flooding. Several of his stories were reprinted in the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C., and an article he wrote on Black history in Buffalo was used in the Buffalo school curriculum.
When the St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959, he was in charge of a special section of the Courier-Express that celebrated the event. He received an invitation to a reception on the yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, who had come for opening ceremonies. In the 1970s, Mr. Baldwin became an assistant city editor for the Courier-Express and was a project manager for tech services when computer terminals and digital typesetting were introduced. As the paper closed in September 1982, he was part of the team that arranged for the sale of its furnishings and helped fellow staffers find positions at The Buffalo News. Buffalo News editor Murray Light asked Mr. Baldwin to become chief of the paper's Niagara Bureau and insisted that he start right away. For several weeks, he worked separate shifts of 40 hours a week for each of the papers. He continued as Niagara Bureau chief until October 1999, then was a copy editor before becoming night city editor in 2013. He retired in August 2017.
Long active in the Buffalo Newspaper Guild, he served on the executive committee half a dozen times and was a delegate at national conventions. He chaired the American Newspaper Guild's International Convention Committee on Political Action. He also helped negotiate contracts at the Courier-Express and led the effort that got coverage for mental health treatment. Mr. Baldwin was honored by the Guild unit at its holiday party in December and was presented with a plate from the final press run of The News in Buffalo.
A lifelong railroad enthusiast, he had the distinction of being the last paying passenger on the Ontario & Western Railroad in the 1950s, taking the round trip from Oneida to Fulton and back. His daughter Linda Jennings said the final time he visited her at home in Virginia, he came to Roanoke by train through New York City and Washington, D.C. A longtime resident of Grand Island, in recent years he lived in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt. He was a devoted parishioner at SS. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church and a member of the Parish Council. He wrote a history of the parish and for many years assisted pastor Rev. Roy T. Herberger in setting up his elaborate collection of Nativity scenes for exhibit at Christmas. Mr. Baldwin assisted Sister Karen Klimczak, a pastoral associate at the church, and helped distribute her Peaceprints signs. He also served as an usher and greeter until shortly before his death.
Survivors include two daughters, Linda Jennings and Rita Baldwin-Blue; a son, Ed; a sister, Sharon Doyle; a longtime companion, Margaret “Peggy” Wolf, and five grandchildren. His companion of more than 40 years, Irene Harns Kelly, died in 2002. Arrangements for a memorial observance are incomplete.
Patricia A. Fitzgerald - March 4, 2024. Wife of the late Gerald Fitzgerald. Mother of Michelle (Bill) Clare, Karen (Darryl) Francoeurand John Fitzgerald. Grandmother of Jonah, Noah and Bridgette. Friends may call Thursday, March 14 from 4-8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday at 11:30 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Memorial Service Saturday, May 4th at Saint Martin-in-the-Fields, 2587 Baseline Road, at 12 noon.
Chie Doring - March 10, 2024, Wife of Floyd Doring. Mother of the late Kevin Doring. Aunt of Gene Runions. Chie is a celebrated painter and artist who was Grand Island's Citizen Of The Year in 2000. She will be dearly missed by friends and family. Friends may call Friday, March 15 from 4-8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Mark A. Carey - June 2, 1938 - March 12, 2024. Survived by his loving bride of 64 years, Elaine and their children: Tammy (Thomas) Kippley, Todd (Sharri) Carey, and Lisa (Paul) Korn; also cherished by his grandson Matthew (Elizabeth) Hahn and their children Lexi and Ian; as well as his loyal four-legged companion, Rosie. Mark was born in Pittsburgh, PA and later relocated to Grand Island with his family in the early 1960's to raise their children. He and Elaine then made their home in Chesapeake, VA in 1994 before returning to East Aurora in 2005. Mark dedicated his career to interior design, contributing his expertise to large office buildings throughout the United States. He will be fondly remembered for his love of fishing and the Buffalo Bills along with his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand. Family present Monday, March 18, 11AM till 1PM at Kazmierczak Funeral Home, Inc., 3640 Clinton St. (one block East of Union Rd.), West Seneca where a service will be held at 1 PM, friends invited. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Association in his name are appreciated.
