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Deaths 2026

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Previous Death Notices

   Mark S. Zimmerman of Hawthorne, FL (formerly of Grand Island, NY), passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Jan 7, 2026. Son of the late Willard E. Zimmerman and Lucille Zimmerman Jones. He is survived by his son Matthew (Sarah) Zimmerman of Macedon, NY and sisters Marcia (Michael) Pelone of Grand Island, NY and Lenore (Ruth) Manson of Hawthorne, FL. As well as many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sisters Danielle (Wally) Kosbob of Las Vegas, NV. Beverly (Jim) Mack of Kenmore, NY and Diane Hill Uonites of Clarence, NY. Mark was an avid hunter and fisherman, a proud Eagle Scout and a lifelong "Bills" fan. Per Mark's wishes, cremation has already taken place and there will be no service. Donations can be made to the ASPCA or the Wounded Warrior Project.

    John R. Domagala February 13, 2026, of Grand Island. Husband of Mary Domagala. Father of Robert (Kimberly) and Susan Domagala. Grandfather of Katy (James Wylie), David (Julia Doll) and Robert (Samantha Taylor) Domagala. Great-grandfather of Kayla and Lukas. John is predeceased by brothers Steve and Anthony and is survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 3-7 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100Baseline Rd. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.

    Lori A. LoVallo - May 25, 1964 - Feb 9, 2026, age 61. Cherished daughter of the late Dominic A. and Rosemarie J. (nee Niro) LoVallo; loving sister of Rosemarie A. (Charles F.) Solazzo, Lisa A. Ford, and Luciano J.(Emanuela) LoVallo; dear aunt of Tyler Ford, Jacob Ford, Dominic Ford, Lucia LoVallo, and Massimo LoVallo. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island, NY. Interment to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.

    Judith A. (Piorun) Pedlow - February 3, 2026, Of Grand Island. Beloved wife of 60 years to the late John Pedlow III. Dearest mother of John (Donna) Pedlow, Amy (Gregg Gamble) Pedlow, and Sarah Dodge. Adored grandmother of Robert Mogford, Steven Pedlow, Blakely and Averie Dodge. Predeceased by brother Edward Piorun and sister Rosemary Thomas O'Brien. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Daughter of the late Stanley Piorun and Mary (Kijowski) Piorun. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Share condolences www.jerfh.com.

    Charles R. Mahoney - January 27, 2026. Of Grand Island. Brother of Mark D. and David J. (Judy) Mahoney. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Son of the late Charles H. and Elizabeth Mahoney. Friends may call Thursday February 5 from 6-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Charles had a degree in accounting and worked as a auditor. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.

   Richard (Dick) Sander, 86, passed away on January 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Dick was the devoted husband of 61 years to Gale (Klocke), and a proud, loving father to Gale Anne Podsiadlo (late Tom), Teresa Hooper (late Mike), Richard Sander (Mary), and Eileen Klein (Mark). He leaves behind grandchildren Emily (Izaya) Christopher, TJ Podsiadlo, Lucas Hooper, Bridget Sander, Jessica Klein, Rebecca Sander, Nolan Klein, Ben Sander, Madeline Klein, and the late Elizabeth (Ellie) Podsiadlo. Brother of the late Joseph, Sister Mary Elizabeth RSM, and Ruth Englert.
   Born in Black Rock, Dick was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (Class of ’57) and went on to earn a degree in Business from the University at Buffalo. He served his country as a U.S. Naval Officer, a role he carried with great pride throughout his life. Dick’s dedication to his community was unwavering. He served on the Board of Directors for Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Men’s Sustaining Society, was honored as “Man of the Year” in 1990 also served Trustee of St. Stephen R.C. Church more than 40 years.
   His passion for water led him to become a member of the Buffalo Launch Club for 42 years, where he served as Commodore in 2000, and a member of the International Order of Blue Gavel for 26 years. Professionally, Dick and his partner started RMF Business Forms in 1982, where he built meaningful connections and contributed to the business with dedication and integrity. Some of Dick’s happiest moments were spent boating on the Niagara River or at the family’s beloved cottage in Turkey Point, Ontario. Places that reflected his deep love for family, tradition, and the simple joys of life.
   Family and friends may gather for calling hours at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd on February 12th 4-8pm and 13th 4–8 PM. A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen R.C. Church 2100 Baseline Rd, GI on February 14th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Gliding Stars of WNY. 1307 Military Rd. Buffalo NY 14271.


Anthony C. “Tony” Aquilino Jr. of Reedville, VA, 75, passed away September 30, 2025. He is survived by his best friend and helper, Cynthia Benson-Mildrew. They had 20 years of fun and adventures. Bull riding in his youth led to a rodeo scholarship to the University of Wyoming where he received his bachelor’s in agricultural ranch management. He was a captain in the Marines and helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He was a skilled sailboat sailor and talented in so many areas of construction as a Master carpenter. He loved his homestead in Alaska and the state. I always said he was rough around the edges but had a warm heart. A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, at his home.

