DEATHS - 1999-2001
(updated regularly)

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Rose M. (Pintabona) Mendola, December 31, 2001, of Grand Island, mother of Anthony P., Dennis and the late Charles and Rita Mendola; grandmother of Christopher and Dennis Mendola, Jr.; great-grandmother of Dayton; sister of Josephine (Philip) Pantano, Angela Stewart and the late Anthony and Angelo Pintabona. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

Mary Bates, a retired teacher and former Grand Island resident, died Saturday (Dec. 22, 2001) in her home in Bradenton, Fla. She was 70. Born in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Buffalo State College and had taught in Camillus. She moved from Grand Island last year. Survivors include her husband, Richard; a daughter, Susan of Seattle; a son, Douglas of San Diego; a sister, Margaret McCarthy of Buffalo; a brother, Thomas Hayes of Buffalo; and two grandchildren.

Jeannette M. White-Holland, 75, December 27, 2001 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, after a brief illness.
   Born Jeanette White in Niagara Falls, she graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science in psychology. For more than 30 years, Mrs. White-Holland was an executive for Bell Telephone Co., retiring in 1980. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, the LaSalle Yacht Club and Zonta International. She enjoyed sailing, collecting dolls and sewing.
   She was the beloved wife of the late Sheldon C. Holland; step-mother of Bonnie (Donald) Bizzozero of North Tonawanda; dear sister of Harold L. (Betty) White of Amherst; aunt of Karen (Burton) Marriam and Paul A. (Nancy) White; great-aunt of Ryan and Erin Merriam. No prior visitation. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at 11 AM at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Burial in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston will be private. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired memorials may be made to St. Martin in the Fields Church. Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Erwin F. Schulz of Grand Island, former co-owner of a Buffalo hardware store and a retired insurance salesman, died Sunday (Dec. 30, 2001) at his home after a long illness. He was 88. Born in Wausau, Neb., Schulz moved to Pekin with his family when he was 12 and remained in the Buffalo area the rest of his life. He had lived on Grand Island since 1947. In 1945, he and his late brother opened Genesee Hardware, and Schulz served as president of the company until 1967, when he took a job as district representative for the Aid Association for Lutherans, an insurance company. He retired from that job around 1990. Schulz loved to hunt, fish and garden. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Elsie Harbeck; a daughter, Susan E. Pease of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; a son, the Rev. Mark E. of Ypsilanti, Mich.; a twin brother, Edwin of Sebring, Fla.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 875 Eggert Drive, North Tonawanda. Burial will be in Black Creek Cemetery, Black Creek.

Robert B. Tackaberry, 81, an inventor and former executive at American Optical Co. in Buffalo, died Thursday (Dec. 20, 2001) in the Brightonian Nursing Home, Rochester, after a long illness. Tackaberry was director of research and development for 29 years at American Optical. He retired in 1983. The holder of a dozen patents, he invented several optical instruments, including microscopes and medical devices. His first invention in the late 1940s was a rifle sight. Before joining American Optical, Tackaberry was employed at Bausch & Lomb in Rochester. Born in Bangor, Maine, he was a graduate of the University of Maine, with a bachelor of science degree in engineering physics. After his retirement, he formed Tackaberry Engineering, a consulting firm. Tackaberry was a resident of the Town of Amherst about 30 years before moving to Rochester in 1998. Earlier, he lived in the Town of Tonawanda and Grand Island. His wife, the former Mary Needham, died in 1998. Tackaberry is survived by three sons, Robert Jr. of Phoenix; Michael of Orlando, Fla., and Ted of Rochester; a daughter, Jane Shewman of Rochester; and five grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3318 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

Eric A. Salvalzo, December 17, 2001 of Grand Island, husband of Julie A.; beloved father of Marisa Lynn; dearest son of John and Joan Salvalzo; brother of John J. and Jeffery L. (Dawn) Salvalzo. Funeral services were held privately on Friday, December 21. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Arrangements by the JOSEPH K. QUINN FUNERAL HOME INC.

Former Grand Island resident, Frances M. Huer, 72, a former machine operator and Girl Scout leader, died Wednesday, December 19, 2001 in her North Tonawanda home after a long illness. Born Frances Burney in Fayetteville, N.C., Mrs. Huer graduated from high school and served as a phone operator in North Carolina during World War II. She later came to Western New York and worked as a machine operator at Westinghouse in Cheektowaga for 17 years before retiring in the 1980s. Her husband, Robert H., died in July. She is survived by three daughters, Vicky (Brian) Lynde of Colrain, Mass., Sandra (Kevin) Powell of Basel, Switzerland, and Donna (Eugene) Smyers of the City of Tonawanda; three sons, Kurt L. (Lillian) of Amherst, Eric L. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Karl L. (Nancy) Huer of Grifton, N.C.; a sister, Bettie Spencer of Maryland; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Lonnie Martine Burney, Berline Priore and Leighton Burney and the great-grandmother of the late Celsie Jean Smyers. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, December 22, 2001 in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.), City of Tonawanda. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are preferred to Niagara Frontier Hospice Foundation.

John Phillips, Rochester, NY, Tuesday, December 18, 2001, predeceased by his daughter, Aileen Elizabeth Phillips; survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret; son, Neil T. (Tammy); daughter, Kimberly (Clifford) Rabidoux; six grandchildren, Jaclyn, Allison and Heather Phillips; Dylan, Samuel and Joshua Rabidoux; one sister, Margaret (Tom) McColl of Scotland; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Olive Murdoch. John was a member of the Robert Burns Society. Friends are invited to his Memorial Service, Friday, December 21 at 1:00 PM at the LEO M. BEAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 2771 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY. Interment Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. Memorials to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY, 14580 or the Ronald McDonald House. .

Antoinette (Liberto) Ricotta, December 16, 2001 of Grand Island; wife of the late John J. Ricotta; mother of Josephine 'Josie' (Jack) Young; grandmother of John J. Young; sister of Josephine (the late Michael) Baudo, Mary (the late Joseph) Baudo and the late Frank (survived by wife Jenny) and Joseph (the late Loretta) Liberto; daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Todaro) Liberto. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

Donna Paxhia (Sander) Ebersole, of Grand Island, an accountant for a Niagara Falls law firm, died Thursday (Dec. 13, 2001) in Cleveland after a brief illness. She was 52. She was the beloved wife of Gary R. Ebersole; daughter of the late Carol and Donald H. Sander; mother of Morgan, Emily and Jordan Paxhia, all of Grand Island; sister of Daniel (Donna) Sander of Grand Island, Neil (Holly) Sander of Tonawanda; sister-in-law of Steven (Christine) Paxhia, Susan (Michael) Skoney; survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and family may call from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM at the family residence, 1262 East River Rd., Grand Island, Tuesday, December 18. A Memorial Service will be held June 8, 2002 at First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St.
   Born Donna Sander in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Buffalo State College, where she received a degree in clinical dietetics. Mrs. Ebersole lived in Youngstown for most of her life. She was a registered clinical dietitian at Millard Fillmore Hospital for more than 10 years. Her first husband, John Paxhia, died in 1996. She married Gary Ebersole in 1999. After the death of her first husband, she returned to school and earned an accounting degree and was working for the Niagara Falls law firm of Tisdale, Coykendale and Weber. Mrs. Ebersole was an avid sailor and a member of the Youngstown Yacht Club. She also was a gardener and dedicated runner, participating in this year's Village Glen Moonlight Run.

Edward J. Elstrodt December 13, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of the late Mary Rose (Haller) Elstrodt; father of Elizabeth A. Elstrodt and Julie A. (Wray) Dudziak; grandfather of Emily and Eliza Dudziak; brother of Willard A. (Maxine) Elstrodt, Lenore A. (William) Edwards and the late Charles H. (survived by wife June) Elstrodt. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held at a time to be announced. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston.

Frances 'Vi' Remde, December 14, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late Raymond H. Remde; will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Tiffany, Devin, Sean, and Colton Keen; sister of Elizabeth Enyeart; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday only 6-9 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.

Jack A. Roth, December 9, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of the late Janice Roth; father of Jill (David) Stamler. Memorial Services will be held Thursday at 3 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Mr. Roth was a World War II Naval Veteran.

Edward J. Killian, September 18, 2001, of Belleair, FL, formerly of Grand Island. husband of Mary (Strand) Killian; father of Carol (William) Munsie of Wytheville, Va., Mark (Nancy) Killian of Fairfield, Conn.; and Laurie (Dale) Bolt of Hamilton, Ala.; also survived by five grandchildren; son of the late Arthur H. and Edna Killian; brother of the late Henry A. and Carlton 'Joe' Killian. Memorial services were held September 24 in Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, FL.
   A Grand Island native and decorated war veteran, Killian went on to become president and chief financial officer of National Gypsum Co. in Dallas, died Sept. 18, 2001, in Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, Fla. He was 81 and married to his wife of 60 years. He was a World War II Army veteran and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He served under Gen. George S. Patton. Killian attended Bryant & Stratton Business Institute and began his career as an auditor with National Gypsum. He retired as president and CEO in 1984.

Services for Wendy E. Misenheimer, 31, of Grand Island, who died Thursday, December 6, 2001 in Millard Fillmore Hospital while waiting for an organ transplant, will be held at 8:30 p.m. Monday in Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda. After developing juvenile diabetes at age 3, she fought the disease all her life. She was hospitalized for 180 days when she was 11, but still managed to captain her swimming team at Traditional High School. She lost a kidney in 1995, said her mother, Susan E. (John Loos) Peck, and had been on dialysis for several years. For the past 2 1/2 years, her mother said, she had been on organ-transplant lists for a kidney and pancreas at both Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and the Cleveland Clinic. A match was found for her Oct. 1, 2001 her mother said, but when she arrived in Rochester, her blood levels were considered too low for the operation. Ms. Misenheimer, a Protestant, loved cats and enjoyed music. She was listed among "Who's Who in American High School Students." Her mother said her daughter's illness prevented her from going to college or working. Besides her mother, she is survived by a brother, David N. Misenheimer, also of Grand Island and her grandmother Inez Misenheimer, an uncle, Dana E. Misenheimer, and an aunt, Donna MacIntosh. She was the daughter of the late Dale N. Misenheimer. Family will be present Monday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 331 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226.

A memorial service for Bennett Michael Jacobi of Concord, N.C., formerly of Niagara Falls, will be held at 7 p.m. today in Salem United Church of Christ, 114 Morgan St., City of Tonawanda. Bennett died Thursday (Nov. 29, 2001) after being struck by a car in Concord. He was 10. Born in Williamsville, he lived in Grand Island and Niagara Falls before moving to North Carolina with his parents four years ago. He formerly attended St. John's Lutheran School in Wheatfield and was a fifth-grader in the School for Environmental Studies in Concord. He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ. Survivors include his parents, Michael F. and Judy; his grandparents, Jack and Barbara of North Tonawanda and Ronald and Jean Steinbrenner of the City of Tonawanda; and a great-grandmother, Anna A. Satterley of Patchogue.

Howard J. Jackson, former Island resident. Services were held Sunday for Howard John Jackson, a former architect with Cannon Design, who died Nov. 21 in his home in Venice, Fla., after a long illness. He was 57. Born in Buffalo, Jackson graduated from Williamsville High School and the University at Buffalo. He served in the U.S. Army, conducting research at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., then joined Cannon Design. He moved to Arizona in 1985 and to Florida in 1988. Survivors include a daughter, Corina of Buffalo; two sons, Justin and Ryan, both of Sarasota, Fla.; his parents, Howard and Ona of Venice; a sister, Peggy Farrell of Amherst; two brothers, Russell and Charlie, both of Buffalo; and a grandson.

Loretta L. (Feger) Weaver, December 3, 2001 of Grand Island, wife of the late Kenneth L. Weaver; mother of Robert W. Weaver; grandmother of Jennifer A. and Michael R. Weaver; sister of the late Earl, Victor, Bradley, Walter and Harold Feger. Friends may call Wednesday only 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 9:45 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

Richard 'Poppy' Curthoys, November 27, 2001 of Grand Island; husband of Marie Curthoys; stepfather of Scott J. (Kathy) McAlpine, Judy (Martin) Noone and the late Sandra McAlpine; grandfather of Nicole Hawk, Kristen, Courtney and Brice McAlpine and Bryan Noone; son of the late James and Catherine Curthoys; brother of the late Charles (survived by wife Beverly) and James Curthoys; also survived by nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island.

M. Katharine "Kay" (Davis) Long, November 25, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late Karl F. Long; mother of Barbara L. Zafuto, Sharon L. (late Bruce) Nichols and David K. (Sylvia) Long; grandmother of Mary Zafuto Bailey, Robert B. (Cynthia) Nichols, Susan (Edward) Horan, Ann (Gary) Ruland, Jonathan H. Nichols and Jennifer Sara Long; also survived by four great-grandchildren; predeceased in death by her brothers, Stafford and Meredith Davis. Friends may call Wednesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 11:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Art Society Scholarship Fund, c/o Richard Brzyski, 2053 East Oakfield, Grand Island 14072.

Raymond A. Yensan, November 26, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of Betty J. (Ziehm) Yensan; father of the late Roger; brother of Lauretta E. (late Wilfrid J. ) Vanthoff of Florida and the late Clarence (Pat Benk) Yensan; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 PM. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church. Mr. Yensan was a WWII Army Veteran with seven bronze stars, six service stripes and one silver star. He was retired from Dunlop tire with 40 years of service and managed Maple Grove Cemetery for 50 years.

Marie L. Moreland, 80, of Canandaigua, a longtime Buffalo-area resident, died Tuesday (Nov. 20, 2001) in Arnot-Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, after a short illness. Born in Buffalo, the former Marie Duffy was married to William E. Moreland, who worked at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in 1943. She lived in Kenmore and Grand Island before moving to Canandaigua a few years ago. In addition to her husband, survivors include a daughter, Kathleen of Farmington; a son, William F. of Grand Island; a brother, Harry Duffy of Wilmington, Del.; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Salvatore L. 'Larry' Grisanti, November 22, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of Josephine M. (Gagliano) Grisanti; father of Lawrence A. (Mary O'Shei) and Michael A. (Brenda Webster) Grisanti; grandfather of Jacqueline M., Michael L. and William M. Grisanti, Cara R. and Bobbilynn Webster; great-grandfather of Angelina M. Grisanti; brother of Joseph (Marjorie) Grisanti, Josephine (Joseph) De Antonis and Faye (Nicholas) Greco; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday 7-9 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 709 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.

Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Klingel, 84, died Sunday morning, Nov. 11, 2001, at Somers Manor in Somers, N.Y. She and her husband and son lived in Grandyle Village on Grand Island in the early 1940s. Born in Buffalo on Aug. 22, 1917, she was the daughter of long-time Titusville residents Myrtle Campbell Gondree and Gustave Ossian Gondree. She was graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, where she met her husband, John Basil Klingel. Pre-deceased by her husband in 1985, her survivors include a son, John D. "Dennis" Klingel of San Anselmo, Calif., and Mt. Kisco, N.Y., where he is the general manager of "Reader's Digest" magazines; a nephew, Howard Gondree Jr. of Buffalo; grandchildren, Holly Elizabeth Klingel of San Mateo, Calif., John Nicholas Klingel of Kentfield, Calif., Megan Hastings Williams of Palm Desert, Calif., and Sean Hastings of Copper Mountain, Colo. Funeral service was held at Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home with Mrs. Jacqueline Wagner, senior assistant to the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may contribute to the American Cancer Society, 201 N. Franklin St., or to Canine Companions for Independence, Box 446, San Rafael, Calif., 95402.

Dorothy M. Saltzman, November 17, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of Andrew J. Saltzman; mother of Donnette (Dr. Gregory) Adornetto and Douglas H. (Janet) Saltzman; grandmother of Lisa, Jill, Eric, Nicholas, Jenna and the late Ryan. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island.

Ruth M. Stuck, Age 92, November 17, 2001, formerly of Grand Island. Loving wife of the late Arthur E. Stuck; sister of the late Marian Robertson and Katherine O'Neill; aunt of Jeanne Kocher, Dana Cadille and Lazzette Beachley; survived by many cousins and dear friends. Ruth served in World War II in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1943 to 1946. The last assignment FEASC (the Far East Air Service Command) in Netherlands, East Indies. Funeral services private. Arrangements by ROBERTS & DENGLER FUNERAL HOME.

Martha Georgeson, November 14, 2001, age 93, formerly of Grand Island; wife of the late Peter Georgeson; dear mother of George (Sherry) Georgeson, of Boise, ID, Athena (Peter) Xanthos of Grand Island and the late James (survived by wife Ann) and Socrates Georgeson; also survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:00 AM at the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 146 West Utica St., Buffalo. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hellenic Orthodox Church Restoration Fund or a charity of your choice.

Mildred A. (McMillan) Facklam, November 14, 2001, age 94, of Grand Island, wife of the late Arnold W. Facklam, Sr.; mother of Jeanne (Dean) Harper, Arnold W. Jr. (Carole), Norman L. (Marianne) and Paul M. (Linda) Facklam; also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sister of Evelyn (late Frederick) Smith. Mrs. Facklam and her husband began spending summers on the Island in 1938 and became full-time residents in 1957. She has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1959 and was deputy town clerk for the Town of Grand Island from 1964-1974. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, December 8, 2001 at 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers memorials may made to Trinity Church or visit or write an elderly family member or friend. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home. <See Photo>

Carol G. (Sledziewski) Mack, of Alden, NY, November 9, 2001; wife of Richard I. Mack; mother of Deborah (Ronald) Diebold, Gary (Terrie) Sledziewski, Christopher (Nancy) Sledziewski, James (Robin) Sledziewski and the late Lynne Williamson-Gress, and Bryan (Beth Ann) Botorick; step mother of Richard C. Mack, Jeanne L. (William) Stives, Kathleen (Charles) Wagner and Susan Mack. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 9 Stepgrand children and 5 step great grandchildren. Family will be present at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME INC., 13228 Broadway, Alden, NY Saturday 7-9 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM, where services will be held Monday at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc.