Richard W. Gross - March 11, 2024. Of Grand Island and formerly of the Tonawandas. Beloved husband of 37 years to Linda (nee Hill) Gross, dear father of Christina (Tim) Schulte, Jennifer (Erik) Borkmanis and the late Rhonda Johansson, grandfather of Sarah Schulte and Isabell Borkmanis, son of the late James and Matilda (nee Garlapo) Gross, brother of Dorothy Gross, brother of the late Peter (late Harriet), late George (late Alice), late Robert "Pancho" (late Verna) and late Edward Gross, late Mildred (late Charles) Baker, late Julia (late Donald) Frazer and late Ann (late Edwin) Blanchard, brother in-law of Robert and Alice Hill and Ralph (late Dorothy) Hill and also survived by nieces and nephews. Richard proudly served in the US Army from 1956-1958. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Salem United Church of Christ, 114 Morgan St., Tonawanda. Everyone is welcome. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ROTHFUNERAL.com.
Michael Joseph Schmid - March 13, 2024. Age 54 of Grand Island entered Eternal Life March 13th after a brief illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Heather (nee Domanski), his step-son Alex, his sister Joann (Jeff) two nephews, Logan and Drake and his mother Marie. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, cousins and innumerable friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph. He lived to serve his community through Civil Air Patrol and his contribution to the lives of so many will be missed. He mentored, taught, learned and pushed forward both his knowledge and that of those around him. Calling hours will be at Kaiser Funeral Home on Grand Island Saturday, March 16th 4pm – 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish at 10 AM on Saturday March 23rd followed by internment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to "Western New York Flight Scholarship Fund". 2475 Johnson Street, CAP BOX 20, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. May his memory be a blessing.
Roberta A. (nee Cronin) Lorence - June 20, 1935 - March 6, 2024 Of Grand Island, entered into rest March 6, 2024. Beloved wife of 63 years to the late Harry Lorence; devoted mother of Kurt (Patty) Lorence, Kris (Tessie) Lorence, Kent (Trish) Lorence, Kyle (Late Darlene) Lorence, Kristin (Jeffrey) Kryszczuk, K. Jonathan Lorence, and the late Kim Marie Lorence, cherished grandmother of Robert, Maria (Anya), Elizabeth (Dee), Kyle, Kelly (Stephen), Shannon (Adam), Matthew (Katie), Ava, Audrey, Jordan, Hailey, Tyler, Mason and great grandmother of Theia; also survived by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday morning (3/16) at the Bible Fellowship Center Church, 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY at 11:00. Interment Maple Grove Cemetery. Roberta both played and coached softball for 39 years and Roberta was actually 69 when she played her last game. Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Lorraine M. (nee Balsdon) Pickel - May 20, 1938 - March 6, 2024, age 85, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 6, 2024. Lorraine worked as an LPN at Elma Primary Care. She loved to travel with her family to Summer Bay, and the gulf coast of Florida. She was a huge contributor to any and all animal support organizations. She was an avid sports enthusiast. Loving wife of the late Robert W. Pickel, Sr. Loving mother to Robert W. (Kathleen) Pickel, Jr., Michael G. (Ann) Pickel, Jeffrey D. (Debbie) Pickel, Lori N. Collignon, and the late Karen L. Coomber; Grandmother of Jacob (Margie), Rachel, Alexander (Kayla), Jeffrey Jr. (Emily), and Shannon Pickel, Courtney, McKenna, Cameron Collignon, Ranier Khan, Ashley McQuiggan (Greg), and the late B. C. Coomber. Great grandmother of 7 great grandchildren. Sister of Charles Balsdon, and the late Barbara Abshagen. She will be missed by her dog, Lily. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Fretthold & Hamp Funeral Home, located at 37 Adam Street, on Sunday, March 10th, from 1pm - 5pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 11th, beginning at 10am. Interment at Elmlawn Memorial Park. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the Nickel City Canine Rescue, 5635 Harris Hill Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. Condolences may be shared at FrettholdandHamp.com.