Christine K. Secord - Jan 24, 2026, Of Grand Island. Wife of the late James J. Secord. Mother of Laura (Todd and Candace) Yeager and Eric (Elizabeth) Secord. Grandmother of Abigail and Isabelle Secord. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bible Fellowship Center 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072 where a Memorial Service will be held Saturday January 31 at 12 PM. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.

   Cookie (nee Puccio) Mitri - Jul 4, 1951 - Dec 31, 2025. Passed away peacefully at home at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with cancer; beloved wife of 37 years to Paul Mitri; loving mother of Dana (Alex) Barnard; cherished step-mother to Paul (Molly) Mitri and Scott (Amber Guest) Mitri; caring step-grandmother to Paul Mitri, Braden Mitri, Jake Mitri and Andy Mitri; dear sister to Joan (Tom) Polino, Carol "Peachy" (Thomas) Verrastro and Michael (Sheri) Puccio; treasured by many nieces and nephews. Born in Buffalo, NY, to Charles and Gloria Puccio, Cookie lived a life defined not by its length, but by its depth, joy, and endless love. Cookie was many things to those who knew her: friend, golf partner, animal lover, sister, confidant, wife and mother. In each of these roles, she committed herself wholeheartedly, giving her all to every relationship. She was incredibly caring and committed to everyone she welcomed into her "inner circle," which was more like an "inner arena" of countless people. Her infectious laughter and beautiful, wide smile were among her defining characteristics. Her presence made people feel seen, welcomed and cherished. She believed in showing up fully and loving boldly. She truly lived her life without any regrets. Cookie had a gift for personal connection. Her love was not quiet or reserved - it was expansive, intentional and unforgettable. She made a difference in the lives of everyone she met, whether it be a friend of 40 years or an acquaintance she happened to strike up a conversation with on an overnight flight. She leaves behind a constellation of friendships strengthened by her warmth, honesty and generosity. A celebration of Cookie's life will be held at a later date in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cookie's memory to UCSF Foundation, HBTB Tumor Bank in honor of her battle with Cholangiocarcinoma. Cookie's memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her. Arrangements by GRECO FUNERAL HOME (716) 874-4400. Share condolences at www. GRECOFUNERAL.com.

   Beverly Anne (Hughes) Davey - Apr 12, 1936 - Jan 18, 2026. Beverly Anne Davey (Hughes) of Grand Island, NY, passed away after a brief illness on January 18, 2026. She was born on April 12, 1936, in Birmingham, England. Beverly was the beloved wife of the late William Bruce Davey and a loving mother to Kerri-Lynn Davey and Steven (Suzon) Davey. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, and a cherished sister to Bernice Kuwitzky (Hughes). After more than 40 years of owning and operating multiple Grand Island establishments, Beverly retired and found great joy in gardening and nature. These passions became especially meaningful to her during her retirement years. A private memorial service will be held.

   Edmund E. Colan Electronic Engineer, WW II Veteran, of Grand Island Entered into rest on January 10, 2026 he was 98. Survivors include his wife of 66 years Sylvia (nee Palangio), two sons Edmund A. (Ellen) and Vincent (Sarah) and grandchildren Ashley Ashley (Paul), Nick, Rachel, Cameron and Ryann all of Grand Island. He was predeceased by his daughter Cynthia (survived by husband Emmanuel) Mackrides and a grandson Michael. Friends may call Thursday, Jan. 15th, 5-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen’s Church. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
   A native of Niagara Falls, he graduated from Niagara High School. He was the son of Italian immigrant parents. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1953. He also did graduate studies towards a masters degree in electrical engineering at the university of Buffalo.
   After working at Bell Aerospace Corp. in 1953 on the RASCAL air-to-ground missile program, Ed joined Sylvania Electronic Systems Corp. in buffalo in 1954 where he was employed as a design and project engineer for over 19 years. At Sylvania, he performed circuitry design and development of numerous military electronic equipments and systems. These included the high speed communications system for the Polaris ballistic missile submarines; the radio launch command system for the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles; countermeasures electronics used on the B-58 Hustler, our countries first supersonic bomber; the data multiplexer set for a U. S. Airforce countermeasures system deployed at various overseas sites; and a Navy high security spread spectrum communications system. During the 1960’s Ed performed circuitry design for Army portable Manpack radios; the Cayuse light observation helicopter radios; and electronic anti-personnel mines, all used during the Vietnam War.
   After Sylvania Electronic Systems closed their operations in Buffalo, he joined Sierra Research Corp. in 1972 where he worked until 1991. At Sierra Research, Ed performed designs for equipment used in the Grumman E2-C Hawkeye AWACS (airborne early warning and control) system deployed on all U.S. aircraft carriers, and the datalink for the LAMPS MARK III anti-submarine warfare system, currently the Navy’s first line of defense against submarine attack and installed on over 100 ships and 250 helicopters. He also authored several articles published in technical journals. Ed was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving as a radar technician. He also served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean war as an aircraft mechanic.
    As an amateur athlete, Ed played on many area baseball and hockey teams. These included baseball teams in the Western New York league and Niagara Falls Double-Eye league; hockey teams in Canadian leagues, the Buffalo Municipal and Frontier leagues, and for the University of Buffalo. Ed also coached little league baseball and minor hockey league teams for a number of years. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.