Theresa Ann (Czerny) Arent, November 8, 2001 of Grand Island; wife of the late John Arent; mother of Christine (Richard) Stange; grandmother of Jeffrey and Andrew Stange; sister of the late Stanislaus Czerny, Harriet Brandys and Marion Czerny; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Reverend Anthony Rigoli, Chaplin Campus Ministry, D'Youville College, officiating.

Barbara A. (LaBelle) Bosworth, November 5, 2001, of Henderson, NV formerly of Grand Island; wife of Theodore K. Bosworth; mother of Kathryn A. (Bryan) Esseltine; step mother of Terry L. (Timothy) Collins, Timothy W. (Jeanie) Bosworth, Maryanne, Robert and Michael Siracuse; grandmother of Erik, Kali, Matthew, Joseph, Benjamin and Nicholas; also survived by two brothers and one sister; daughter of the late Walter and Gladys LaBelle. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund, 3 Forest St., New Canaan, CT 06840.

Emrys W. Hughes of Grand Island, formerly of Niagara Falls, a retired photoengraver, died Tuesday (Nov. 6, 2001) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He was 86. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hughes was a 1932 graduate of Niagara Falls High School. He worked as a photoengraver for Moore Business Forms for 40 years before retiring in 1978. He was a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, where he was a head usher, and Messiah Lutheran Church in Lewiston, where he was a choir member. Most recently, he was active at Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island and its domino social group. Hughes was a longtime member of the Retired Men's Service Club of the Niagara Frontier and its chorus, which sings for area nursing homes and other organizations. He also was a member of Niagara River Masonic Lodge No. 785. He regularly played tennis with several groups and enjoyed playing dominoes, cribbage and other card games. Survivors include his wife, the former Janice Carnes Hughes of Grand Island and the late Lydia C. Hughes; two daughters, Joan M. Watts of Highland, Mich., and Dorothy H.(Earl) Kemper of Houston; a son, David J. (Clara) Hughes of Niagara Falls; a stepdaughter, Wallee Ann (Robert) Leri of Houston; a stepson, Jeff (Judy) Stachowski of Dayton, Ohio; a sister, Gwenyth Peers of Lockport and the late Dilys Hughes; five grandchildren - Stephen A. and Gregory A. Kemper, James M. and Julie M. Watts and Michael Rodriguez; and a great-grandchild, Sheridan G. Kemper. He was the son of the late Ellis and Margaret Hughes. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Niagara River Masonic Lodge #785 College Scholarship fund, 1001 South Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island 14072 where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 10). Interment will be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park, Lewiston.

James Mobley Kimbrough Jr., a retired colonel in the Army and former Grand Island resident, died Sunday (Nov. 4, 2001) in his Memphis, Tenn., home after a long illness. He was 90. The son of an Army officer, Kimbrough was born in the Philippines and was raised in Griffin, Ga. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1935 and taught math at West Point until World War II. During the war, he spent two years in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he held a number of posts in the Army and was a company commander in Fort Monmouth, N.J., when he retired from the service in 1965. After he retired, he moved to Grand Island to pursue his love of skiing and sailing. Kimbrough moved to Memphis in 1986 but continued to spend his summers on Grand Island. He was active in the Meals on Wheels program in Memphis, was a member of Memphis Country Club and the President's Council at Rhodes College. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia Henning Roberts Kimbrough; two daughters, Ellen K. Finney of Tucson, Ariz., and Ebet Roberts of New York City; three sons, James M. III of Fayetteville, Ga., Graham of Dalton, Ga., and Jack Roberts of Memphis; and six grandchildren. Services and burial will be held Saturday in Griffin.

A Mass of Christian Burial for former Island resident Jennifer A. Falzone Mazurek of Pittsboro, N.C., a former Buffalo-area resident, will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 4125 Union Road, Cheektowaga. She died Oct. 29, 2001, in University of North Carolina Hospital, Chapel Hill, N.C., of head injuries suffered in an auto accident two days earlier. She was 20. Born Jennifer Falzone in Amherst, the oldest of five children, she former attended Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda and Grand Island schools and was caregiver for her younger siblings. She and her husband, Robert, moved to North Carolina shortly after they were married in 1997. "Jennifer was happiest when she was around children," her mother, Diana Falzone, said. "She surrounded her whole life with them." In addition to her husband, survivors include three sons, James, Dylan and Johnathon, all of Pittsboro; her father, Charles Falzone of the Town of Tonawanda; her mother, Diana Falzone of Grand Island; two sisters, Christina Falzone and Wendy Falzone, both of the Town of Tonawanda; a brother, Paul Falzone of Grand Island; and a grandmother, Anna Falzone of Florida.

Sally J. Bennett, a retired New York Telephone operator, died Monday, October 29, 2001 in her Grand Island home after a long illness. She was 68. Born Sally Raymond in Springville, she was a 1951 graduate of Kensington High School. She worked for the telephone company from 1954-1985. Mrs. Bennett had been active since 1975 with The Chapel in Amherst, where she was co-director of the Jet Cadets, grades 4 and 5, for 20 years. In retirement, she enjoyed cooking and crocheting. Survivors include her husband, Richard A.; two daughters, Kathy Bitikofer of Grand Island and Barbara of Lockport; a brother, the Rev. Richard R. Raymond of Amherst; and three grandchildren. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Nov. 2, 2001) in The Chapel, 895 N. Forest Road, Amherst. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

Mercedes (Vargas) Joshi, 35, of Phillipsburg, NJ, formerly of Grand Island, NY was received into the loving arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on October 24, 2001. Beloved wife of Arun Joshi; daughter of Maria Vargas; sister of Louis Vargas, Gloria (Michael) Ferraro, Daniel Vargas, Hector Vargas; brother-in-law Stephen (Michelle) Ferraro; 'adopted parents' Edward and Jean Ferraro; nephews, Joseph and Derrick Ferraro; niece, Domenique Vargas; predeceased by her father, Luis; and sister, Carmen Vargas. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Saturday, November 3 at 10 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 9750 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY. No flowers, memorials may be made to the Carmen Vargas Memorial Fund for Teenage Suicide Prevention, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall St., 22nd floor, New York, NY 10005.

Esther M. (nee Webb) Kaiser, October 24, 2001, of North Tonawanda; wife of the late LaVerne Kaiser; beloved sister of Mildred (late Glenn) Christman, Gerald (Beverly) Webb; also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WATTENGEL FUNERAL HOME, 307 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Jeannette E. Collins, former Grand Island resident, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 12, 2001; she is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth and a son, Paul, both at home; one brother, Richard (Janice) Collins of Dansville and two sisters, Pamela (Ronald) Harmon of Wyoming and Paula (David) Payne of Canisteo. A Memorial Service will be held at 327 North Ellicott Creek Rd., Tonawanda on Saturday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. No flowers please. Arrangements ST. GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, Wayland, NY.

Richard N. Chartrand, of Grand Island, suddenly, October 22, 2001. Beloved husband of Ann Marie (Dolecki) for over 50 years; father of Richard (Florence); son of the late Nelson and Helen; brother of Joan (Ronald) Battilana, Robert of Orlando, FL and the late Donald, Paul and Joseph; brother-in-law of Deborah Chartrand; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will be held Friday morning at 9:00. A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's RC Church (Grand Island) at 10:00. Friends invited. Mr. Chartrand was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the Buffalo Yacht Club and retired from Universal Liquor.

Aline E. Berner Volk, October 21, 2001, former Grand Island resident. wife of the late Almon H. Volk. Mother of Richard (Sandra Lynne), Robert (Sheryl) and Donald (Kathleen) Volk. Sister of the late Donald Berner. Also survived by seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral service from CARLTON A ULLRICH FUNERAL HOME INC, 855 Englewood Ave, Thursday 10:30 AM. Friends invited. Family present Wednesday 2-4, 7-9. Mrs Volk was a member of Women's Assoc. of PAWNY & Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church to which memorials may be made.
Aline Eva Berner Volk, a homemaker who assisted her husband for many years with the family business, Volk's Pharmacy in Buffalo, died in her Getzville home Oct. 21, 2001. She was 92. A native of Buffalo, she spent most of her life in the Buffalo area. She lived for a short time in Miami, where she graduated from high school in 1928. Mrs. Volk was a member of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deaconess, president of the Women's Association, president of the Junior Auxiliary and a Sunday school teacher. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Almon Herbert Volk. Survivors include three sons, Richard of Snyder, Robert of Alfred and Donald of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Services were held last Thursday in Carlton A. Ullrich Funeral Home, followed by a private burial.

H. Bernard 'Barney' Gingrich, October 17, 2001, of Grand Island, NY, husband of 59 years of Libby (Bigler) Gingrich; father of Philip (Mercy), Ross, Susan, and Paul (Belinda) Gingrich; grandfather of Diane (Michael) Avis, Ian and Bryn Gingrich; great-grandfather of Spenser. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island, where memorial services will be held Saturday at 2 PM.

Annie 'Nancy" (nee Barnes) Stabell, October 17, 2001, age 81, of Grand Island, wife of the late Harold J. Stabell; dear mother of Dr. Donald Stabell of Marietta, GA, and Arlene (Bill) Rosman of Grand Island; also survived by six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews; sister of Jack (Diane) Barnes, Ruth (Eldon) Dunning, and the late Marjorie Brunke, and Gladys Bounsall. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 11 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Kresge Residence, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

A memorial service for the
Rev. Marvin E. Rickert, a retired Buffalo-area United Methodist minister, will be held Friday (Oct. 19) at 2 p.m. in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Forest Lawn. Mr. Rickert died Oct. 5, 2001, in Jennings Terrace Nursing Facility, Aurora, Ill., where he had been a resident since May. He was 97. Born in Naperville, Ill., he was a 1928 graduate of North Central College in Naperville. He attended Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville and Yale University Divinity School, graduating in 1931 with a bachelor of divinity degree. He served as minister in churches in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Grand Island and the Town of Tonawanda and in Berea, Ohio, and Novi and Pontiac, Mich., under the United Methodist Church's Itinerant Appointment System. He retired in 1969 and lived for many years on Grand Island until moving to Illinois in 1995. His first wife, the former Leila Ruth Schmidt, died in childbirth in 1932. He married the former Alice McKay of Buffalo in 1933. She died at age 101 in 1994.

John L. Syms of Grand Island, a British veteran of World War II and an import-export executive, died unexpectedly Friday (Oct. 12, 2001) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston. He was 75. Born in Devon, England, Syms served in the British army during the war and was awarded three medals, including the Burma Star. After the war, he immigrated to Canada before moving in 1965 to Grand Island, where he would live the rest of his life. He was president and chief executive officer of the Lew-Port Industrial Park, an international trade center in Youngstown, where he first went to work in about 1973. Syms loved to work on cars and play with his dogs, Buddy and Zena. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Eileen P. Williams; a son, John James Edwin of Delevan; a daughter, Heather Ann of Grand Island; two brothers, Mike of St. Catharines, Ont., and Frank of Fort Erie, Ont.; and two sisters, Benny Clarkson of Welland, Ont., and Sally Murray of Niagara Falls, Ont. Private services were held Sunday.

Marie A. Davis, October 14, 2001, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Walter E. Davis; mother of George (Barbara) and the late Ronald Davis; also survived by eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; daughter of the late Joseph and Nena Smith; sister of the late Irma Sheldon. Friends may call 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.


Gene Masters, October 8, 2001. Of Grand Island; husband of Marjorie (Keller) Masters; father of Michael (Sharon) Masters, and Cindie (Alan) Khreis; grandfather of Jade, Jared, Shawn and Christopher John; brother of Richard (Sally) Masters, Janet (Bruce) Gushue and Linda (Jim) Northrop; son of the late Joseph and Esther Masters. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Coach Gene Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund care of Grand Island High School Athletic Department, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island 14072.
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Marie E. (Vaughan) Meyer, October 8, 2001. Of Grand Island; wife of Robert A. Meyer; mother of Butch (Julie) Meyer, Susan Meyer, Mary Edda (Richard) Day, Dr. Ann Meyer, Albert (Kathy) Meyer, and Elizabeth (Alan) Dodge; also survived by thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter; daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Vaughan; sister of the late Alice Vaughan. Friends may call Wednesday 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 Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials to the St. Catherine Laboure Health Care Center at Sister's Hospital.

Former Western New York resident Florence Ethel Juzysta, better known as Floss Justa, died Sept. 20, 2001, in Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, Fla., after a brief battle with cancer. She was 78. Born in London, Ont., the former Florence May moved to the Buffalo area as a child and lived in Kenmore until 1952. She then moved to Amherst and stayed there until 1965, eventually settling on Grand Island, where she stayed until 1986. A homemaker, she was a member of the Tonawanda Bowling League, the Grand Island Women's Softball Team and the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association. She was also involved with her husband's stock car racing career. Mrs. Juzysta moved with her husband, Leonard, to St. Petersburg, Fla., and was an active member of the St. Petersburg Booster Club for the Buffalo Bills. She was also a member of the ladies auxiliaries of Post 9272, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Post 273, American Legion. She was most recently a resident of Largo, Fla. Mrs. Juzysta's husband died in 1991. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara M. Morris of St. Petersburg; a son, James M. of Kenmore; two granddaughters; and longtime companion Donald Callahan of Largo. A graveside service was held Sept. 25 in Bay Pines Veterans Cemetery, Seminole, Florida.

Florence Ethel (nee May) Juzysta - 'Floss Justa' died September 20, 2001 at Morton Plant Hospital of cancer, married to the late Leonard Juzysta for 49 years; survivors include a daughter Barbara M. Morris of St. Petersburg, FL, a son James M. Juzysta (Janis) of Kenmore, NY; granddaughters Mrs. Jennifer Ridgley (James) and Jacquelyn Juzysta, Kenmore, NY; and long time loving companion Donald Callahan; aunt of Shirley Smith, Jack Wohlfehrt and many other nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Hospice in her name.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugeniusz "Eugene" S. Kozek, 76, of Grand Island, who spent 26 months in a Soviet Union forced labor camp in Siberia and later fought with the 1st Polish Armored Division during World War II, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Assumption Catholic Church, 435 Amherst St. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Kozek, who was born in Zagorzyce, Poland, died Sunday (Sept. 30, 2001) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after suffering a heart attack. When he was 2, his family moved to eastern Poland, where he enjoyed working and playing on a beet and tobacco farm until war broke out in 1939. On Feb. 10, 1940, he was deported with his family to a Siberian labor camp. He and his father survived the ordeal, but a brother, Thaddeus, died in the camp. After an amnesty, the Polish army began forming in Russia. Kozek was among the young men chosen to go to Persia, now Iran. There he joined the Polish army and traveled through Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt. He then went with the 1st Poland Armored Division to England in September 1942. He served in England until July 1944, when he left to serve in other parts of Europe. He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and then returned to the United Kingdom. Kozek was discharged in April 1947. Afterward, he remained in England and worked in a textile factory for nine years. He came to the United States in 1956 aboard the Queen Elizabeth II and settled in Buffalo. He worked at Republic Steel for a short time and then at the Chevrolet Engine Plant. He was employed there as a truck driver for 27 years, retiring in 1987. He designed and built his home on Grand Island with his own hands. He enjoyed working in his gardens and on the cars of his family and friends. In his younger years, he played an occasional game of soccer or volleyball with his children and grandchildren. Kozek was a member of Post 134, Polish American Veterans Association, and the Polish Cadets. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Alice Wytrwal Kozek; three daughters, Christine Patrick of Rochester, Joanne Stiller of Grand Island and Teresa Rattus of Buffalo; a son, Geniu of Grand Island; a sister, Christine Nieduzak of Buffalo; two brothers, Les of West Virginia and Bill of San Juan, Puerto Rico; and 10 grandchildren.

Eleanore M. (McCue) Campbell, September 25, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late Robert E. Campbell; sister of the late Alma Stall, Jeanne Robertson, Alice Miller, Mary Woodcome, Ruth and William McCue; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The Rosary will be said Friday at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island, followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY. Mrs. Campbell was a member of the Zonta Club of Grand Island and the St. Stephen's Church Altar Society and Bereavement Committee. She and her husband also sponsored dinners for Catholic Charities.