Ronald Albert Golonka - born October 14 1934 - March 5 2024. Father of Liz, Greg, Gracie, Chris, Steve, Catherine, Jean, Andy & John....many siblings cousins, niece's and nephews... you will be very missed Dad....we love you.
Milton Sutter - March 2, 2024. Of Grand Island. Husband of the late Grace Sutter nee Hoffman. Father of Kathleen (Terry) Corwine, Sally (Ludwig) Dischner, Daniel (Karen) Sutter and Carol (Brad) Wright. Milton was a grandfather and great-grandfather to many. Friends may call Saturday, March 9th from 1-3 with a Funeral Service at 3 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. An additional celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Sandy Beach Park Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA.
Susanne M. McInerney - April 16, 1936 - February 27, 2024, 87 of Grand Island, NY, wife of the late John (Jay) E. McInerney passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on April 16, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Herman Rueter and the late Frieda Albrecht Rueter. Sue was a 1954 graduate of Lasalle High School before attending the University of Rochester's, Eastman School of Music where her love and passion for music continued with her for the remainder of her life. Sue enjoyed playing her grand piano for friends and family and took pride in orchestrating the family holiday concerts with her grandchildren.
Sue was a long-time resident of Grand Island, NY before leaving for the sunny skies of Cape Coral, Florida. She was an active member of the Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, acting as the church secretary, and volunteering in the church's children's programs. Sue also used her musical talents to volunteer at local hospitals and nursing homes. Sue was committed to her children's activities and sports, serving as a girl scout leader, cub scout den mother and board member of her boy's football league. Sue was an avid sports fan, following all the college football games and most importantly her beloved Buffalo Bills, always making sure to hang her Bills flag proudly on gameday. She loved dogs and took every opportunity to "sit” the family puppies and they were always excited to visit Grandma and receive an endless supply of affection and treats. Her favorite singer was Frank Sinatra, and his song "I did it my way” ... and she certainly did - embracing her love of family, faith, and music.
Surviving Sue are her five children, Michael (Tracey) of Lewiston, NY, Kevin (Mary) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Tim of Grand Island, NY, Thomas (Joanne) of Corfu, NY, and Patty McInerney (Bianco) of Grand Island, NY, her 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her brothers Herman and William Rueter. Visitation Friday, March 1st from 4-8 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. Funeral services will be held Saturday 10:30 AM in St. Timothy's Church, 1453 Staley Road, Grand Island. Interment will be in St. Stephen's R.C. Cemetery.
Joan Alene Oakey (nee Fiedler) - 89, of New Port Richey, sadly left us February 1, 2024, at Marliere Hospice Care Center. She was born January 6, 1935, in Buffalo, NY. They resided on Grand Island, NY for 60 years. She taught ceramics, delivered the Buffalo News, and owned and operated the Fountain Blue Motel. She was the beloved wife of Howard E. Oakey for 68 years. Adored mother of Kenneth (Cyndi) Oakey, Patricia Oakey (Richard) Sendker, Steven Oakey, Scott (Lupe) Oakey. Loved by her grandchildren, Bonnie (Hector) Ferran, Michael Sendker, Christopher Sendker, Mihkayla Miller Oakey, Kevin Oakey, Nicholas (Bianca) Sendker and Samantha Oakey along with her four great grandchildren.
James Joseph Harmaty - - February 20, 2024. Of Grand Island, passed away after a long illness. Son of the late Joseph D. and Julia M. Harmaty. Jim is survived by many friends both in the U.S. and Canada including sister Beverly Speller, cousins Joseph V. Mocsary and Rosalie Mocsary and relatives in West Virginia. He was special friends with Bill and Barb Wilson, Richard Tilton, Larry Goldberg, Terry Furtney and Debra and John Senn. A Memorial Mass will be held March 6 at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Read a longer obituary and share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Albert "Buddy" Strasburg - son of the late Albert & Donna (Carli), passed away at his home in Tonto Basin, AZ on February 15, 2024 at the age of 64. Buddy was a career Navy-man having served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate with F-14 fighter squadron’s VF-2, VF-101, & VF-21, before transitioning to helicopters as an electrician with the HH-60 Seahawk Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six (HS-6). He deployed with his squadrons aboard four different ships: USS RANGER (CV-61), USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), & USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). He’s a veteran of the First Gulf War and spent several tours stationed in the Philippines.