   Elizabeth Grotz McDonnell - passed away after a brief illness January 8, 2026, of Grand Island. Mother of Laura (Peter) Hosken, Gregory (Krystina) McDonnell and Christopher McDonnell. Grandmother of Cecelia Hosken, Evelyn and Quinn McDonnell. Sister of Randall Grotz, Tim (Kate) Grotz and the late Donna McQuade and Richard Grotz. Funeral service private. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.

   Helga (Kretschmer) Tyson - Jan 2, 2026. Of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of the late Roger N. Tyson; companion of Phil Marton; dear mother of Tammy (Fred) Ruocco, Mark (Maureen) Tyson, and the late Paul Tyson; loving grandmother of Daniel, Meaghan, Peter, Cameron and Christopher; great-grandmother of Rory and Charlie; sister of Christina (Thomas) Brett. Services will be private. Please share online condolences at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com.

   Peter Figliotti - Peter Figliotti (1932 - 2026), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 93. He was the son of the late Pasquale and Vittoria Figliotti.
    Born in Placanica, Italy, Peter migrated to America in 1949, settling in Buffalo, NY. Shortly after his arrival, he began his career in the food service industry at the Statler Hilton Hotel as a busboy. Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he quickly rose to prominence with his innovative approaches to customer service while improving profitability. He was a highly respected member of the Hilton chain and was often asked to share his concepts with other hotels. He was maître d and food service manager until 1977 when he purchased the Saratoga Restaurant in North Buffalo. The Saratoga Restaurant was one of the featured food establishments in the first Taste of Buffalo in 1984 on Main Street. He also owned and operated Peter's Restaurant across from City Hall and Adrian's Custard and Beef in Grand Island.
    Throughout his career, he was widely respected for his honesty, integrity, and focus on customer service. He was an active member of the New York State Restaurant Association and proudly served as President of the Western NY Chapter during the 1980s. When asked about his education, Peter would proudly declare he went to the "School of Hard Knocks." With only a fifth-grade education from Italy, and additional education after arriving in America, he proved that perseverance, common sense and hard work were the true tools for success.
Peter was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Adrian (Serafini) for nearly 68 years. He showered her with love and admiration, calling her his angel, his model, and the best thing that ever happened to him. His parting words to Adrian were, "You're my gem." He was a loving father to Vivian (Thomas Maulucci), Perry (Irene Stevens), Marla (Joseph) Coniglio and Karen (Anthony) Mazurkiewicz; a proud grandfather to the late Tiffany Hayes, Kathryn Zilberman, Karen Linz, Ryan Killian, Julia Riley, Brittany Keller, Brianne White, and Alex Killian; and a cherished great-grandfather to Eleanor, Ava, Quinn, Vivian, Emory, Sullivan, Monica, William, Somer, James, and Leni.
    Peter was generous to family and friends alike - sharing his time and talents, always willing to offer a ride, a chat, help with a project, or a big smile to those around him. He liked to travel, boat, fish and golf. He found great joy in being surrounded by those he loved. Peter Figliotti will be deeply missed by all that knew him for his love, warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable smile. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the summer.

Robert S. Black - January 2, 2026 of Grand Island, beloved husband of Sally A. Black (deceased), dear father of Dennis R. (Leilani) Black, John S. (Lisa) Black, Hamilton P (Jennifer) Black, and Susan J. (Thomas) Utz. Also survived by four brothers, two sisters (two others predeceased), numerous nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Proudly born in South Buffalo in 1933 to Mr. and Mrs. R. Spencer Black. Bob received a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from Syracuse University after Korean War military service. Over many years, his business and industry experiences took him around the country and around the world (multiple times), always in colorful ties, pocket squares, and socks. Away from work, always with a quick wit, he enjoyed family, travels with Sally during their 62 year marriage, drawing and water color painting, music, dining out, and Buffalo architecture. Important leisure pursuits included reading, martinis, cigars, and the Buffalo Launch Club.
Friends and family may call Thursday 4-7 P.M. Kaiser Funeral Home, 1990 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Golden Age Club, Inc., 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.