Colleen M. Combes, of Rockland, MA, formerly of Grand Island, NY, age 43, daughter of Gerald and Georgette (Corsaro) Combes of Grand Island, NY; longtime partner of Sharon Stagliola of Rockland; sister of Glenn Combes of Town of Greece, NY, Gene Combes of North Tonawanda, NY and Jamie Combes of Copperas Cove, TX; sister-in-law of Brenda Combes and Diane Combes; aunt of Katie Ann and Gerald Gene. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational Church, 519 Washington St., Whitman. Calling hours in the BLANCHARD FUNERAL CHAPEL, Plymouth St. (Route 58 at the Rotary Circle), Whitman, Tuesday 4-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115 or to the Cancer Support Groups, Fenway Community Health Center, 7 Haviland St., Boston, MA 02115. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Rockland.
   Ms. Combes, a comptroller of a Boston, Mass., law firm for almost 20 years, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001 in her home in Rockland, Mass., after a six-year illness. She was born in Niagara Falls and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1975. She moved to Massachusetts in 1977 and attended Bay State College. She was comptroller at the firm of Looney & Grossman, which has retired the title of comptroller in her honor. Ms. Combes was an avid runner and sports fan and was a member of the Central Massachusetts Striders, a running club, for several years. She ran in many 5- and 10-kilometer races and a team relay from Plymouth to Provincetown, Mass. She also played in local softball, basketball and volleyball leagues in Boston and Braintree, Mass. She was a driver for Meals on Wheels and the captain of a team of 20 walkers in a fund-raiser for cancer research.

Alyce A. Janik, 66, died Wednesday (Sept. 26, 2001) in her Grand Island home after a brief illness. She was born Alyce McKoski in Niagara Falls, where she graduated from the former LaSalle High School. Mrs. Janik worked for Life Technologies of Grand Island as a customer service representative for 30 years, retiring in 1998. She was a parishioner of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Grand Island, and a member of the Purchasing Management Association of Buffalo and the Hyde Park Ladies 18-Hole Club, Niagara Falls. Mrs. Janik enjoyed golf, gardening, traveling and doting on her grandson. Other survivors include her husband of 45 years, Ronald J.; her daughter, Claudia O'Neil of Grand Island; and her sister, Victoria Majchrzak of Running Springs, Calif. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Monday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1419 Falls St., Niagara Falls, following prayers at 9:15 in Labuda Funeral Home, 356 Portage Road, Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston.

Donald O. Argy Sr., September 26, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of Jeanne Argy; father of Lynne (Steve) Ryan, Donald Jr. (Ann), Lori (Rich) Muoio, Colleen (Greg) Robinson, Gail (Mark) Hess, Mark (Sue), Kelly (Mitch) Stessing, Mary Ann and Ed Argy; also survived by 22 grandchildren; brother of Rose (Don) Lingenfelter, Robert (Kathy), Paul Sr. (Pat) and the late Helen, and William Argy and Jane Gilpatrick. Friends may call Thursday and Friday 6-9 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 may be made to Cradle Beach Camp or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Annalta J. (Atkins) Mitchell, September 24, 2001 of Grand Island, wife of the late Arthur L. Mitchell; mother of Sherrie A. (Robert) Wendling; grandmother of Robert (Robin), Jeffrey (Lisa) and Bradley (Dian) Wendling; great-grandmother of Kelsey, Mitchell and Courtney Wendling and Seana Chirico; sister of Betty Massey and the late Frederick Atkins; also survived by nieces and nephews; will also be missed by Gracey, Mandee and Spooner. Friends may call Wednesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church where funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 AM.



   Richard J. Couch Esq. of Grand Island, NY, died September 22, 2001. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn E. (Burke) Couch; dear father of Vala Jean (Spencer) O'Boyle Jr., Linda Couch (Michael PhD) Faletto, Marla Floy-Couch (Christopher) Wendel, Debra Lynn Couch (Sanjog Misra PhD); grandfather of Gregory, Erica and Richard Faletto, Nicholas and Daniel Wendel; brother of the late LuVerne (the late Shirley) Couch Jr. No prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend A Memorial Service at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church (Staley and Stony Point Rds.) Grand Island, NY, Thursday morning at 11. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy's Lutheran Church. Arrangements by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.
   Active in community affairs since first moving to Grand Island in 1956, Mr. Couch was a founding member and first president of the Falconood Property Owners Association. He established a full time law office on Grand Island in 1958, and was elected to the Grand Island Board of Education, serving during approval of the high school construction and active in securing state approval and maximum state aid for its construction.
   Mr. Couch was elected to the Grand Island Board of Assessors when the town had an elected board of Assessors. He was the first attorney to serve as a Justice of Peace on Grand Island.
   A member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 10 years, he served as first vice president and president. While serving as president, the first Citizen of the Year Awards dinner was proposed and chaired by Mr. Couch, the membership of the Chamber of Commerce was strengthened, "Cinderella Island," a history of Grand Island, was republished and the Grand Island telephone directory was published.
   As a local attorney and government official Mr. Couch served unobtrusively without compensation as counsel and advisor to many civic, charitable and religious organizations. He donated his efforts to secure concessions from the Thruway Authority relating to bridge tolls. These efforts were successful in that the commuter ticket books were extended from 30 to 90 days of use before expiration.
   Mr. Couch served as chairman of the Grand Island Republican Committee, was a past commodore of the Buffalo Launch Club, a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, and was honored as a citizen of the year by the Chamber of Commerce in 1973.

Ruth M. (nee Olson) Dinnocenzio, September 15, 2001, beloved wife of Ray Dinnocenzio of North Tonawanda; mother of Ramona (Richard) Niccola of Florida, Colleen (Pollock) Yates of Florida, Raymond Dinnocenzio and Donna (Doug) (Pollock) Johnson of Washington; grandmother of seven; great-grandmother of seven; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WATTENGEL FUNERAL HOME, 307 Oliver St., North Tonawanda where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 AM. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. Mrs. Dinnocenzio was an avid golfer and bowler.

Florence L. Browning, 99, a former secretary and an active Christian Scientist, died Wednesday (Sept. 12, 2001) in the Erie County Home and Infirmary. She was born Florence Schuler in Buffalo, and later lived in Grand Island and the Town of Tonawanda. She was a graduate of Bryant & Stratton Business Institute. Mrs. Browning's husband, Raymond, died in 1975. She is survived by six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Services were private.

Joseph Esack, September 15, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of the late Norma G. (Hewitt) Esack and Ina Burge Esack; father of Marlene A. (Thomas C.) Donohue and the late Jean M. (survived by husband Ernest) Underwood; grandfather of Kerry E. and Ryan T. Donohue, Beth Ann Glessner and Roger J. Underwood; brother of John (Julie) and the late George Esack, Elizabeth Ryan, Bertha Steves and Mary Cope; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church . Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the SPCA.

Benjamin A. Spiesz, September 15, 2001, of Grand Island, beloved husband of Elinore F. (Grey) Spiesz; beloved father of Andrew (Joy) Spiesz, Janet (Bill) Allen and David (Susan) Spiesz; loving grandfather of Zachary and Chelsey Spiesz, Will, Sean and Brian Allen, Amber and Jessica Spiesz; brother of the late Walter L. (survived by wife Katherine) Spiesz. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials to a charity of your choice.

Gerald A. Mahnk, 68, of Williamsport, OH, formerly of Buffalo; died September 11, 2001 at Mt. Carmel Medical Center. He was born June 19, 1933 in Buffalo, NY, the son of William and Wilhelmina (Winfield) Mahnk. He was a US Army veteran and a former employee of Spaulding Fibre Co. He was predeceased in death by his parents; brother Eugene and sister Dorothy Jones. He is survived by his wife Marcia Mahnk; daughters Judy (William) Keller and Jacqueline (Randy) Eitel, both of Williamsport; four grandchildren Rebecca, Katherine and David Keller and Emily Eitel; brother Jack Mahnk of Grand Island, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Friday, September 14, 2001 at the WELLMAN FUNERAL HOME, Circleville, OH. Burial will be in Springlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to W.A.D.E.S. or Williamsport Volunteer Fire Dept.

Cathy Hetherly, who worked as an inventory control specialist at Children's Hospital, Buffalo, died Thursday (Sept. 6, 2001) in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga, after a six-month battle with cancer. She was 55. The former Cathy Shattuck was born in Niagara Falls. She was a graduate of Niagara-Wheatfield High School and earned a teaching degree from Buffalo State College. Mrs. Hetherly lived in Niagara Falls, Sanborn and Kenmore before moving to Grand Island in 1976. She worked at Children's Hospital for the past 15 years. Mrs. Hetherly was an avid seamstress. Survivors include a daughter, Kristen of Niagara Falls; one son, Kirk of Grand Island; her mother, Loretta Shattuck of Lakewood; two sisters, Linda S. Harrington of Lakewood and Beth Shattuck Clark of Ellicott City, Md.; and a brother, Dean W. Shattuck of Cattaraugus. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton.

Former resident Arthur G. Merrill, September 5, 2001, husband of Lillian Aranibar Merrill; father of James M. (Jo Anne) Merrill and Lili M. (Joseph) Rutecki; brother of Louise (Ben) Sprankle and the late William Merrill; grandfather of Taylor, Cayanne and Jamieson Merrill, Maria, Martin, Michelle and Gina Rutecki. The family will be present to receive friends Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME INC., 5541 Main St at Cayuga Rd, Williamsville, where services will be held Saturday morning at 8:45 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Gregory the Great Church at 9:30. Friends are invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

Chester Howard Webb, age 84 of Newfane, formerly of Grand Island, New York, husband of Corry Van Son Webb, entered into rest Tuesday, September 4, 2001 in Inter-Community Memorial Hospital, Newfane, New York. He was born in Buffalo, New York July 2, 1917, son of the late Marvin and Louise Rasch Webb. Beloved father of H. Ronald (Nancy) Webb of Olcott Beach, New York, Robert E. (Ann Maureen) Webb of Burt, New York, Richard L. of California, Priscilla (Mrs. Penni (Hartwig) Nicolaus, of Geneseo, New York and Michael K. (Debra) of Phoenix, Arizona. Survived by his sister Harriet (Mrs. Carl Emke) of Buffalo, New York, sister-in-law, Mrs. William Van Son (Helene Cizek), 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Pre-deceased by brothers Arthur( Eva) Webb and Norman Webb and sister Marion (Mrs.John Dick). Mr. Webb resided on Grand Island for 44 years. He was a machinist for Farrell Birmingham for thirty years. Upon retiring in 1977 he and his wife moved to Newfane, New York from Rochester. Mr. Webb enjoyed hunting and fishing. No prior visitation. A memorial service was held on Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 11 a.m. in Hess Road Wesleyan Church, Hess Road, Appleton, New York. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorials to Hess Road Wesleyan Church or the Alzheimer's Association of WNY Chapter 1914 Colvin Boulevard, Tonawanda, New York 14150 would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements by the Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc., Newfane, New York.

   Services for Paul Michael Albert, 50, of Grand Island, a used car sales manager for Jim Doyle Ford and a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave. Burial will be in Forest Lawn.
   Albert, who was born in Buffalo, died Thursday (Aug. 30, 2001) in Millard Fillmore Hospital after suffering a heart attack.
   He grew up in the Town of Tonawanda and was a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School. He served in the Army 1st Cavalry Division in Cambodia and Vietnam during the Vietnam War and was awarded two Bronze Stars, one with an oak leaf cluster, and other decorations.
   Albert enjoyed music and played drums for Happy Days & the Country Squires in the 1970s. He also coached Little League football and was a sky diver.
   His wife said burial will be in the Military Section of Forest Lawn across the road from School 17, where she teaches first grade.
   "I will be able to look out the window to see the cemetery and know he's there," she said.
   Survivors include his wife of 26 years, the former Joanne Huttenlocker; a daughter, Teresa, and a son, Paul Jr., both of Grand Island; his mother, Agnes Albert of Buffalo; and a brother, John F. of Amherst.

Donald F. Mesler, of Buffalo, August 30, 2001. Beloved husband of Mary Ann (Bickert) Mesler; devoted father of Dean (Annette), Terre (Esther), Donald S. and Marcella (Joseph) Craddock; loving grandfather of Jacob, Nicholas, Kelly, Jamie, Eric, Noah and Laura; dear brother of Dorothy (Kenneth) Boyer, Kenneth, late Robert (Shirley) and the late Richard Mesler. Visitation with family at the EDWARD J. CICHON FUNERAL HOME, 4929 Broadway, Depew, Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM where a Funeral Service will be held Monday at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Mr. Mesler was the former owner of the Islander Restaurant.

Eugene J. Linsmaier, August 27, 2001, of Grand Island, father of Ronald E. (Cheryl), Kathleen Linsmaier and the late Paul Lorne; grandfather of Michael J. Jarzyniecki, DeeAnna E. Linsmaier, Deanine E. Jarzyniecki (David) Haney and Robyn E. Linsmaier; great-grandfather of Alexander P. Haney. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of WNY.

Martin H. Doebert Jr., 66, August 24, 2001, of Grand Island. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, the former Carolyn Radig; two daughters, Lisa Ann Geisenhoff of Decatur, Ala., and Beth Lynn (Todd) VanDyne of Rochester; a son, David Scott (Elizabeth) Doebert of Syracuse; grandchildren Jennifer and Justin Geisenhoff, Marissa and Charlie Doebert, Taylor, Trenton and Emma VanDyne; and a brother, Jack (Dorothy) Stark of Grand Island. He was the brother of the late William Stark; son of the late Alice and Martin Doebert, Sr. He is survived by nieces and nephews.
   Friends may call Sunday (August 26) only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or St. Timothy Lutheran Church where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 AM. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.
   Mr. Doebert was born in Buffalo and died in Hospice Buffalo Mitchell Campus after a long illness.
   He was a graduate of Buffalo Technical School and the University of Buffalo. He worked at Bell Aerosystems while attending college and for Sylvania Electronics-Great Arrow from 1956 to 1973. He went to work for Moog in East Aurora in 1973 where he was an operations manager.
   Doebert, a resident of Grand Island for 32 years, was an active member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

Agnes Hartley, August 21, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late Fred Hartley; sister of Martin (Brenda) Forde and Winnie Dixon. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Mrs. Hartley was an avid golfer. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

   A funeral Mass for Richard D. "Dickie" Taylor Sr.,    Taylor, who had suffered three heart attacks since February, died Sunday (Aug. 19, 2001) in Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Va., two days after he left Grand Island in search of a new heart. Relatives said he went to Virginia to try to get onto a list to receive a heart transplant. He was born in Norfolk and attended Norfolk public schools and North Carolina A&T. He graduated from the University at Buffalo and was certified in medical technology. He worked at Buffalo and Western New York hospitals, retiring from the Millard Fillmore Hospitals laboratory in 2000. Survivors include five daughters, Sharon J. Fleming and Theresa Taylor, both of Richmond, Nicole E. Taylor of Virginia Beach, Eugenia E. Taylor of Grand Island and Ebony Pope of Buffalo; two sons, Richard D. Jr. and Taylor Malik El Mustafa, both of Richmond; his mother, Clyde Taylor of Norfolk; two sisters, Delores Fitzgerald of Chesapeake, Va., and Alpha Ann Davenport of Portsmouth; and five grandchildren.

Kenneth F. Sommer, August 21, 2001 of Grand Island. Husband of Ann 'Bonnie' (Fagan) Sommer and the late Carol (Dillemuth) Sommer. Father of David J. (Debra), Kenneth J. (Stacie), Richard J. (Cherie), Kevin J. (Deborah) and the late Linda J. Sommer. Grandfather of Jamie, Jodi, Erica, Brendan, Alicia, Thomas and Emily Sommer. Brother of Melvin (Ruth) and the late Carolyn Rowe, Raymond and Jerry Sommer. Son of the late Richard and Cora Sommer. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A Mass of Christain Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to The Americal Cancer Society or St Stephen's Church Completion Fund.

"A Time To Remember Ronald Dahlberg" - You are welcome to join family and friends for a time to remember Ronald Dahlberg (April 13, 1956-June 6, 2001) from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2001 in the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (downstairs), 1290 Whitehaven Road (773-1004). (Complete obituary appears below)

Christopher P. Martin, 43, of North Syracuse, NY (formerly of Grand Island, NY) passed away Friday, August 17, 2001 at the Community General Hospital in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He worked as a Sales Manager for 84 Lumber in the Syracuse area for several years. He is survived by his mother Mary (nee Dinsmore) of Grand Island; his wife of 19 years Michele (nee Drainville), three sons Patrick J., John E., and Paul M. all of Syracuse, NY; four brothers Larry of Leroy, NY, John, William, and Joseph all of Grand Island; three sisters Katherine Smith, Diane Lapp both of Buffalo and Peggy Tantillo of Scottsdale, Arizona.
   Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the funeral home Monday located at 209 North Main St., North Syracuse, NY. Prayers will be said at the SEARS-MIDDLETON-JONES FUNERAL HOME, at 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2001 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church of Cicero. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to The Dollars for Scholars Fund in memory of Christopher P. Martin, c/o CNS High School, P.O. Box 5205, Syracuse, NY 13220.
   Mr. Martin was a lumber store manager and former Grand Island resident. Born in Niagara Falls, Martin grew up on Grand Island and graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He moved to Buffalo when he married Michele Drainville in 1982. The Martins moved to Auburn in 1983 and to North Syracuse in 1984. Martin was the manager of the 84 Lumber store in De Witt from 1985 until the present and was a member of the Central New York Builders Association. An avid runner, he also liked to golf, fish and hunt deer.

Georgia F. Claffey, a retired hospital worker, died Wednesday (Aug. 15, 2001) in Mount St. Mary's Long Term Health Care Facility, Niagara Falls, after a lengthy illness. She was 77. Born in McKinney, Texas, she moved to Grand Island in 1945. She worked in production at International Paper Co. for 15 years, then worked in central services at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for 20 years until her retirement in 1989. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Survivors include her husband, Gordon B. Sr., and a son, Gordon B. Jr., both of Grand Island; a sister, Lucille Anderson of Dallas; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. today in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.