Noteworthy among his achievements is his participation in the humanitarian relief operations after Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991. Buddy also worked for his father at Strasburg Welding & Fabricating in Niagara Falls. He had a passion for animals and spent his retirement years happily dog sitting for friends & neighbors. Buddy leaves behind two sisters, Marla (Crawford) of Grand Island and Janine (Nymann) of Young, AZ; two brothers, Donald of Pendleton, NY and John of Summerville, SC; and a niece Donna Strasburg of James Island, SC. Buddy is a graduate of Grand Island High School, class of 1977.
Deloris Ann (nee Smargie) Meosky - - February 16, 2024 Of Grand Island, entered into rest February 16, 2024. Loving and proud wife (63 years of marriage), mother and housekeeper of the late Paul R. Meosky; devoted mother of Patrice A. (Bill) Freeman, Paul D. (Nellie) Meosky, and the late Kathleen R. Head; cherished grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Loving daughter of the late James V. and Rose (nee Smargie) Gearing; dearest granddaughter of the late Peter & Anna Smargie. Also survived by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd (near Eggert/ Sheridan) on Monday, Feb. 19 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island (Please assemble at church). Entombment St. Stephen's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to SABAH, 2607 Niagara St., Buffalo NY 14207. Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Ronald R. Fehr - - February 16, 2024 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of KimMarie Ansel. Dear father of Ronald (Trish) Fehr. Loving grandfather of Jason. Brother of the late Joan Wohlfeil. Brother-in-law of Mark (Joyce) Ansel. Uncle of Corey Ansel (Adam Wrzos). Special friend of Michael (Jill) Barnett and Pat (Rick) Lukasik, a special Thank you to Alexandria (Alex) Kenville and Sharon Argo for all their care given to Ron. Ron was a US Army, Korean War Veteran. Ron loved boating, the faster the better. He loved working on his boat, even through the winter months. By trade, Ron was a truck mechanic and never lost his ambition to repair something. He loved being home with his cats Sanjoe (deceased) and Squeak and Mouse. Friends may call Tuesday February 20th 4-7 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME 3290 Delaware Ave. where Military Honors and a Funeral Services will be held at 6:30pm. Entombment will take place on Wednesday at 10am at Mt. Olivet Cemetery please assemble at cemetery office. Memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo Hospice Foundation. Please share online condolences at www. lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com
Robert T. Gesl - February 15, 2024 Of Grand Island. Husband of 58 years to Joanne Gesl. Father of Barbara (Timothy) Stone, Deborah (Thomas) Dzielski and Gregg (Theresa Newton) Gesl. Grandfather of Thomas (Amanda) Dzielski II, Michael Dzielski, Bradley Stone and Benjamin Stone. Great-grandfather of Thomas Dzielski III. Brother of Diane (William) Pitman, James (Karen) Gesl and David Gesl. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Sheila J. (nee Allen) Merrill - Nov. 29, 1963 - Feb. 8, 2024 Of Hamburg, NY; age 60. Devoted mother of Christina Nelligan. Cherished grandmother of Cadence and Cullen Nelligan. Loving longtime companion of Matthew Kielich. Dearest daughter of the late Richard and Patricia Allen. Dear sister of Patricia Allen and the late Colleen Allen. Fond aunt of Jonathan Dudley, Kelly Mongan and Sheila Forbes. Also survived by her furry companions Louie, Cooper and Miles. Family will be present on Wednesday, February 14th from 3-8 p.m. at the AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 6170 W. Quaker Street, Orchard Park where a funeral service will immediately follow at 8:00 p.m. Sheila was a longtime Speech Pathologist at the Martin Road Elementary School, Lackawanna, NY. If desired contributions may be made in Sheila's memory to the SPCA of Erie County, 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Nancy (nee Scheelar) Samrany - Dec. 23, 1936 - Feb. 13, 2024 Age 87; beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Samrany, Jr.; dearest mother of Cheryl (David) Calire, AnnMarie (Robert) Stewart, Lisa (A. Peter) Podlucky and Paula (Jeffrey) Miller; loving grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sister of Marilyn Filbert, Lois Pacanowski and the late Clarence and Joseph Scheelar; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Nancy was the former Town Clerk of Grand Island, NY for 16 years, co-founder of the Grand Island Democratic Women's Committee, and an active member of St. Stephen RC Church. The family will be present to receive friends Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner Parker Blvd.). Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. (Grand Island) Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 at 11:30 AM. (Please assemble at church). If desired, memorials may be made to the Mother Teresa Home, 208 Stanislaus Street, Buffalo, NY 14212. Share your condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.
Antonette (Toni) Whisker - passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024 in Denver, CO. She was born on August 15, 1928 in Niagara Falls, NY and lived on Grand Island for over 40 years. She moved to Denver to be with family in 2003. Wife to the late Robert H. Whisker. (Toni’s immediate family parents Sarah and James, sister Kaye and brothers Carm and Tom all preceded her in death). Mother of Robert Whisker, the late Avalon Whisker and Michael (Gina) Whisker. Grandmother of Bobby, Vincent and Michael Whisker. Great grand mother of Avy, Sophia, Ruby and Luca. Toni was a voracious reader, loved Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and the Hallmark channel. She was an amazing cook! She loved to laugh and was always a great listener. A true example of perseverance and grace, she will be missed by all her friends and extended family. A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
John Pedlow III - February 8, 2024. Of Grand Island. Beloved husband of 60 years to Judith A. (Piorun) Pedlow. Dearest father of John (Donna) Pedlow, Amy (Gregg Gamble) Pedlow, and Sarah Dodge. Adored grandfather of Robert Mogford, Steven Pedlow, Blakely and Averie Dodge. Survived by sisters Penelope, Kathleen, Deirdre, and Molly and brothers Thomas, James, and Daniel. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents John Jr. and Julia (Croft) Pedlow. John’s body was received by the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Joanne L. (nee Louchren) Spinner - February 6, 2024 of Grand Island. Wife of 70 years of the late Frank J. Spinner. Mother of Frank Jr., Michael (Edith), Suzanne and Richard Spinner. Grandmother of John Michael and Sara Jane Spinner, and Hillary Gohranson. Also survived by 2 great grandchildren. Sister of the late Ronald (survived by wife Sharon) Louchren. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 17 at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Mrs. Spinner was a retired teacher with Buffalo Public Schools. She also volunteered at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and Shea's Buffalo. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Theresa "Betty" Cook - October 3, 1940 - January 31, 2024 Of North Tonawanda and Grand Island, passed away on January 31, 2024. Wife of the late John H. Cook. Mother of John M. (Tammie) and Jeff (Nancy) Cook. Grandmother of Brian, Chris, Matthew and Nick Cook. Sister of the late Barbara (late Gerard R.) McLaughlin, the late Nancy Davitt, and the late William (Jacqueline) Davitt. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral services private. Arrangements by Wattengel Funeral Home.
Mary Ann Kemp - January 31, 2024. Of Grand Island. Wife of William Kemp. Mother of Steven (Eileen) and Kevin (Katherine) Kemp. Grandmother of Patrick Kemp and Shelbi Milkas. Sister of Robert (Marie) McGarvy. Aunt of Erica (Ryan) DiStefano. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 10th at 11 AM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to U.B. Jacobs School of Medicine. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
Wesley "Bud" Link, Jr. - March 8, 1936–January 27, 2024. Of Grand Island, NY Beloved husband of 60 years to the late Judy F. (Bearfield) Link; Dear father of Wesley “Bud” (Michele) Link, III and Victoria (Ian) Harnden; Loving grandfather of Desire (Justin) Tedesco, Wes Link, Eric and Emily Harnden Great-grandfather to Lilith Tedesco; brother of the late Melinda Link; brother-in-law of Janet Bearfield and Particia Bearfield; also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore Saturday (February. 3rd) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM when a funeral service will commence. Flowers gratefully declined, memorial contributions to Erie County SPCA 300 Harlem Rd. W. Seneca 14224 are preferred. A recording of the Funeral Service will be available condolences may be made a www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com.