Donald H. Alt, August 9, 2001, 79, of Pomona, CA; formerly of Grand Island; dear father of Donald P. (Bonnie) Alt, Judith Ribis, David Alt and Susan Pecora all of Rochester, NY, Mrs. Carl (Patricia) Lockett of North Tonawanda and Maureen Alt of Daytona Beach, Florida; grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 PM from the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. North Tonawanda. Interment in Trinity United Methodist Cemetery. Town of Grand Island.

Elizabeth M. 'Betty' (Stack) Blackstock, August 12, 2001. Of Grand Island. Wife of the late Ted Dunbar and William Blackstock; mother of Cecilia A. Masson, Robert (Susan) Dunbar, Mary A. (James) Dunbar-Daluisio, Charity A. (Dan) Mucha and the late Margaret Berdine; grandmother of Rachael, Elizabeth and Sarah Masson, Andrew, Dunbar and Anna Berdine, Brett, Darren and Erin Dunbar; great-grandmother of Lily, Jackson and Mia Rose Berdine; sister of Edward (Susan), Francis (Bernadette), Paul (Rita) Stack, Bernice S. Dinsmore, Cecilia (Stanley Hohenstein) Stack and the late John, James, Eugene, Charles and Patrick Stack; also survived by many nieces and nephews; daughter of the late Agnes and Patrick Stack. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 1 PM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.    Elizabeth, known to friends as Betty, attended a one-room school house on Grand Island and Sacred Heart Academy in Buffalo. while attending high school, she lived in Buffalo with her aunt and uncle during the week, rather than taking the ferry trip from Grand Island.
   Fulfilling an early career choice. Betty began her nurse's training at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo and finished her registered nurse training in New York City. She met her husband, Ted Dunbar, at a hospital in Northport, Long Island.
   After living briefly in Manhattan and New Jersey, Ted and Betty and their two daughters at the time, Cecilia and Margaret, returned to Grand Island in 1950. They built a house at 1320 Whitehaven Road on property given to her by her parents, where Betty lived for the rest of her life. She enjoyed the closeness of several siblings and other family members while raising her five children on the Island.
   Resuming her nursing career full time in the early 1960s, Betty developed an interest in geriatrics and began a second career. Bryant Manor and Pavilion Nursing Home benefitted from her professional dedication and compassion.
   Betty remained active in retirement; quilting, leather work and needlepoint were among her hobbies. Retirement also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel and sense of history.
   Many Island organizations knew and appreciated Betty. Card players on the Island know her as a formidable opponent. The Historical Society was a wonderful place for Betty to share her knowledge of Island history. A great aunt's wedding dress, circa 1890, was modeled in several fashion shows. Attendance at daily Mass at St. Stephen's Church and membership in St. Stephen's Altar Society symbolized Betty's faith.

Ina M. (nee Gray) Gordner, of Grand Island, NY, August 10, 2001; beloved wife of the late Charles R. Gordner, Sr.; mother of Charlene E. (Robert) Sault, Peggy L. (Thomas) Scozzafaba, Betty J. (Randy) Strong, Charles R. (Diane) Gordner, Jr., Robert P. (Lizz) Gordner, Callie I. (William) Salisbury, Edward J. (Deane) Gordner, William P. (Angie) Gordner; stepmother of Darla (the late Harold) Hartman, Gloria Gordner, Gladys (Edward) Klopp and Shirley (the late Fred) Pettit; also survived by twenty-four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; survived by six brothers and sisters. No prior visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangement by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.

Patricia Ann (Lee) Conn, August 9, 2001. Of Grand Island. Mother of Joseph P., II (Kathy), Kathleen L. (Wayne) Hadley, Lois M. Gibbs (Stephen) Lester, Paula J. (Tim) Callahan, Patrick P. (Marci) and the late Timothy M. Conn; also survived by 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson; sister of James (Doris) and the late Buddy (late Rusty) Lee. Friends may call Sunday only 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to the Center for Health and Environmental Justice, PO Box 6806, Paul's Church, VA 22040.

David E. Eberl, August 12, 2001 at his home on Grand Island after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Teresa Ann (nee Brucklier) Eberl; dearest father of Suzanne Marie (Steven) Anderson of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Cynthia L. (James) Lawicki of Orchard Park and Laura J. (Jeramy) Bernardoni of Lancaster; grandfather of two granddaughters; brother of Kathleen Sheehan of Williamsville.
   The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-8 PM at the (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1132 Delaware Ave. (near West Ferry) where services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, followed at 10 by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga.
   Eberl, 63, was born in Buffalo and was a graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. During his 35 years at Cannon, he worked on hospital projects throughout the East. Local hospital projects included Mount St. Mary's, Kenmore Mercy, Buffalo General, Erie County Medical Center and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Recent projects included the Columbus Community Health Center and Our Lady of Peace Skilled Nursing Facility in Lewiston. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship. Eberl was a past president of the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas, 12-year member of the Grand Island Planning Board and was active in the recent refurbishing of St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island. He was a former member of the Army Reserve. He enjoyed boating and was a member of the LaSalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls. Other hobbies included home design and remodeling, fishing, photography and travel.

Christopher J. Sylvester, August 7, 2001; of Grand Island, husband of Mary Ellen Sylvester; father of Candice A. and Aaron C. (Kelly) Sylvester; grandfather of Tiffany L. Wampler, Sierra D. Wirtz and Christopher A. Sylvester; son of John and Betty Sylvester; brother of Sherry Sylvester; son-in-law of Robert and Ressie Cossar. Friends may call Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Robert A. Hoelscher, With the love and comfort of his family, Wednesday, August 1, 2001 in Grimsby, Ont. in his 74th year. Of Grand Island. Beloved husband of the late June Hoelscher; dear father of Carole and her husband Ted Crowther of Grimsby, Ont.; devoted grandfather of Kim and Kate; dear brother of Raymond (Avion), Mabel (the late Bud) Timm, Kenneth (Pat) Richard and Donald (Peggy) Hoelscher; also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children; dear friend of Anne, Marjorie and Lyn. Friends may call Friday 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9 AM at St. Amelia's RC Church, Tonawanda. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY. There will be a celebration of Bob's life in the fall of 2001 in Rushford, NY, his favorite place.

Sam F. Andolina, of Grand Island, suddenly Saturday, August 4, 2001, age 71, husband of Julie (Cicatello) Andolina; father of Geraldine Andolina (Michael Amato), Salvatore (Marcia) Andolina and Jacqueline (Dr. Lee) Ruotsi, all of Grand Island; grandfather of Michael Amato, Julie Amato, Stephen Ruotsi, Giovanna Andolina, Max Ruotsi and Samantha Ruotsi; son of the late Joseph Andolina and the late Margaret D'Avanzato. Services are private. Arrangements by HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., Lewiston, NY.

Charlotte M. Guenther Roesch, July 30, 2001, of Grand Island N.Y. Wife of the late Eugene L. Roesch and Anthony J. Guenther; mother of Anthony J. (Regina) Guenther, Jr., Barbara A. (Earl) Eastman and Robert D. (Deborah) Guenther; grandmother of Carol A. Pietrzak, Jennifer L. Eastman, Anthony J. III, Joseph D., Daniel L., Megan S. and Michael R. Guenther; great-grandmother of Matthew D. and Mary C. Pietrzak; sister of Daniel (Joanne) Sayles, Anne Smith and the late Nora Supples, Charles and Theresa Sayles; daughter of the late Daniel and Margaret Sayles. Friends may call Thursday only from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Further arrangements incomplete. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga N.Y., 14227.

Antonia R. 'Toni' Potenza, July 29, 2001, of Cheektowaga, NY, beloved daughter of the late Dominic and Anna (nee Roslowski) Potenza; dearest sister of Mary, Joseph and Frank (Candy) Potenza of Grand Island, NY; fond aunt of Kim, Frank and Lisa (Ron) Gramza; great-aunt of Misty and Dawn; also survived by cousins. Family will be present to receive relatives and friends Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the MELVIN J. SLIWINSKI FUNERAL HOME, 85 George Urban Blvd. (west of Harlem Rd.) where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:45 AM and from SS. Rita and Patrick Church at 9:30 AM. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined.

   
Leopold C. Helbig of Grand Island passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at his home.
   Born in Alzey, Germany on November 13, 1920, he was 80 years old. Helbig was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. He worked for the former Linde Air Products plant in Tonawanda for 43 years, retiring in 1984.
   A resident of Grand Island for 45 years, he enjoyed attending the Grand Island Golden Age Center, playing golf and bowling. He is survived by his wife, E. Lucille Mock Helbig; a daughter, Susan Quarantiello of the Town of Niagara; a son, Michael Helbig of San Diego; and a granddaughter and great granddaughter.
   His former wife, Ruthie, died in 1994. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by Kaiser Funeral Home.

Robert H. Huer, 75, of North Tonawanda, NY July 25, 2001, at his residence after a lengthy illness. Husband of 53 years of Frances M. (nee Burney) Huer; father of Vicky (Brian) Lynde of Colrain, Mass., Sandra (Kevin) Powell of Basel, Switzerland, Donna (Eugene) Smyers of the City of Tonawanda, Kurt L. (Lillian) Huer of Amherst, Eric L. Huer of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Karl L. (Nancy) Huer of Grifton, N.C.; great-grandfather of the late Celsie Jean Smyers; brother of Evelyn (Vern) Bovie, James L. (Kathy) Huer and the late Miriam (the late Robert) Bahn and special friend of Laura, J.T. and Peggy; also survived by 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad Sts.) City of Tonawanda Saturday, July 28 (at 1:00 PM). Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the American Cancer Society, Niagara Frontier Hospice Foundation or to the Special Olympics.
   A native of Warsaw, Huer graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, where he was an outstanding swimmer. Huer was an Army veteran of World War II, a paratrooper who served with the 17th and 82nd Airborne Division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He worked as a machinist and member of the fire department at Westinghouse Co. in Cheektowaga for 42 years, retiring in 1987. Huer was a volunteer firefighter for the Grand Island and Alden departments. He served as a lieutenant with North Tonawanda Auxiliary Police, and was involved in the city's emergency management program. He also worked as a school bus aide. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St., City of Tonawanda.

   A memorial service was held June 12 for Almon H. Volk of Getzville, a pharmacist and owner of Volk's Pharmacy on Gates Circle until 1972. Burial was in Forest Lawn. Volk, 96, died June 8, 2001. His father, Edward Volk Sr., had opened the pharmacy in 1896. Born in Buffalo, Volk attended School 56 and two years of Hutchinson-Central High School. Meeting college-entrance requirements, he graduated in 1924 from the University at Buffalo Pharmacy School. He then enrolled at Lafayette High School and received his diploma in 1925. One of the first high school oarsmen at the West Side Rowing Club, Volk passed his interest in rowing on to his three sons and two of his grandsons. He later played the ukulele and the drums in a senior citizens band in Vero Beach, Fla., where he wintered after retirement. Volk was a member of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, serving as a trustee, co-treasurer and elder. He also was a member of Transportation Lodge, F&AM, and the Pharmaceutical Association of Western New York. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Aline Berner Volk; three sons, Richard of Amherst, Robert of Alfred and Donald of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Timothy S. Spratford, July 25, 2001 of Grand Island; beloved son of Steve and Darlene Spratford; dear brother of Christopher and Kyle Spratford; grandson of Lois and Louis Figliola and the late George and Beatrice Spratford; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd,. Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 AM at Saint Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital Kidney Foundation, 219 Bryant St., Buffalo 14222, or The National Kidney Foundation of WNY, 3871 Harlem Rd., Suite 11, Buffalo 14215.

Evelyn M. Fecher, July 23, 2001, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo. Beloved mother of Carol-Ann (James) Strzalkowski of Grand Island; dear grandmother of James Jr., and Susan Strzalkowski; loving great-grandmother of Angelia Strzalkowski; daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara Fecher; sister of the late Raymond Fecher, Marie Speaker and Geraldine Larson; also survived by nieces nephews and cousins. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Wenesday at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Assoc. of WNY, 1248 French Rd, Depew 14043. The family expresses gratitude to all those who helped them.

Kathleen "Kay" Page, July 20, 2001 of Grand Island; wife of the late James H. Page; mother of Glen E. (Jennifer) Page of Amherst; sister of Stella Novak of St. Catharines, OT, Canada; also survived by brothers and sister in Kelliher, SASK, Canada; and loving family pet Maggie. Friends may call Tuesday only 7-9 PM at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd,. Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at Saint Stephen's Church.

Joseph M. Russo, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Lewiston, NY, died Friday, July 20, 2001 in Sisters Hospital, Buffalo, NY after a brief illness. He was 48. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Mercurio) Russo; father of Roseanne M. Russo, Sam J. Russo and Nicholas Russo; son of Anne C. (Massaro) Russo and the late Sam A. Russo; brother of Judith (Thomas J. Jr.) Caserta and Carolyn (Martin) Schena; grandson of Mary C. Russo; son-in-law of Joseph and Rose (Quagliana) Mercurio; brother-in-law of Donna (Ed) Desiderio-Truty, Robert (Maria) Mercurio and Carolyn (John) LoFaso; also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; uncle of the late Tommy J. Caserta III. Friends may call on Monday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 468 19th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303 where funeral services will begin on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 9:30 AM and in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY at 10:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Canisius High School, 1180 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209.
    Mr. Russo was born in Lewiston, NY and was a graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. He began working at the family-owned Russo Oldsmobile in Niagara Falls during the 1960s, and eventually became general manager of Russo Chevrolet, also in Niagara Falls. In 1988, he began working as an insurance underwriter and financial consultant for Metropolitan Life, and he recently earned his license as a certified financial planner. Russo received the Million Dollar Roundtable award twice and the Metropolitan Life Leaders Conference Qualifier award four times. He was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters, the Estate Analyst Association and St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island. He also was a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association of Western New York and was involved with the Grand Island Little League.

William J. Sheley, 54, of Grand Island, NY, July 19, 2001, son of Alfred G. (late Rose) Sheley of Bradenton, FL; father of W. Shaun (Colleen) Sheley of New York, NY, Patrick Sheley of Grand Island; brother of Kenneth (Christina) Sheley of Niagara Falls, Kevin Sheley of Lewiston, Dennis Sheley of Arizona and Cathy (William) Rodgers of Florida; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Rd., Niagara Falls. Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society.
William J. Sheley of Grand Island, a former supervisor at Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls, died Thursday (July 19, 2001) in Buffalo General Hospital after a long illness. He was 54. Born on Staten Island, Sheley moved to Niagara County as a youth and graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School. He had an associate's degree in electrical engineering from Niagara County Community College. Sheley worked for five years as an electrician at Unifrax Corp. in North Tonawanda. For 20 years, he was a supervisor at Carborundum Co.

Christine C. Patrick (nee Plowucha), July 19, 2001, wife of Russell J. Patrick; mother of Renee (David) Haigh, Russell A. Patrick, Christine (Nick) Kislack and Lawrence (fiancee Debra) Patrick; grandmother of nine grandchildren; daughter of the late Frank and Regina (Grabianowski); sister of Audrey (Vincent) Alessandra and Barbara Plowucha. No prior visitation. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Christine was the founder and owner of Tina's Cheese. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, 1650 Love Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072. Arrangements by PERNA FUNERAL HOME, INC., Michael A. Pellegrino, Director (874-1010).

Michael A. Keitz, July 15, 2001, of Grand Island, beloved son of Robert A. and Bernadette (Bicio) Keitz; brother of Richard A. (Sarah) Keitz; grandson of Arthur and Annabelle Keitz, Estelle and the late Francis Bicio; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 AM at St. Andrew's R.C. Church, Tonawanda. Memorials may be made to the Andy Wilson Memorial Fund for Swimmers, 46 Onondaga Ave., Buffalo, 14220, or the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Emily (Kin) Papai, July 14, 2001, of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Steve E. Papai, Jr.; dearest mother of John S. (Claudia) Papai, Susan E. (Kenneth) Bersani and Tech. Sgt. Stephen V. (Marilyn) Papai; grandmother of Johnny, Mike, Kenny, Chrissy, Sarah, Jessica, Missy, Amy and Becky; also survived by three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sister of Dorothy Kazukiewicz, Florence Fintak and Dorie (Louis) Kaminski. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Mrs. Papai was a member of the St. Stephen's Church Altar Society.

Ossian W. 'Osh' Bedell, age 85, of the city of Tonawanda, and formerly of Grand Island, July 13, 2001, husband of the late Margaret 'Marge' (nee Ellis) Bedell; father of Beverly Ann (William) Gerada, Richard J. Bedell, and the late William E. Bedell; grandfather of James Gerada, Anthony Gerada Jr., and Kariann (Samuel) Kelley; brother of the late Beautrice Leverenz, John V. 'Red' Bedell and Robert 'Bob' Bedell. Also survived by seven great grand children, four nieces and one nephew. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad St.) City of Tonawanda, where services will be held Monday at 10 AM. Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Boys and Girls Club of the Tonawandas, 325 Franklin St., Tonawanda, 14150.
Ossian W. "Osh" Bedell, former owner of Bedell's Coffee Shop, died Friday (July 13, 2001) in DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda after a brief illness. He was 85. He was born in Buffalo and was a native of the City of Tonawanda. He graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1934 and served in the Army during World War II, earning the Bronze Star. Bedell and his wife, the former Margaret Ellis, owned and operated Bedell's Coffee Shop in the City of Tonawanda for 35 years until he retired in 1994. He was named the 1982 Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, and he was a grand marshal of the Canalfest Parade. Bedell was a member of the Exchange Club of the Tonawandas; Boys & Girls Club of the Tonawandas; North Tonawanda Lodge 860, BPOE; Tonawandas Post 264, American Legion; and the Eldredge Club. His wife died last year. Survivors include a son, Richard J. of Collins; a daughter, Beverly Ann Gerada of Welland, Ont.; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St., City of Tonawanda. Burial will be in White Haven Cemetery, Grand Island.