Ron Moscati - 91, award-winning photographer for The Buffalo News and Courier-Express. Aug. 21, 1932 – Jan. 25, 2024.
Ron Moscati scored his first coup as a news photographer in the summer of 1954. When Prospect Point at Niagara Falls gave warnings that it was going to tumble into the gorge, he kept a vigil there for three days and caught the collapse with his Speed Graphic camera. The photos wound up in Life magazine. His most iconic shot came 21 years later when the Buffalo Sabres played the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup semifinals. In the first game in Memorial Auditorium, he captured the faces of the fabled French Connection – Gil Perrault, Rich Martin and Rene Robert – all together, skating side by side. It became the model for the French Connection statue that stands in Alumni Plaza outside KeyBank Center. "I thought, 'Somebody gave me that picture. You don't just luck into it,' " he told Buffalo News sports reporter Jason Wolf in 2021. "That was a great, great moment. I knew it as soon as I took it."
Mr. Moscati went on to receive numerous awards during his 41-year career with the Buffalo Courier-Express, where he was chief photographer, and The Buffalo News. He was a perennial first-place winner in the Buffalo Newspaper Guild Page One Awards. In 1970, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in spot news photography with his compelling image of a Buffalo firefighter giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to an infant rescued from a blaze while the child's father looked on.
A longtime Grand Island resident, he died Jan. 25 in Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, Cheektowaga. He was 91. Ronald Michael Moscati was born in Niagara Falls, the oldest of three boys and the son of Mary Paonessa Moscati and Lucio Moscati. His father, an Italian immigrant, was purchasing agent for Stauffer Chemical Co. He aspired to become a news photographer and, when he graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1950, his father borrowed money from friends to buy him a professional camera.
The first in his family to attend college, he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism photography in 1954 from Kent State University, where he was yearbook editor and listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. A member of Army ROTC, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant when he graduated. He worked briefly at what was then the Niagara Falls Gazette and was a staff photographer at the Courier-Express when he was called to active duty in the Army in September 1954. He had been a summer intern at both papers.
In the Army, he was stationed in New York City as a photographer with the Signal Corps and attained the rank of first lieutenant. While assigned to Camp Drum, he was married July 27, 1955, to Joanne Machelor, a Niagara University nursing student he met on a blind date. He rejoined the Courier-Express after he completed a master's degree in photojournalism at Syracuse University.
His camera witnessed a succession of great moments in sports – O. J. Simpson setting a new single-season rushing record, the Sabres Stanley Cup "fog game," the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, the Bills in the Super Bowl. He also freelanced for the Bills and Bisons and was Sabres team photographer. He was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
He did photo coverage of the Attica Prison Uprising and the Blizzard of 1977, as well as visits to the area by President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II. He became chief photographer at the Courier-Express in 1972. After the paper closed in 1982, he was among the first of its staffers to be hired by The News. He won more than 30 awards before he retired in December 1994, including the Associated Press Bernard J. Kolenberg Award for excellence in news photography in New York State, named for the AP photographer who was the first journalist killed in action covering the Vietnam War. His work also was featured in an exhibit celebrating the Sabres' 40th anniversary at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Active in St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island, he was an usher, a eucharistic minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed boating in the Niagara River, fishing, golf and tennis. In retirement, he wintered in Sarasota, Fla., and wrote occasional travel articles for The News.
His wife Joanne, a school nurse at Hutchinson Technical High School and a psychiatric nurse at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, died in 2021. Survivors include two sons, Dr. Ronald M. Jr. and Robert; a daughter, Deborah McCoy; a brother, A. Richard; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.