David Pietrzak Jr., July 13, 2001. Husband of Carol (Eastman); loving father of Matthew David and Mary Katherine Pietrzak; beloved son of Joanne (D'Amaro) Selden and the late David Pietrzak Sr.; stepson of Stewart Selden; brother of Debra (James) Battaglia, Lisa Pietrzak and Daniel Pietrzak; dear uncle of Sandra Joanne and Noah James Battaglia. Friends may call Sat. & Sun. 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME INC. (Southtowns chapel) 3155 Orchard Park Rd. A funeral service will be held Mon. at 10 AM at the Full Gospel Tabernacle (please assemble at church) In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Education Fund for Matthew and Mary. David was the owner of the Land Management Services.

LaVerne (MacArthur) Rossney, July 9, 2001, of Grand Island. Beloved wife of James E. Rossney; beloved mother of Candace (James) Broman and the late Kevin Rossney; adored grandmother of James (Jill) Jones, Elizabeth (Jamison) Reagan and Julia Broman; dear sister of William (Marilyn) MacArthur. Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 7 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company Paramedic Unit or the American Diabetes Association.

Walter E. Zielinski II, 79, formerly of Grand Island, NY, died Wednesday (July 4, 2001) in Regional Medical Center, Bayonet Point, Fla., after a brief illness. He was born in Buffalo and attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School, Canisius High School and Canisius College. He attended the University of Buffalo for pharmacy training. Zielinski served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an aerographer's mate in naval training stations in Sampson and at aerographer's school in Lakehurst, N.J.; Shawnee, Okla.; and San Diego. In addition, he served aboard the USS Nashville, USS St. Paul and USS Los Angeles. Zielinski owned and operated the former Portage Pine Pharmacy in the Haeberle Plaza for 25 years, retiring in 1987. He then moved from Grand Island to Bayonet Point. In Bayonet Point, he was a member of St. Michael's Church, the Knights of Columbus Council and the Beacon Wood East Civic Association of Florida. In addition, he was a member of the Pharmacy Association of Western New York and AARP. Zielinski enjoyed golfing, reading and playing cards. Survivors include his wife, the former Dolores Zasucha; two sons, Walter E. III of Tiffin, Ohio, and Geoffrey of Kenmore; three daughters, Carol Robinson of Little Rock, Ark., Diane Friedlander of Buffalo and Jennifer Derrick of East Amherst; and eight grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1419 Falls St., following prayers at 10 in the Zajac Funeral Home, 319 24th St. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston.

Frank E. Scheuing, a retired Buffalo truck driver, died Monday (July 2, 2001) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Scheuing, 84, of Grand Island, was born in Brooklyn. He lived in Grand Island for the last 30 years and spent his summers in Owls Head. He served in the Navy during World War II. Scheuing was a truck driver for Interstate Motor Freight System for 25 years, retiring in 1979. Surviving are his wife, Donna Stearns Scheuing; three sons, David F. of Saratoga Springs, Wayne M. of Rochester and Scott A. of Niagara Falls; and four grandchildren. Services will be private. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton.

Grace A. Gaul, 96, who was a lifelong member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, died Tuesday (July 3, 2001) in Riverwood Health Care Center, Grand Island, after a lengthy illness. The former Grace Neubauer was born in Niagara Falls, had been a resident of Grand Island and attended Ashland Avenue School. She moved to Grand Island about 10 years ago, and had lived for 5&1/2; years in the health center. Mrs. Gaul worked as a packer for several years at Nabisco Shredded Wheat Co., where she met her husband, Frank L. They married in 1925. He died in 1970. Survivors include three daughters, Helen Boyll, Jean Gaul and Joyce Lynch, all of Lewiston; a son, John of Grand Island; a sister, Martha Laerum of Niagara Falls; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 18 Cleveland Ave. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Jocelyn A. "Jo" Lawson, 86, formerly of Williamsville, died Saturday (June 30, 2001) in Clifton Springs Health Care Facility in Clifton Springs after a brief illness. Mrs. Lawson taught at Sidway Elementary School on Grand Island in the 1940s and 1950s. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 29 E. Main St., Canisteo. Burial will be in Young Hickory Cemetery, Troupsburg.

James A. Prince
   James A. Prince of North Fort Myers, Fla., former dean of the College of Education at Niagara University, died June 7, 2001, in Lee County Memorial Hospital, Fort Myers, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 73.
   Born in Fox River Grove, Ill., he was a Navy Seabee, serving in Saipan in World War II. He served two tours of duty in Korea as an Army sergeant during the Korean War.
   After attending teachers college in Illinois, Prince began his career as a physical education teacher, then became a principal, a school superintendent and a college professor. He received his doctorate in education from the University of Illinois in 1965.
   He came to Grand Island in 1968, when he joined the faculty at Niagara University to teach graduate studies. He was dean of the College of Education and built up the graduate program dramatically by recruiting students from Canada. In honor of his service, he was named a professor emeritus. He retired in 1989.
   An ordained Catholic deacon, he was active in St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island and at St. Mary's Manor in Niagara Falls from 1978 to 1989. He moved to North Fort Myers after his retirement.
   Surviving are his wife of 47 years, the former Rita Kuich; two sons, Michael of Woodbridge, Va., and James F. of Yorktown, Va.; two daughters, Rosanne Barton of Laurel, Md., and Donna of West Seneca; a brother, Dr. Robert of Platteville, Wis.; and five grandchildren.
   Graveside services, with full military honors, were held in Fox River Grove.

Jean T. Kinney, June 29, 2001 of Grand Island and Kenmore, NY. Beloved wife of the late William F. Wilke and George Kinney; loving mother of Patricia 'Patty' J. Poore, and the late Robert A. Woerner. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3290 Delaware Ave, where funeral service will be held Monday afternoon at 1. Friends invited.

Richard M. Mangin
   Richard M. Mangin of Grand Island and formerly of Syracuse, NY, owner of a carpets and linoleum store, died Monday (June 25, 2001) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. He was 68.
   A native of Syracuse, Mangin had lived in Grand Island since 1973. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1956.
   Mangin owned and operated Teddy Bear Carpets & Linoleum in North Tonawanda for the past 20 years.
   He was a member of Niagara Falls Umpires Association.
   Survivors include his wife of 42 years, the former Lorraine Lesnau; two daughters, Suzanne Knispel of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Michele (Brian) Imiola of Killeen, Texas; three sons, Charles (Tara) of North Tonawanda, Gregory John of Grand Island and David Martin (Bonnie) of Niagara Falls; a brother, Robert of Weedsport; and 12 grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Charles R.C. Church, 56 St. & Lindbergh in Niagara Falls, Friday June 29, 2001 at 11:00 AM. Friends invited. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Diabetes Assn. or to the Heart Assn. of WNY.

Ronald Eugene Dahlberg, 45, passed away Wednesday June, 6, 2001. An Island resident who relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina six years ago, Ron lived on the Island most of his life, attending Grand Island High School and working for Island Automotive. He served in the United States Army, and was a former volunteer firefighter on Grand Island. Ron is survived by three children, Christopher, Adam, and Ingrid Dahlberg. He was the son of Liane Dahlberg, and the late William Dahlberg; husband of Carol Dahlberg, and former husband of the late Brenda (Perry) Gollwitzer. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for August 25th.

Robin M. (Newcomer) Itani passed away Friday, June 15, 2001, at her home on Grand Island after a long illness. She is survived by her parents, Richard and June Newcomer of Grand Island, NY. Also survived by three children, Linda, Amy and Jamie Itani, and one grandchild, Timothy R. Hammon, 2, all of Detroit, Michigan; two sisters, June (Dan) Resetarits of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Donna LaMonte of Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother, David (Donna) Newcomer of West Seneca, NY; and many nieces and nephews.
   Robin was born September 20, 1959, in Buffalo, NY, and attended Grand Island High School, graduating in 1977.
   She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and practiced specialized nursing for many years in Detroit, Michigan.
   A delayed memorial service will be held Saturday, July 7, at Trinity United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Friends are welcome.
   Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Buffalo Hospice, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.
   Interment will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery, Kenmore, NY.

Harold L. Barth June 20, 2001, of Grand Island. Husband of Christine A. Barth; father of Paul D. (Deadra), Patricia L. Dugas, Deborah P. (Michael) Leach, Wayne H. (Maria) Barth, and the late Maria (survived by husband Daniel) O'Connor; also survived by four grandchildren; brother of Lucille Careri and the late Donald (survived by wife Mary) Barth. A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. Mr. Barth was a member of the Grand Island Fire Co., ASPE, Erie County PMCA and NYS PHCC.

Joan L. Brennan, June 14, 2001, of Grand Island; sister of Robert E. (Barbara), Charles D. (Sharon) Brennan, Carol A. (Charles) Berlinger, the late Martin (survived by wife Jean), Richard and Edward Brennan; dearest friend of Mary Oddo; also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and great nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.

Robert E. Bartlett, 91, of Williamsville, NY, died Thursday (June 14, 2001) in Waterfront Health Care Center after a long illness. He was the husband of Rita Klueck Bartlett; father of Gary (Elsie) Bartlett of Marlton, NJ, and the late Donald Bartlett; stepfather of Paul (Judith) Rung of North Tonawanda, NY; grandfather of four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother of the late Bernice Parker. No prior visitation. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements by DENGLER FUNERAL HOME.
Mr. Bartlett was the founder of a Town of Tonawanda door company. Born in Franklinville, he came to Buffalo with his family as a child. He worked for Bell Aircraft Co. during World War II and later was the founder of Bartlett Overhead Door Co. He retired in the late 1970s. In retirement, he lived in Florida for 10 years. He was a member of the Ismailia Shrine and of Masonic lodges in Buffalo and Clearwater, Fla. He and Rita Klueck Bartlett were married in 1955.

James A. Prince of North Fort Myers, Florida, former Dean of Education at Niagara University, died June 7, 2001, in North Fort Myers after a long illness. He was 73. Born in Chicago, Prince served as a Navy Seabee during World War II, then in the Army during the Korean War. He received undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois before moving to Grand Island in 1968 to teach at Niagara. After serving as the Dean of the College of Education, he was given the title of Professor Emeritus by the university in 1998. Prince lived on Grand Island from 1968 until his retirement in 1989, when he and his wife moved to North Fort Myers. He was a Catholic Deacon with the Buffalo diocese from 1978 to 1989 and was active in his home parish, St. Stephen's, as well as St. Mary's Manor in Niagara Falls. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Rita Kuich; two sons, Michael of Woodbridge, Va., and James F. of Yorktown, Va.; two daughters, Rosanne Barton of Laurel, Md., and Donna of West Seneca; a brother, Robert J. of Platteville, Wis.; and five grandchildren. Memorial Masses will be held in Fort Myers, Fla., and Cary, Ill. Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Fox River Grove, Ill.

Suzanne (Smith-Williams) Leary Sims, 71, June 11, 2001 of Grand Island, N.Y. Wife of Bruce F. Sims; mother of Patrick (Donna), Thomas, Kevin (Lynda) and Sean (Norma) Leary, Maureen (Randall) Rider and Karen (Robert) Balcom; stepmother of Elizabeth (Jim) Allen and Hazel (Russ) Polka; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister of Hoyt (Judy) Williams and Nancy McKewen; also several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the COLUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 652 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, where the funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 AM with the Rev. Earle C. King, Jr., officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation.

Betty L. Kennedy, 61, died Wednesday (June 6, 2001) in her home after a long illness. Mrs. Kennedy was born Betty Bowers in Oakland, Md. Her family moved to Niagara Falls in 1952, and she moved to Grand Island in 1980. Mrs. Kennedy worked as a receptionist for the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce from 1958 to 1961 and then worked for two years in the office of General Abrasives, Niagara Falls. In later years, she had brief stints as a saleswoman at J.C. Penney in the Boulevard Mall, Amherst, and at The Bon-Ton in Summit Park Mall. Mrs. Kennedy was a member of the Tonawanda congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Brian R.; a son, Joel, of Grand Island; a daughter, Heather Bohl, of Niagara Falls; her mother, M. Ruth Jewell of Oakland; two brothers, Robert Swinson and James Swinson, both of Oakland; two sisters, Patricia Paugh of Oakland and Catherine Squires of Little Rock, Ark.; and a granddaughter. Private services were held Monday. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston.

   
Stephanie "Stella" Gondek, who operated a grocery and then a cabinet shop in North Buffalo, died Saturday (June 9, 2001) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a brief illness. She was 88.
   She and her husband operated Gondek's Grocery at 609 Hertel Ave. from 1944 to 1964. They then opened Gondek Cabinets on Niagara Street, and she was Secretary-Treasurer. The business continues in the Town of Tonawanda.
   They moved to Grand Island in 1970 and retired in 1975.
   Born Stephanie Furtak in Buffalo, she attended St. Florian's School. She was active with her parish's Altar and Rosary Society and had supported its Holy Name Society as a business sponsor and as a cook during the annual turkey raffle.
   Survivors include her husband of 64 years, William Sr.; a son, William Jr. (Thea) of Williamsville; grandchildren Jeffrey (Mary Louise), Molly (Arthur) Musarra, Lynette (Sam) Reda, William III (Julie); and great-grandchildren Tiffany, Danielle, Arthur, William IV, Joclyn and Zoe. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother, Alex Furtak, and her sister Emily Kopacz
   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 Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

Almon H. Volk, June 8, 2001, of Buffalo (formerly of Grand Island), NY. Beloved husband of Aline (nee Berner) Volk; father of Richard (Sandra), Robert (Sheryl) and Donald (Kathleen) Volk. Also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to attend services in The Lafayette Presbyterian Church (Elmwood and Lafayette Ave.) Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM. Memorials may be made to Lafayette Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy L. (Haines) Dee, June 4, 2001. Beloved wife of the late Edward H. Dee; dearest mother of James P. McPhee, David (Sandy) Dee and the late Joan Taylor; survived by 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Iva Riening. No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 11 AM. The (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner Parker Blvd.). Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined.

Joyce B. Dannels, 73, died Monday, June 4, 2001, in her home on Grand Island. Wife of Bobby F. Dannels; mother of Bruce (Carla) Dannels of San Mateo, CA; Betsy (Clyde) Payn of Doylestown, PA; and Lisa (Albert) Osborn of Grand Island; grandmother of Christopher, Jason, and Kelsey Dannels; Tamara, Brittany and Erik Payn, James and Colin Osborn; sister of James (Phyllis) Hall of Elmira and Richard (Florence) Hall of Eden. Friends may call Tuesday only 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. The family will receive friends Wednesday 10-11 AM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Grand Island, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church or Hospice Buffalo.
   Mrs. Dannels, born Joyce Hall in Jamestown, graduated from high school there in 1946. She then moved to Buffalo and received her R.N. degree from Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing.
   Mrs. Dannels was a nurse at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the General Motors plant in the Town of Tonawanda before opening her craft gallery in 1980.
   She was an avid sailor and golf enthusiast.

Paulette (Sterner) Vanderbles, May 27, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of Timothy Vanderbles Sr.; mother of Timothy Jr., Maryjane and Lisa Vanderbles; sister of Kenneth (Sandra) Sterner, Beverly (Robert) House, Robert (Elizabeth) Sterner, Mary Jean (Gary) Arcasola, William (Deidra) Sterner and the late Marilyn Welch; daughter of the late William and Mary Sterner; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Further arrangements incomplete.

Lisa M. Bystrzak, A resident of the United Cerebral Palsy Association, formerly of Youngstown and Grand Island, NY, May 27, 2001, age 34, daughter of Kathleen (Deal) De Petris and Carl J. Bystrzak; sister of Christopher (Jennifer) Bystrzak, Shane and Joshua Moccio and Matt Bystrzak; aunt of Kara and Rebecca Bystrzak; granddaughter of Richard C. Deal and the late Anita Deal and Julian T. and Florence Bystrzak; niece of Anita (Daniel) Serianni, Marilyn (Charles) Rignall, Michael and Richard Deal, Patricia LiPari, James and John Deal, Marie (Barry) Brady and Rosanna Deal; also survived by several cousins. Friends may call at the HARIDSON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., North Fourth and Ridge Sts., Lewiston, 7-9 PM Wednesday. Services Thursday at 10 AM from the Living Word Church, 29th and Michigan Ave., Niagara Falls. Burial in Oakland Rural Cemetery, Youngstown. Memorials to the UCPA of WNY, 7 Community Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 or the Epilepsy Assn. of WNY, 339 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222.

William J. Costello, May 22, 2001, of Grand Island. Husband of Marjorie Costello; father of Linda (John) Braddell, William J. II (Cheryl), Patricia A. Rink, Penny (Michael) Linenfelser and Michael J. (Barbara) Costello; grandfather of John Jr., Michael and Mark Braddell, Rita, Adrianne and Maxwell Costello, Jon Calabro, Stephanie and Christopher Rink, Lisa and Anne Linenfelser, Nathan, Maria, Peter and Matthew Costello; great-grandfather of Ashley, Samantha and Zachary Braddell; brother of Rosemary Hollander and the late Peter J. Costello; son of the late Peter and Anna Costello; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 9:15 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
Ruth S. Eldredge, May 24, 2001, of Grand Island, formerly of Niagara Falls, wife of Bob Eldredge; mother of Karen (Tom) Martin, Susan (Michael) Delaney and Nancy (Joseph) Roberts; grandmother of Michael Delaney, Chantel (Don) Kutzbach, Karrie (Matthew) Hadfield, Amy Martin, Cami Ungara and James Roberts; great-grandmother of Emily and Caleb Hadfield and Brian Delaney; sister of Terry (Sandy) Olsen and the late Grace Collier, Alfred and Miriam Olsen. Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 10 AM at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined.
Welma E. Dornfeld, a Grand Island native and a retired sales clerk, died Friday (May 11, 2001) in her Cape Coral, Fla., home after a lengthy illness. She was 79. The former Welma E. Ziehm attended City of Tonawanda public schools. She married Robert W. Dornfeld in 1946, and the couple settled in North Tonawanda. Mrs. Dornfeld worked as a clerk at the AM&A's store in the Town of Tonawanda for 17 years. She retired in 1980, when she and her husband moved to Cape Coral. Mrs. Dornfeld enjoyed gardening and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Cape Coral. Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, Robert A. of Cape Coral and Kevin of Maryville, Tenn., and three grandchildren. Services will be private. Burial will be in Fort Myers (Fla.) Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Mary Ruth Gross Marlin of Grand Island, a retired registered nurse, died Monday (May 14, 2001) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a brief illness. She was 87. She was born Mary Ruth Knickerbocker in Ripley, where she graduated from Ripley High School. In 1936, Mrs. Marlin graduated from Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for Buffalo General Hospital for many years. Mrs. Marlin also worked for Kenmore Mercy Hospital, the Grand Island School District and as a private-duty nurse. She retired in 1966. Mrs. Marlin was the widow of William K. Gross and Charles G. Marlin. At Trinity United Methodist Church, she was a member of the church choir, youth fellowship and United Methodist Women. Mrs. Marlin also participated in the Girl Scouts and was instrumental in fund-raising efforts for the Grand Island Community Band. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, gardening and bird watching. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ann Bishara of Niagara Falls; a son, Charles Timothy Gross of Orlando, Fla.; a stepson, Charles Marlin of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mary R. (Knickerbocker) Gross, May 14 2001. Wife of the late William K. Gross and Charles G. Marlin; mother of Mary Ann (Norman) Bishara of Niagara Falls, Charles Timothy (Jane) Gross of Orlando and the late Barbara Marlin; grandmother of Deborah (William) Hays, Donna (Stuart) Lavallee, Elizabeth (Vincent) Lia, Susan (Anthony) Santarosa, Norman Bishara II, William, Jennifer Gross, Bret (Karen), Todd (Lisa) and Kurt Marlin. Also survived by 14 Great-grandchildren. Friends may call Wednesday only, 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church were funeral services will be held Thursday at 11.

Vernon H. Stewart, May 10, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of Helen M. Stewart; father of Kathleen (Steve) Stark, David (Bernadette), Robert (AnnMarie) Stewart, Elaine (Robert) Henry and Mary (Joseph) May; also survived by nine grandchildren; son of the late Rose and Coleman Stewart. 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 the American Heart Association.

Edward L. Kruse Jr., December 30, 2000, of Grand Island. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 2, at 11 AM at Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island.

Evelyn V. (Smith) Kohn, April 27, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late James N. Kohn; mother of Lance J., Sr. of Tonawanda and Gerald L. (Carol) Kohn of Hamburg; grandmother of Kenneth (Dee), James (Kim), Lance II, Randall (Staci), Kristina Kohn, Rebecca (Andrew) Attea and the late Scott Kohn; also survived by nine great-grandchildren; sister of Anne (Raymond) Ehlert of Grand Island; daughter of the late William and Estella Smith. Friends may call Sunday and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross.

Anne H. (Lipiec) Kosikowski, April 26, 2001 of Grand Island, N.Y. Beloved wife of the late Stanley W.; dearest mother of Geraldine (Leo) Karr and Patricia (William) Call; grandmother of six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister of Sally (late Carmen) Cammarano, Rose (late Leslie) Panek, Theresa (Edward) Sarama, late Stanley (late Clare) Lipiec, late Alex (Rita) Lipiec, late Joseph Lipiec and the late Edmund (Kathleen) Lipiec; survived by nieces and nephews. Family will be present to receive relatives and friends Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the MELVIN J. SLIWINSKI FUNERAL HOME, 85 George Urban Blvd. (west of Harlem Rd.), where funeral services will be held Monday at 9 AM and from Queen of Martyrs Church at 9:30 AM. Interment St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Mrs. Kosikowski was a retiree of Moog. Flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made to Hospice.

Dr. Nelson L. Blackmore, April 24, 2001, of the Town of Tonawanda, NY, husband of Marsha L. Blackmore; father of Denise A. Blackmore, Judith R. Testa (Lewis), and Michele L. Blackmore; grandfather of Brian and Kimberly Testa; brother of Marjorie Gilmore (John). A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of the Elms, Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Ave. (corner of Brighton Rd.), Town of Tonawanda, at 11 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2001. Friends invited. If desired, memorial gifts may be sent to the Class of 1949 Scholarship Fund, School of Dental Medicine, Office of Development, Squire Hall, Room 338, 3435 Main St., Bldg. 32, Buffalo, NY 14214. Arrangements by Frank Rubino Mortuary.

Dr. Nelson L. Blackmore, professor emeritus of the University at Buffalo School of Dentistry, died Tuesday (April 24, 2001) in his Town of Tonawanda home after a brief illness. He was 81. A native of Hornell, he later moved to Buffalo with his family and was educated in local schools. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1942 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He received his doctor of dentistry degree from the University of Buffalo in 1949 and served an internship at Buffalo General Hospital from 1949 to 1950. From the early 1950s until 1965,he had a private dentistry practice on Grand Island while teaching part time at the UB School of Dentistry. From 1965 until 1982, when he retired, he was a full-time faculty member at UB's School of Dentistry. In 1990, he was named distinguished retired professor. He was a faculty member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honorary Society and a life member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Society and the 8th District Dental Society. Blackmore spent his retirement years traveling, doing woodworking and golfing. He was a member of the River Oaks Golf Club and was a former member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club, both on Grand Island. After retiring, he also was a volunteer for several years at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, the former Marsha Heller; three daughters, Denise Ann of and Michele L., both of Buffalo, and Judith Ray Testa of Hammonton, N.J.; a sister, Marjorie Gilmore of Grand Island; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 5 in Chapel of the Elms, Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Ave., Town of Tonawanda.

John L. Leitner, a master metalworker who entertained family and friends with stories of the "early days" of Grand Island, died last Saturday (April 21, 2001) in Hospice Buffalo after a brief struggle with cancer. He was 81. Raised in Black Rock, where his father owned Leitner's Bakery, Leitner, known as Hans, was a graduate of Hutchinson Technical High School. He lived for 13 years with his grandmother in Germany, where he apprenticed in the metal industry and became a master craftsman. He also worked with other materials, including wood and plastic. He retired in 1987 as a foreman at the former Applied Design in North Tonawanda, where he had worked for 24 years. When he was a boy, his family purchased property on Grand Island, where they had a cottage and where he later built a house. He loved to tell stories about youthful adventures on the Grand Island riverfront. His son, Hans J., said a quote from the Bible sums up his father's life: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." Besides his son, he is survived by his wife, the former Caroline Rupprecht; a daughter, Elizabeth of Grand Island; a grandchild; and a great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

John Ludwig 'Hans' Leitner, April 21, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of Caroline Leitner; father of Hans J. (Audrey) and Elizabeth Leitner; grandfather of Danielle Leitner; great-grandfather of Shauna Leitner. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, April 29 at 3 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.



Marion E. (Birke) Klingel, April 20, 2001, of Grand Island, wife of the late Theodore W. Klingel; mother of Mary Ellen (James) Stewart and Theodora L. (James) Linenfelser; grandmother of James E., Jr., Theodore W., William B. Stewart, James M. (Laury) Linenfelser and Julie A. (Donald) Dee; great-grandmother of John C. and Amy M. Bidell and James E. Stewart, III; daughter of the late Frank and Cecilia Birke; sister of the late Joseph and Leo Birke and Cecilia Engel. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Co., 2275 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072.

Emily Pasek, 86, a former Grand Island school bus driver, died April 7, 2001, in a hospice in Brooksville, Fla. Mrs. Pasek had been living in Spring Hill, Fla., for 20 years. She was born Emily Mis in Niagara Falls and attended schools there. She moved to Grand Island in 1950. Mrs. Pasek drove for the Grand Island School District for 12 years. Her hobbies included growing roses, reading, baking and swimming. Her husband, Stanley J., died in 1987. Survivors include a son, Stanley of Homosassa, Fla.; a brother, Alfred Mis of Niagara Falls; and two sisters, Stella Juszek of Lexington, Ky., and Katherine Madey of Niagara Falls. Services will be private. Entombment will be in Riverdale Mausoleum, Lewiston.

Charles Carter, A memorial service for Charles Carter, a retired Western Electric employee, will be held on Grand Island at a future date. Carter, 77, died Monday (April 9, 2001) in Hernando/Pasco Hospice, Hernando Beach, Fla. A Buffalo native, he moved to Spring Hill, Fla., 11 years ago after retiring from the plant's shipping department. He was a member of Telephone Pioneers. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; seven sons, Thomas of Jacksonville, Fla., James of Navarre, Fla., Raymond of Orchard Park, Donald of Orlando, Fla., Charles of Albuquerque, N.M., Kenneth of Grand Island and Paul of Winter Park, Fla.; two daughters, Mary Ann Lunde of Miramar, Fla., and Patricia Woodham of Ocoee, Fla.; and 16 grandchildren.

Richard L. Brady of Grand Island, NY, March 15, 2001, beloved husband of the late Noreen Stevens Brady; brother of the late Susan Avery; uncle of Susan Avery Watts, Judy Delaney, Merrie Blair, Linda Heun, Wendy Wilkinson, Helen Gesue and Noreen Nungester; also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Brady was a member of the Buffalo/Lakeland Lodge No. 846 F&AM and was a retired steel worker. Arrangements by LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS, INC.

Richard A. 'Dick' Pifer Sr., April 5, 2001, of Grand Island; father of Richard A. (Kathleen) Pifer, Jr., Cheryl A. (Michael Dann) Adamek, Marolie K. (David) Russell and the late Mark S. Pifer; also survived by nine grandchildren - known to them as Beepa. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Florence M. Robinson, 81, March 31, 2001, of St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Kenmore and Buffalo, NY, mother of Thomas A. (Beverly) Robinson of Grand Island, NY and St. Petersburg, FL and Susan Robinson of St. Petersburg, FL; grandmother of Michael (Susan); great-grandmother of two great-granddaughters, Shelby and Michaela. Florence was a re-weaver and the former owner of Hazel's Reweaving in Buffalo.

James M. Burns, March 31, 2001, of Grand Island, formerly of Batavia, father of Cynthia (Jay) Gould and J. Martin Burns; grandfather of Melissa and Kory Cassidy; great-grandfather of Molly Cassidy; dear friend of Joan Mazur; also survived by four brothers and sisters. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday at 3 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island 14072.

Keith John Conrad Sr., a former house painter, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001 in Erie County Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born in Gowanda, Conrad grew up in Buffalo and attended local schools. He also lived on Grand Island. Conrad was a house painter who worked for several different companies before becoming disabled several years ago. Survivors incude a daughter, Vicki Joe Correa of Grand Island; two sons, Keith Jr. and Jason, both of Grand Island; a sister, Lannie Nino of Niagara Falls; and five grandchildren. Services were held Friday (March 30, 2001) in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Avenue. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

John N. Sadowski, March 27, 2001, of Grand Island; husband of Jane V. Sadowski; father of Anne-Marie (Eric) Huurre, of Toronto and Nicholas (Patricia) Sadowski of Rochester; grandfather of Jeffrey and Matthew Sadowski; brother of Leonard (Gertrude) Sadowski; predeceased by six brothers and sisters. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where prayers will be offered Friday at 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

Maxine M. McNamee, A memorial mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. April 17th at St. Stephen's Church. (see below for complete death notice)

Richard A. 'Dick' Pifer Sr., April 5, 2001, of Grand Island; father of Richard A. (Kathleen) Pifer, Jr., Cheryl A. (Michael Dann) Adamek, Marolie K. (David) Russell and the late Mark S. Pifer; also survived by nine grandchildren - known to them as Beepa. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Richard L. Brady of Grand Island, NY, March 15, 2001, beloved husband of the late Noreen Stevens Brady; brother of the late Susan Avery; uncle of Susan Avery Watts, Judy Delaney, Merrie Blair, Linda Heun, Wendy Wilkinson, Helen Gesue and Noreen Nungester; also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Brady was a member of the Buffalo/Lakeland Lodge No. 846 F&AM and was a retired steel worker. Arrangements by LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS, INC.

Florence M. Robinson, 81, March 31, 2001, of St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Kenmore and Buffalo, NY, mother of Thomas A. (Beverly) Robinson of Grand Island, NY and St. Petersburg, FL and Susan Robinson of St. Petersburg, FL; grandmother of Michael (Susan); great-grandmother of two great-granddaughters, Shelby and Michaela. Florence was a re-weaver and the former owner of Hazel's Reweaving in Buffalo.

Keith John Conrad Sr., a former house painter, died Wednesday, March 28, 2001 in Erie County Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born in Gowanda, Conrad grew up in Buffalo and attended local schools. He also lived on Grand Island. Conrad was a house painter who worked for several different companies before becoming disabled several years ago. Survivors incude a daughter, Vicki Joe Correa of Grand Island; two sons, Keith Jr. and Jason, both of Grand Island; a sister, Lannie Nino of Niagara Falls; and five grandchildren. Services were held Friday (March 30, 2001) in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Avenue. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

James M. Burns, March 31, 2001, of Grand Island, formerly of Batavia, father of Cynthia (Jay) Gould and J. Martin Burns; grandfather of Melissa and Kory Cassidy; great-grandfather of Molly Cassidy; dear friend of Joan Mazur; also survived by four brothers and sisters. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday at 3 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island 14072.

John N. Sadowski, March 27, 2001, of Grand Island; husband of Jane V. Sadowski; father of Anne-Marie (Eric) Huurre, of Toronto and Nicholas (Patricia) Sadowski of Rochester; grandfather of Jeffrey and Matthew Sadowski; brother of Leonard (Gertrude) Sadowski; predeceased by six brothers and sisters. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where prayers will be offered Friday at 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

Jerome J. Maurizi, M.D.,75, of Grand Island, NY died of a heart attack Saturday (March 24, 2001) in Gulf Coast Hospital, Fort Myers, Florida. Survived by his loving sons, Craig (Chaundra) of Glen Rock, N.J. and Keith J. Maurizi of Boston, Mass. and their mother, Jean Maurizi; devoted grandfather of Kirsten and Rebecca Maurizi; devoted longtime companion of Marlene Grazen of Grand Island. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Dr. Maurizi will be laid to rest in Dennison Cemetery, Swoyersville, PA. Memorials may be made to the UB Foundation for the Jerome J. Maurizi, M.D. Endowment for the benefit of the Medical School, P.O. Box 900, Buffalo N.Y., 14226.
Dr. Maurizi was the medical director and founder of Occupational Health Services of Western New York. Born in Pittson, Pa., he graduated from the University of Scranton. During World War II, he served in the Army Medical Corps. After the war, Maurizi moved to Buffalo to attend the University of Buffalo School of Medicine, where he earned a medical degree. Maurizi also earned a master's degree in physiology from UB. He served his internship and residency at E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital, becoming chief resident in pulmonary diseases. Maurizi had been an associate clinical professor at UB since 1968. For many years, he was a professor in UB's School of Pharmacy. For many years, he had a private practice in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases at Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo and North Tonawanda. He developed the respiratory therapy technology program at Erie County Community College, where he was a professor. Maurizi also collaborated on a respiratory technology textbook, which is in its third edition. In 1984, he began a practice in occupational medicine and served as a medical consultant to several corporations. He formed the North Tonawanda-based Occupational Health Services of Western New York in 1994 and was its medical director. Maurizi also was an independent medical examiner for workers' compensation and disability claims. He was a member of the Buffalo Yacht Club and the River Oaks Golf Club. He had a vacation home in Naples, Florida. He was a member of countless medical professional organizations, including the New York State Medical Society and the Erie County Medical Society. He was a past president of the American Lung Association. Maurizi was board-certified in five specialties.

Richard J. Erling, loving father and grandfather. Weston's Mills NY - Richard J Erling died Tuesday (March 20, 2001) in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bath after a short illness. Born March 13, 1926 in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Emil and Helen Weigand Erling. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Navy. He served with the VPB 107th Squadron. Mr. Erling was the co-owner of E.M. Tool and Die Co. in Buffalo, retiring in 1981. He had lived on Grand Island and Boca Raton, Florida. Surviving are a daughter Linda (Edward) Erling-Baker of Weston's Mills; a son Richard (Kerry) Erling Jr. of Allen, Texas; two grandsons Richard Erling III, and Robert. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Cheektowaga.