Marilyn P. Synakowski - Passed away on January 20, 2024 at Elderwood Grand Island where she had been a resident for five months. Beloved wife of “Joe”/John Synakowski. Sister of Pauline Sojka. Loving aunt of Frances Fentzke, Eve Powers, Patricia Allen, Paul and Sam Moranco. Predeceased by sisters Kathryn Fentzke and Eva Moranco. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, February 5, 2024 at St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road with burial immediately following in St. Stephen Cemetery. The Mass will be live streamed at www.ststephenswny.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in Marilyn’s name. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com
Raymond Paul Arida - December 1957 - January 9, 2024.
Raymond was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend. When spending time with Ray you could always count on having an adventure. He was full of vibrancy and spontaneity. Rays heart was filled with love for his family and friends. He loved fishing, boating, road trips and working on boats. From a young age he was mechanically inclined and was always working on cars, boats or anything with an engine. Ray grew up on Grand Island, but quickly moved to warmer states. He settled in CA. In his early 20s where he met his wife Peggy. Ray & Peggy ran a successful Marine Service Center & raised their 2 children in sunny southern CA.
Ray's passion for life extended beyond his work, and he was known for his generosity, & willingness to lend a helping hand. Weather it was fixing something for a friend or teaching his children the art of fishing, Rays skills & warmth touched the lives of those around him. In addition to his love of outdoor activities, Ray had a deep connection to his roots. Growing up with 6 brothers He cherished the camaraderie & shared adventures of his childhood. His move to California brought new opportunities, but he always held a special place in his heart for his hometown. Ray & Peggy's journey together was marked with tenacity, love, & shared accomplishments. There Marine Service not only thrived as a business but also became a testament to there teamwork and dedication. There home in CA was a haven for family and filled with laughter, love & memories of countless gatherings. Ray's legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Peggy, their 2 children, Amye & Raymond & his 5 brothers, Thomas, Edward, Robert, John and Paul. Together they will continue to carry forward the spirit of adventure & love that Ray so beautifully embodied. Raymond joins his Parents Edward & Ruth and his brother David in heaven with God.
The family invites friends and well-wishers to join them in celebrating Ray's life at a Memorial Service on January 27th at 1:00 PM. The service will be held at St. Stephens Roman Catholic Church in Grand Island, NY. Your presence & support during this time are deeply appreciated as we come together to honor & remember a life well lived.
Paul W. Bauer - Feb. 7, 1938 - Jan. 13, 2024. Passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Of Grand Island. Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Susan C. (nee Nailor) Bauer, daughters Teresa R. Bauer, Mary C. (Chuck) Meyer III, Sherrie A. Pufpaff and grandson James W. Pufpaff. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Raymond A. and Jennie P. (Outtrim) Bauer, sisters Grace M. (late Edward) Schintzius, Norma J. (late Edward) May and brother Raymond G. (late Marguerite) Bauer. Paul was a 1955 graduate of Canisius High School, a US Army veteran and owner of the Raymond A. Bauer Insurance Agency for 58 years. He was a great outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and also bowling. An avid skeet and trap shooter, Paul was a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association and inducted into the NYS Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame. He was a lifetime member of the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club and a member of the Niagara River Station Fishing Club. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11am at St. Stephen's Church 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island (for live stream go toststephenswny.com) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Buffalo in Paul's name. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Bruce E. Senn - entered into rest peacefully after a short battle with cancer on January 11, 2024 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born on September 20th, 1957 and grew up in Grand Island's Ferry Village where he learned to love the river, boating and diving. Bruce was a proud iron worker, and a staple for Cianbro Corp. in the reconstruction of the Grand Island Bridges for many years. He moved to Fort Myers, FL in 2000 where he enjoyed the beach and spending time with his friends and loved ones. On Sundays he would always catch the Bills football games. He was the father of Stephanie Senn (Robert Meyer); grandfather of Deaglan Isaacs; son of the late Alma Senn (Granath) and the late Jack Senn Sr.; brother of Cindy Schofield (Peter), Diane Pembleton (late Charles), the late Jack Senn Jr., Debra Rinio (Sieg) and Nancy McCallister (Marty); also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. No prior visitation, but friends and family are welcomed and encouraged to attend our Celebration of Life service that will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 11:00 am, at Bible Fellowship Church, 1136 Baseline Rd, Grand Island. Reception to follow.