Maxine M. (nee Proulx) McNamee, March 23, 2001, of Grand Island, in Fort Myers, FL. Wife of the late Daniel J. McNamee, Sr.; dearest mother of Marcella Buell, Daniel J., Jr., Ronald R. (Pat), Robert F. (Denise) and Joseph M. McNamee; also survived by 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sister of Ronald (Elaine) Proulx; predeceased by three brothers. A memorial mass will be celebrated April 17th at St. Stephen's Church at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation, PO Box 155, Grand Island 14072. Mrs. McNamee was active in the Democratic Women's Club on Grand Island. <See Photo>

Mary (Hayes) Aitken-Affleck, 92, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, March 24, 2001 in her Grand Island home. Wife of the late Daniel Aitken and the late Alexander Affleck; mother of Elaine (Theodore) Hildebrandt of Grand Island, Joyce (Frank) Sulgit and John (Patricia) Affleck of Vestal; also survived by 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Visitation is Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME LaSALLE PARK CHAPEL, 2215 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, NY where funeral services will be held 10 AM Tuesday. Memorial contributions to Whitehaven Road Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072. Born in Quebec, the former Mary Hayes had lived in the Gaspe Peninsula area until 1925, when she moved to Niagara Falls. She moved to Grand Island in 1993, she was employed by the Shredded Wheat and Carborundum companies before she married Alexander Affleck in 1931. She also worked as a sales clerk at several Niagara Falls retail stores. Mrs. Aitken was an active member of Plymouth Brethren Church in Niagara Falls for many years. She also enjoyed crocheting.

Richard J. Erling, loving father and grandfather. Weston's Mills NY - Richard J Erling died Tuesday (March 20, 2001) in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bath After a short illness. Born March 13, 1926, in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Emil and Helen Weigand Erling. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Navy. He served with the VPB 107th Squadron. Mr. Erling was the co-owner of E.M. Tool and Die Co. in Buffalo, retiring in 1981. He had lived in Grand Island and Boca Raton, Florida. Surviving are a daughter Linda (Edward) Erling-Baker of Weston's Mills; a son Richard (Kerry) Erling Jr. of Allen, Texas; two grandsons Richard Erling III, and Robert. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Cheektowaga.

Rev. George B. Haley, March 20, 2001, of the Town of Tonawanda; beloved husband of Carol G. (Gustafson) Haley, his wife of 41 years; dear father of Jill Ann Haley (David) Cullen of Reading, Pa. and Glenn B. (Karen) Haley of the Town of Tonawanda; grandfather of Rachel, Rebecca and Julia Haley, Dana, Graham and Risa Cullen. A memorial service will be held Friday March 23, 2001 at 2 PM at the Kenmore United Methodist Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Beechwood Continuing Care Facility or to one of the churches that he served. Arrangements by SHEPARD BROS. FUNERAL HOME. Burial will be in Clarence Fillmore Cemetery. Rev. Haley, a retired Methodist minister, died Tuesday (March 20, 2001) in Beechwood Nursing Home, Getzville, after a lengthy illness. He was 71. A United Methodist minister for 35 years, Mr. Haley was active in building programs for many churches in Western New York, including the formation of the Orchard Park United Methodist Church. Haley was minister at United Methodist churches in Rome, N.Y., Orchard Park, Westfield and Clarence, Trinity United Methodist Church of Grand Island and Harris Hill United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the board of directors of the Beechwood Homes for many years. Born in New Rochelle, Mr. Haley graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and the School of Theology of Boston University.

Thomas S. Benton,March 11, 2001, in Lady Lake, FL., formerly of Grand Island, N.Y. Husband of Beverly; father of Wayne (Kathy) Benton; brother of Joan Templeton, Nancy Meister and Christine Ward; also survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services to be held at a later date on Grand Island. Memorials to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Arrangements by NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY.

Wayne N. Tolbert, 83, longtime resident of Whitehaven Road, died January 17, 2001 at his residence in Lyon Mountain, California. Born in Canton, Ohio on June 26, 1917, he was the son of John C. and Minniee (Burris) Tolbert. He served for 24 months in the U.S. Army during World War II where he was stationed in Burma, China. He received two Bronze Stars. Mr. Tolbert owned and operated Tolbert's Mineshaft Store in Lyon Mountain for many years. He ws a former highway superintendent for the Town of Dannemora, a member of the Sorell-Woodward American Legion, the Free and Accepted Masons, Blue Lodge, and was a Jester in the Blue Lodge and the Oriental Shrine. He was an avid fisherman and was a member of Bass Masters and was the past president of the Clinton County Snowmobile Federation and founder of the Mountain Lyons Ski Doo Club. He was also known for speaking the plain truth. Mr. Tolbert is survived by a son, John and a daughter, Claudia Tolbert-Rhea, both of Camarillo, CA, three grandchildren, Wayne and David Hopkins and Ryan Tolbert, and many great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Betty "Peg" Tolbert, who died May 10, 1995, and a son, Wayne Jr.

John T. Willliams Sr. died peacefully Sunday, February 24, 2001 in his log cabin in Vermont. His wife, Elizabeth (Betty), passed away in 1988. John was born October 13, 1916 in West Pawlet, Vermont. He and his wife moved to Grand Island in 1942 and raised their family here. He worked for Niagara Mohawk at the Huntley plant in Tonawanda until retiring in 1977. John and Betty returned to Vermont and built a log cabin on the mountain where they had shared their first kiss as teenagers. He was an avid Red Sox fan. John is survived by six children, Sharon (Carl) Halleen, Mike Williams, Patricia Meyer, John (Ann) Williams Jr., Lynne Connell and David (Laurie) Williams; 14 grandchioden and 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Russell and Richard Williams, and by a sister, Thora Huttenlocker. John donated his body to the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Thomas S. Benton, 73, died Sunday, March 11, 2001. Born in Buffalo, he lived on Grand Island all of his life until moving to Lady Lake, Florida six years ago. Tom delivered water to many Island families over the years and was very well known on Grand Island. His retired as a cement truck driver and was a member of Teamsters Local 449. He will be sadly missed by all his friends on Grand Island and Lady Lake. He is survived by his wife Beverly, son Wayne (Kathy) Benton, sisters Joan Tampleton Nancy Meister and Christine Ward and grandchilren Tanya (Joe) Ilecki, Wayne (Michele) Benton, Terry Benton, and two great grandchildren, Brendan and Taylor Benton. Memorial donations may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. A memorial service will be held in the spring on Grand Island. Arrangements made by the National Cremation Society.

Glyndon H. Crocker Jr., one of the founders of the Buffalo Banjo Club, died Saturday (March 10, 2001) in Boca Raton (Fla.) Hospital. He was 91 and had lived in Florida the past 25 years. He was a 68-year member of Rotary Club International, including 48 years with perfect attendance, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was honored on his 90th birthday by the Grand Island Rotary Club with a lifetime membership. A native of Chicago, he grew up in Cortland. He was a graduate of Deerfield Academy and Amherst College, owned variety stores in Central New York in the 1940s and worked as a salesman for Kaiser Roth intimate apparel. He moved to Buffalo in the late 1960s. With a few friends he formed what was to become the Buffalo Banjo Club. He also was a member of the Banjo Buzzards. He also was a lifetime member of the Buffalo Launch Club. His wife of 39 years, the former Jean L. Wiggins, died in 1994. He is survived by two sons, Glyndon H. Crocker III of Orange, N.J., and Tracy A. (Joyce) Crocker of Plymouth, Minn.; three grandchildren - Beth (Gilbert) Stevenson, Tracy Jr. (Kathy) Crocker and Carolyn Crocker; and eight great-grandchildren. He was the dear brother of the late Myrl Rose (Crocker) Howe, John and Robert (Muriel) Crocker. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday in Amigone Funeral Home, 5200 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. Burial will be Saturday in Cortland. If desired, memorials may be made to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Pearl (nee Fitzpatrick) (Cobado) Todd, age 90, of Rochester, NY; formerly of Grand Island; entered into rest Saturday (March 10, 2001) wife of the late Carl Cobado and the late Jim Todd; mother of Roger (Shirley) Cobado, Karl Cobado, Ronald Cabodo, Bruce Cabodo, Wayne (Nora) Cabado, Nancy (Basil) Kyriakakis, Donna (Richard) Morgan and the late Dolores M. Cobado; sister of Leona Kovach and pre-deceased by two brothers; grandmothers of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren; also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday only from 11:00-1:00 PM at the HILLIARD-CREASEY FUNERAL HOME INC., 147 Delaware St., Tonawanda, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM. Interment Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Betty B. Long, 81, a retired teacher and a prominent Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, died unexpectedly Saturday (March 10, 2001) in her Town of Tonawanda home. Dearest sister of Ruth Long, Catherine 'Dolly' Besser, both of North Port, FL and William Long of Orchard Park, NY; she is also survived by nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.). Friends invited. Born in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Bennett High School and Buffalo State College. She earned a master's degree from the University of Buffalo. She taught fourth grade in the Grand Island school system for 32 years. She was active in the United Teachers Union and the New York State Retired Teachers Association. Viewed by many as the original "sports babe," she often was cited by former Buffalo News columnist Bob Curran as a football expert. An original Buffalo Bills season-ticket holder, she was among the 33 fans saluted on the field when the 12th Man was enshrined on the Wall of Fame in 1992. She attended virtually every Bills home game for 40 years and went to many away games, including all four Bills appearances in the Super Bowl. Curran characterized her as "perhaps the most colorful character in the Monday Quarterback Club, which has no shortage of characters." She was known for always asking difficult questions and expressing her opinions. She also was an avid golfer and a regular at Dande Farms Country Club.

Robert S. Gilson, suddenly, March 9, 2001, beloved son of A. Robert and Shirley (Ramback) Gilson; dear brother of Angel M., Andrew J. and Ashley N. Gilson; grandson of Marie Smith, A. Robert Gilson Sr., Francis Ramback and the late Raymond Ramback. The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the South Buffalo Chapel of the JOSEPH K. QUINN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 192 Abbott Rd. (near Southside Pkwy.) where funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning at 10:00. Rev. Barney Lee officiating. Friends invited.

Donald F. Rowe, March 9, 2001, of Grand Island, husband of the late Carolyn M. (Sommer) Rowe; father of Barbara J. (Kurt Schassar) Ortolano; grandfather of Rebecca, David and Erica Ortolano; stepfather of Jan (Iggy) Lakatos, Carol (Bob) Thorne and Shirley (Hugh) Kail; also survived by stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Monday at 6:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.

Fred L. Corey, March 8, 2001 in Buffalo General Hospital after a short illness. He was 73. Beloved husband of Cheryl (nee Seifert) Corey; dearest father of Patricia (Richard) Paris and Kelly Corey, both of the Town of Tonawanda, Clair Corey of Reading, PA, and the late Colin P. Corey; loving grandfather of Michael and David Paris; brother of Allen Corey of Anaheim, CA. The family will be present on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr., where funeral services will be held on Monday at 8:30 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated from St. Amelias Church at 9 AM. Friends invited. If desired, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or the American Heart Assoc. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga. A lifelong resident of Buffalo, Corey ran the Corey Beer Distributor Co. from 1958-61 when he went to work for the Jolly Clown Restaurants, first at the Grand Island location and then on Sheridan Drive. In 1973 he opened Corey's Travel of Buffalo, which he operated until his recent illness. Corey served with the Army Medical Corps during World War II. He was a member of the Village Glenn and Fitness Club where he played tennis and was a boater, skier, gardener and traveler.

Michael J. Dyer Jr., 45, of Laurie Lane, Grand Island, NY, March 3, 2001, husband of Ann Marie (Alaimo) Dyer; father of Kevin M. and David J. Dyer of Grand Island; son of Marguerite 'Marge' (Slattery) Dyer of Niagara Falls; brother of Lawrence J. (Christine) Dyer of Middletown, NJ and Sharon E. Dyer of Arlington, VA; uncle of John and James Dyer of Middletown. Visitation Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, LaSalle Park Chapel, 2215 Military Rd., Niagara Falls, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 AM. Memorial contributions to American Heart Assn., PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-2049. Mr. Dyer was a chemical operator for Occidental Chemical Corp.

Elizabeth R. (Neff) Owens, a Mass of Christian Burial for Elizabeth Neff Owens, 72, of Grand Island, will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Mrs. Owens, who was born in Buffalo, died Friday (March 2, 2001) in Buffalo General Hospital after a lengthy illness. She attended Nardin Academy, St. Mary's Seminary and the University of Buffalo. A former real estate agent and physical education instructor at Cleveland Hill, McKinley High School and School 63, Mrs. Owens was also former president of the 20th Century Republican Women's Club and a former Delaware District Republican committeewoman. She was a member and officer of the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9249 in Grand Island. She belonged to the University of Buffalo Alumni Association, the Queen City Jazz Society and other organizations and was an avid golfer. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Luke C. Owens; a daughter, Debora L. (Charles) Michaux; and four grandchildren - Michelle, Melissa, Rachael and Kelly Maccagnano. Daughter of the late Donald Neff and Eleanor Pears. 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 the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Owens was a member and officer of VFW Grand Island Post No. 9249.

Geraldine M. (Roberts) DeCost, February 24, 2001, of Grand Island, mother of Raymond J. (Irene), Frederick R., Richard A. (Claudia) DeCost and Renee Y. (Mark) Morgan; grandmother of Renee Maas, Alex DeCost, Rachel and Nicole Morgan, Paris and Alexis DeCost; daughter of the late Frederick and Grace Roberts of Ransomville. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a Memorial Service will be held Tuesday at 8:30 PM.

Paul W. Buell, February 19, 2001 of Chattanooga, TN, formerly of Grand Island, NY, husband of Hedi Buell; father of James (Shara) Buell of Elmira, NY and the late Paul Buell; brother of Robert Buell of Elmira, NY; stepson of Elizabeth Buell of New Jersey; step-brother of Robert L. Moulter and Winston R. (Katherine) Cooper all of New Jersey; also survived by several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Memorial services will be held Friday in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Memorial contributions may be made to the 12th Armored Memorial Museum of Abilene Texas, Attn: John E. Critzas, 4041 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Arrangements by the HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, Chattanooga, TN. Mr. Buell was a member of the Lions Club and Buffalo Launch Club both in Grand Island, NY, various construction organizations in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area, a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II, where he served in the European Theatre, where he was awarded the Purple Heart with the Gold Leaf Cluster for his service.

Toni M. (Whitefield) Spencer, Grand Island, NY, February 19, 2001, wife of William; mother of Sara and Kevin Spencer; sister of Jacqueline (Curtis) McCollough and Valerie Blecha; also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. No prior visitation. Private funeral service at convenience of the family.

Mary Ann (nee Fortunate) Pannullo, 55, of Grand Island, NY, in Buffalo General Hospital, February 16, 2001 following a long illness. Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Simon; two sons, Anthony (Barbara) Pannullo of Williamsville and Simon (Michelle) Pannullo Jr. of the Town of Niagara; two daughters, Ann (James) Schiro of Niagara Falls, NY, and Nate (Bryan) Juntunen of Amherst, NY. Grandmother of Scott, Nicole, Vincent, Mia and Simon III. The family will be present to receive friends Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the SPALLINO-AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, 1300 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will be held Monday morning at 8:45 AM and at St. Joseph Church at 9:15 AM. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Born Mary Ann Fortunate in Niagara Falls, she graduated from the former Madonna High School there in 1964. Mrs. Pannullo worked as a telemarketer for Sam's Club in the Town of Niagara from 1993 to 2000, when she retired because of ill health. She enjoyed playing bingo, games of chance and traveling to Las Vegas.

Daniel M. 'Mickey' Gramza, February 11, 2001, of Grand Island, beloved husband of Angela (Wichlacz) Gramza; brother-in-law of Laura T. Amann. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.

Derek A. Haller, Suddenly, February 6, 2001; of Grand Island; beloved son of Art and Patricia (Borodzik) Haller of Grand Island; cherished grandson of Joseph and Patricia Borodzik, Catherine and the late Arthur G. Haller; beloved god-son of Mary Lou and Jerry Korabek. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

Geraldine (Staffen) Schutt, February 3, 2001, of Sarasota, FL., formerly of Grand Island, wife of the late Robert C. Schutt Sr.; mother of Eugene R. (Marilyn) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL., and the late Robert C. Schutt Jr.; grandmother of Jayne Schaber, Linda, Robert C. III, Eugene Jr., David and Jeffrey Schutt; also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; daughter of the late Fred and Emma Staffen; sister of the late Glenn and John Staffen. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital, C/O Ismailia Temple, 1600 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca, 14224 .

Norine (nee Spring) Lawrence, Age 78, of Grand Island NY, unexpectedly, January 31, 2001 in San Antonio, TX. Wife of the late Richard H. Lawrence; mother of Rebecca (Rev. Michael) Lawrence-Weden; grandmother of Seth, Jacob and Miriam Lawrence-Weden; sister of Shirley Miller, Joyce Wohleben, William (Betty) Spring, Eugene (Marion) Spring and the late Benjamin Spring and Raymond Olsen; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday evening only from 7-9 PM at the JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.), City of Tonawanda. Funeral services will be conducted in St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd. at Stony Point Rd., Grand Island, Saturday (February 3rd) at 11 AM. Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Norine S. Lawrence Nursing Scholarship Fund c/o D'Youville College, 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo NY, 14201.