Judith A. Bassette - January 10, 2024 Of Grand Island. Wife of 55 years of Paul C. Bassette. Mother of Timothy (Jennifer) Bassette and Sharon (Mark) Wu. Grandmother of Brandon and Ethan Wu. Daughter of the late Alton and Gertrude Carpenter. Cousin of Edward (Mary) Adams. Friends may call Friday, January 19, 4-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Recovery International or St. Timothy Lutheran Church where funeral services will be held Saturday January 20 at 10 AM. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Peter E. Connelly - Feb. 24, 1944 - Jan 6, 2024. Age 79, of Grand Island, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Born on February 24, 1944 in Glens Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Edmund and Dorothy (Bewick) Connelly. Mr. Connelly was employed as a Psychiatric Nurse at Buffalo State Hospital, the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, and Erie County Medical Center. Peter also served in the New York State Guard for 20 years, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel in 2013. He is survived by two sons, Adam D. Connelly and Jonah E. Connelly; a daughter, Caitlin (Daniel) Lawrence; three grandchildren, Siobhan Connelly, and Daniel and Saoirse Lawrence; his wife, Maureen (Kelleher) Connelly and his dear friend, Susan Fitzrandolph. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Brumpton. A celebration of Peter's Life will be held on Saturday, January 13th, from 12-2 p.m., in the HOSPITALITY ROOM OF OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Friends invited. Professional arrangements are under the care of the Goodlander family. Share condolences and memories at www.GOODLANDERCARES.com.
Philip K. Buchanan - - January 6, 2024 Of Grand Island. Husband of 61 years of Joan Buchanan. Father of Elizabeth (Michael) Allen and Philip P. (the late Jennifer) Buchanan. Grandfather of Jeremy (Marie) Buchanan, Matthew (Kristin) Allen, Laura (Marcus) Rosten, Jefferson (Arden) Buchanan, Miles Allen, Jacob, Grace and Joseph Buchanan. Great grandfather of Nora, Lucas, Isaac and Teddy. Son of the late Philip and Blanche Buchanan. Friends may call Friday, January 12, 4-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church where the family will receive friends Saturday 10 - 11AM followed by memorial services at 11 AM. Share condolences atkaiserfuneral.com.
Sofia (nee Zdjelar) Wuslich - January 6, 2024 Of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of the late Milo Wuslich. Dearest Mother of Marko. Beloved grandmother of Melania. Daughter of the late Bozo and Anka (Nee Velicki) Zdjelar. Sister of the late Olga (Dmitar) Yandrich. Aunt of Ana and Adam. Family and friends may call at St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church on Thursday January 11, 4-8PM. Funeral Service starting at 6PM. Burial will be held in St. Elijah Church Cemetery in Aliquippa, PA on Friday January 12th at 1PM. Arrangements byTHE COLONIAL MEMORIAL CHAPELS.
Arnold W. Beck - January 8, 2024. Of Grand Island. Husband of Shirley Beck. Father of Sandra (Jan) Kublitz, Linda (Jon) Christiano and Loraine (John) Quirk. Grandfather of Christiana Christiano, Natalia (Seth) Guin, Joseph Christiano and Mark W. Porter. Brother-in-law of Blanche Corbo. Uncle of Lisa Lograsso and Charles J. Corbo. Also survived by many cousins. Mr. Arnie enjoyed working at Sidway Elementary on G.I. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Lackawanna, NY.
Joanne A. (nee Dankowski) Lazik - January 1, 2024,of Grand Island. Wife of the late Walter T. Lazik. Mother of Debora A. Richards, Gary J. Lazik and the late Wendy M. Lazik. Grandmother of Ryan J. and Lauren E. Richards. Daughter of the late John and Stella Dankowski. Great aunt of Juliet and J. D. Budreau. Also survived by multiple nieces and nephews. Remembering her 2 loving pets, Mugsy and Rex. Joanne was a Legal Secretary and a member of the St. Stephen's Church Altar Society. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 5th at 9 AM at St. Stephen's Church 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