Damon Paul Garis, 21, a Grand Island resident, died Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2001) in his home after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 AM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4, 7-9 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton. Born in Niagara Falls, he graduated from Grand Island High School and was a student at Niagara County Community College. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include his parents, Douglas Alan of Grand Island and Jan Frances L. of San Diego; a brother, Adam T. of Los Angeles; a stepsister, Jenna L. Sunderlin of Grand Island; grandparents Otis and Jane of Niagara Falls and Michael and Casmiera Lazarz of Georgia; and a dear friend, Julia LoPresti of Grand Island.

Ruth L. Boettcher, January 10, 2001 of Grand Island, wife of the late Hans 'Butch' Boettcher; mother of Kathryn (Edward) Stisser, Margaret (Anthony) Fuller, James Boettcher, Nancy Rishkofski and Lois Boettcher; also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister of Winifred Waters. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Historic Trinity, PO Box 1081, Grand Island, NY 14072, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 where memorial services will be held Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 AM.

Kathryn L. Lutz, 97 years, January 28, 2001, in Dallas, TX, born on Grand Island, NY, on November 3, 1903 and lived in Buffalo until she and her sister Lillian moved to Independence, MO, in 1962. She served her country by joining the W.A.C. during WW II. Beloved aunt of Roger (Sue) John of Dallas, TX, Nancy (Frederick) Albers of Falbrook, CA and June (Floyd) Deal of Independence, MO. A graveside service will be held Friday in Acacia Park Cemetery at 1 PM. Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Dr. John Fontana, 97, a retired college professor, died Friday (Jan. 26, 2001) of complications following a stroke in Manor Care Nursing Home, Potomac, Md. The former Grand Island resident was born in Barre, Vt., and was educated in Buffalo public schools. He had a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State Teachers College, a master's degree from New York University and a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. He taught at Buffalo State College for 44 years. He was a professor in the industrial arts department and also coordinator of sponsored research. He was faculty adviser to the athletics department for 25 years and initiated the concept of student fees to support athletics. He was elected to the college's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. Fontana served for 22 years on the Grand Island Board of Education, including nine years as board president. He was a delegate to a White House conference on education and served on numerous committees for the state Education Department. At one time he was vice president of the New York State School Board Association and president of the Erie County School Boards Association. He also initiated and maintained Grand Island's first civil defense radio station in the 1950s. His wife of more than 50 years, the former Mary Rindone, died in 1985. Survivors include a daughter, Mia Sample of Vienna, Va.; two sons, Dr. John of Beaufort, S.C., and Dr. Don of Potomac; and 10 grandchildren. Prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. Monday in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery.
Dr. John Fontana, Age 97, January 26, 2001, of Maryland, formerly of Grand Island, husband of the late Mary Rindone Fontana; father of Mia Sample, Dr. John (Cathleen), Dr. Don (Larissa) Fontana; grandfather of James, Steven (Kristina), David Sample, Mia (Chris) Larson, John J., Tamara, Nina, Don S. (Erin), Roman and Adrian. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where prayers will be held Monday at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen's R.C. Church at 10 AM. Interment St. Stephen's Cemetery.

Ada H. (nee Van Son) Brauer, Age 81, of the Town of Wheatfield, January 25, 2001, in DeGraff Skilled Nursing Facility after a brief illness. Mrs. Brauer was a member of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. She was the wife of the late Norman O. Brauer who died in 1997; beloved mother of Thomas (Debbie) Brauer of Sanborn; sister of Cory Webb of Newfane and aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME INC., 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda, on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 1 PM, the Rev. Philip Sallach will officiate. Interment in Acacia Park Cemetery. If so desired, memorials may be made to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

Levi A. Ferguson, 78, January 18, 2001, of Grand Island N.Y. Husband of the late Vera (Olson) Ferguson; father of Robert J. (Theresa), Christine A. and the late Jack L. (survived by wife Angela) Ferguson; grandfather of Brian and Stephen (Amanda) Ferguson; great-grandfather of Trever Alan Ferguson; brother of Lloyd and the late Murel and Raymond Ferguson; son of the late Clarence and Clara Ferguson. Friends may call Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Sunday at 2 PM at St. Martin In The Fields Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Martin In The Fields Church Organ Fund, or a charity of your choice. Mr. Ferguson was a member of Eggertsville-Grand Island Masonic Lodge #1138 F & AM, under whose direction services will be held Saturday at 8 PM.
Levi A. Ferguson, 78, who was active in the Grand Island community for most of his life, died Thursday (Jan. 18, 2001) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after being stricken at the Grand Island Fire Company hall. Ferguson was born in Niagara Falls and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. He then went to work as a welder at the former Union Carbide Corp. plant in Niagara Falls but enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1942. Ferguson served until Feb. 2, 1946, when he was discharged as an aviation metalsmith, second class. He also won the designation of "shellback" for having served on a ship that crossed the Bering Strait west of Alaska. After leaving the Navy, Ferguson returned to his job as a Class A maintenance welder at Union Carbide, from which he retired in 1987. Ferguson was a life member of the Grand Island Fire Company, to which he had belonged for 46 years. He was a past assistant chief and a former trustee of the company's Benevolent Association. For the past 13 years, he had been a fire policeman, and he was a member of the club committee for several years. He served as a town constable during the 1960s. He had been a member of the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation Advisory Board for the past 10 years. Ferguson was a past president of the Grand Island Golden Age Club and was a participant in that group's choir and its bowling league. He was a member of Eggertsville-Grand Island Masonic Lodge 1138; a member of Charles M. DeGlopper Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and belonged to the Union Carbide Retiree Association. Ferguson was twice warden of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, where he had been a member since 1958. He had been a member of the church vestry, sang in the choir, was active in the men's group and helped with buildings and grounds work. His wife of 44 years, the former Vera Olson, died in 1991. Survivors include a son, Robert J. of Hartville, Ohio; a daughter, Christine A. of Grand Island; a brother, Lloyd of Ransomville; two grandsons; and one great-grandson. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

Ruth L. Boettcher, January 10, 2001 of Grand Island, wife of the late Hans 'Butch' Boettcher; mother of Kathryn (Edward) Stisser, Margaret (Anthony) Fuller, James Boettcher, Nancy Rishkofski and Lois Boettcher; also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister of Winifred Waters. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Historic Trinity, PO Box 1081, Grand Island, NY 14072, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 where memorial services will be held Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 AM.

Floyd T. Simpson, January 8, 2001 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of Harriet Simpson; father of Michael Lawrence (Beverly) and Wayne Dennis Simpson; grandfather of Cadet Christoffer U.S.A.F.A., Jonathon, Travis, Sean and Carolee; animal lover of Brandy and Ozzie. Family and friends are invited to attend services in the Bible Presbyterian Church, Saturday at 5 PM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society of WNY or the Bible Presbyterian Church, 1650 Love Rd., Grand Island NY, 14072.

Lucille M. Vaught, January 4, 2001, of Grand Island; wife of the late Garnett W. Vaught and Burt H. VanHorn; mother of Raymond K. (Phoebe) VanHorn, Ronald A. (Victoria) VanHorn, Donna M. (Martin) Michalski, Rose E. (Stephen) McClellan and David G. Vaught; also survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister of Lorraine Gray, Elsie Orr, Lucy Comstra, Ralph Mohlar, Ann Price and the late Willis Mohlar. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 AM


Edward L. Kruse Jr. of Grand Island, who was a foreign language teacher at Kenmore West High School, died Saturday (Dec. 30, 2000) in Buffalo General Hospital. He was 71. He graduated from Tonawanda High School, and went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Canisius College and a master's degree in education from the University at Buffalo. Besides his work at Kenmore West, Kruse taught several courses at Canisius College and Niagara University. Kruse served in the Army during the Korean War. Survivors include his mother, Anna M. of Grand Island, and a sister, Mary Ann Arsenault of Tucson, Ariz. Private services will be scheduled, with interment in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.

Robert McMoil Sr. passed away in Florida on December 25th.

Olivette C. Lay, December 26, 2000 of Kenmore, NY, beloved wife of the late Charles Lay; sister of the late Clement Martene; sister-in-law of Lois Martene and Clayton Hiltz; aunt of Carolyn Leggio; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in Kenmore Baptist Church, Saturday, January 6, at 2 PM. Memorials can be made to Kenmore Baptist Church, 10 Wardman Rd., Kenmore, NY 14217.

Josephine M. Mitchell, a retired mathematics professor at the University at Buffalo, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a yearlong illness. The Grand Island resident was 88. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, she was a 1934 graduate of the University of Alberta and earned a master's degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1941 and her Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr in 1942. Her specialty was mathematical analysis, and she taught at various colleges and worked as an engineer and research mathematician. From 1958 to 1968, she was an associate professor and later professor at Pennsylvania State University. She came to UB in 1968 and taught there until she retired in 1982. She published 39 papers and had seven Ph.D. students. Mrs. Mitchell received several research grants from the National Science Foundation and a three-year grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. She enjoyed traveling, hiking and canoeing and was a wildflower photographer. She is survived by her husband, Lowell Schoenfeld of Grand Island, and two sisters, Peggy Brennagh of Ottawa and Alta Bento of Hawaii. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Charles J. Lindquist, December 29, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Redondo Beach, CA, husband of Karen A. Bates-Lindquist; father of Carl J., Alex J., and Kyle J. Lindquist; son of Donald R. and Ruth Lindquist; brother of David (Donna) Lindquist and Ruth (Gary) Linton. Friends may call Tuesday only 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

Betty (O'Brien) Wunsch, December 17, 2000, of North Port, FL. formerly Grand Island, NY. Wife of Robert Wunsch of Fort Lauderdale, FL, mother of Peter C.(Diane) of Long Island; David B.(Cheryl) of Grand Island; Tim J.(Patty) of Fort Collins,CO; Mary Lee(Richard) Widdecomb of Coral Springs, FL; nine grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; sister Anita Holehouse; sister Mary Keefe and many nieces and nephews. She worked for many years on the Island Dispatch and at Grand Island Town Hall. A Memorial Service was held at San Pedro Catholic Church, North Port, FL. on December 20, 2000.

Allan R. Jones, Age 59, of Sweet Home Rd., Town of Niagara, NY, December 23, 2000, husband of Marilyn (Bowen) Jones; father of Michael (Barbara) Jones of Concord, NC, Kevin Jones of Beverly Hills, CA; stepfather of Peter D. Gilmer (Tina) of Niagara Falls, NY, Walter 'Tracy' Gilmer of Spartanburg, SC, Christopher G. (Nancy) Gilmer of Niagara Falls, Bess A. (Steve) Irvin of Dothan, AL and Lynn M. McGilveary of Niagara Falls; brother of William Jones of West Seneca, NY and Janet Markwardt of Lakeland, FL; also survived by 12 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Visitation is Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME LaSALLE PARK CHAPEL, 2215 Military Rd., Niagara Falls where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM. Memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226. Mr. Jones was retired from Tonawanda Forge and Delphi Harrison.
NIAGARA FALLS - Allan Richard Jones of Sweet Home Road, Town of Niagara, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2000) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after suffering a heart attack while driving his car. He was 59. Born in Buffalo, he attended schools in Buffalo and Grand Island and lived most of his life on Grand Island before moving to Niagara Falls in 1994. Jones worked for 29 years as a forklift operator for the Tonawanda Forge Division of General Motors Corp. He worked for a year in Lockport at Delphi Harrison Automotive Systems before retiring in 1997. He was a member of the United Autoworkers and enjoyed fishing, refinishing furniture and cooking. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two sons, Michael of Concord, N.C., and Kevin of Beverly Hills, Calif.; three stepsons, Peter D. Gilmer of Niagara Falls, Walter "Tracy" Gilmer of Spartanburg, S.C., and Christopher G. Gilmer of Niagara Falls; two stepdaughters, Bess A. Irvin of Dothan, Ala., and Lynn M. McGilveary of Niagara Falls; a brother, William of West Seneca; a sister, Janet Markwardt of Lakeland, Fla.; and 12 grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Otto Redanz Funeral Home LaSalle Park Chapel, 2214 Military Road. Burial will be private.

Lawrence R. Miller, December 23, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, beloved father of Crystal L. Miller; former husband of Katherine Ranson; son of Mary Ellen and Donald Hamman; brother of Robert W. Miller, Jr., Wayne J. Miller, Marilyn Herrman, Patricia Miller, Ronald J. Miller, Donna Mix and the late Roger Hamman; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.

Abram A. Milner, December 21, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, husband of the late Edna (Burden) Milner, Katherine (Fiegl) Milner and Viola (Dysinger) Milner; father of Maryellen M. (Francis E.) Pfohl; grandfather of Francis E. (Katherine) Pfohl, Jr., Katherine A. (Edward) Ellisor and Michael M. (Lora) Pfohl; great-grandfather of Mollie and Bailey Ellisor, Caroline and Margaret Pfohl. Friends may call Wednesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. or St. Stephen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM.
Abram A. Milner, 94, a retired typesetter at Moore Business Forms in Niagara Falls and a former Grand Island resident, died Thursday (Dec. 21, 2000) in Springdale Health Care Center, Camden, S.C. Born in Henderson, Ky., he was raised in New Orleans and later moved to Chicago to work for an uncle. From there, he moved to Niagara Falls and went to work at Moore, from which he retired in 1966. He served with the U.S. Army's 3093rd Quartermaster Supply Detachment in London during World War II. He was a life member of Grand Island Fire Company, an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Grand Island Chapter, American Legion. He was the widower of three wives: Edna Burden Milner, Katherine Fiegl Milner and Viola Dysinger Milner. Survivors include a daughter, Maryellen M. Pfohl of Camden; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island.

Ruth B. (Thompson) Johnson, December 23, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo, wife of the late James F. Johnson; mother of Amelia Carter, Karen (Jeffrey) Johnson, Joan (Gordon) Gillies and Celia (Terry) Jones; also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister of Clifford (Arlene) and Robert (Mary) Thompson. Friends may call Tuesday only 3-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials to St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM.

Dominic S. Marino, December 15, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo, husband of the late Mildred L. (Russo) Marino; father of Joseph (Diane) of Grand Island, Donald (Lorraine) of Yuka Valley, CA and the late John Marino; devoted grandfather of Joseph (Jeanie), Melina, Stephen, Michael (Bonnie) and Joey Marino; loving great-grandfather of Marisa, Zachary, Taylor, Ayla and Nathan Dominic Marino; brother of the late Frank and Michael Marino, Antoinette Rampino and Mildred LoPresto; also survived by many nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift near and dear to grandpa are Summit Educational Resources, 300 Fries Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150 or Rosie's Love at AMC-Children's Cancer, c/o Zitto, 114 Mallory Rd., Ghent, NY 12075.

Richard T. Johnson passed away on December 14, 2000. Memorials in his name may be made to the Gymnasium Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Keith R. Hopkins, 81, died on December 5, 2000 in Beaufort, S.C. Though not a Grand Island resident, he was well known here for his work as Beaver Island State Park supervisor in the late 40s and 50s and participation as an amateur actor in the Grand Island Playhouse productions.

Don R. Colan, December 18, 2000, of Grand Island, NY, husband of Sheila (Miller) Colan; father of Stephen B. (Heidi) Colan; grandfather of Christopher and Andrea Colan; brother of Edmund (Sylvia) Colan; uncle of Cindy, Edmund and Vincent Colan, Robert Phillips and Linda Wilkinson; also survived by several cousins. 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 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.

Patricia M. McTigue, 84, of Grand Island, a former parochial school teacher who later operated the switchboard at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for many years, died Wednesday (Dec. 13, 2000) in St. Francis Home in Williamsville. She was 84. The former Patricia Pierce was born in Buffalo. She graduated from Mount Mercy High School and received a bachelor's degree in education from Canisius College. During World War II, she worked at the Curtiss-Wright aircraft plant on Genesee Street. She married Norman J. McTigue in 1942 and the couple moved to Grand Island. After the war, Mrs. McTigue taught elementary grades at St. Bartholomew Parochial School and then Holy Spirit Parochial School, both in Buffalo. After retiring from teaching, she was a switchboard operator at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for many years. Mrs. McTigue was a reader and card player. She and her husband made several trips to Ireland to work on the family's genealogy. They also traveled throughout the United States, especially to the West Coast, Las Vegas and New Orleans. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons, the Rev. Norman P. of the Town of Tonawanda, James F. of Buffalo, John P. of Tulsa, Okla., and Robert F. of the Town of Tonawanda; a daughter, Mary Patricia Garrett of North Tonawanda; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by her son in St. Amelia's Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda at 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

Richard T. Johnson, December 14, 2000 of Grand Island, NY; husband of Elaine R. Johnson; father of Valerie (George) Fuhrmann, Paul (Suzy), Timothy (Barbara), Karen (Martin) Smith and Stephen (Cheryl) Johnson; also survived by thirteen grandchildren; brother of William O. (Mary) Johnson. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9pm at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Gymnasium Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where memorial services will be held Tuesday at 11am.

Charlotte E. 'Lottie' Shear, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Lake Rd., Youngstown, December 5, 2000, age 92; wife of the late Richard I. Shear; mother of Richard Shear, James Shear and Betty Lou Camardella; sister of Louise Ray, Donald Rosinski, Helen Magdziak and the late Mary Reese, Jane Kluga and Jean Oleksiak; also survived by ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC., N. Fourth and Ridge Sts., Lewiston, Friday 2-4 and 7-9pm. Services Saturday at 9:15 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10am from St. Bernard's R.C. Church, Second & Hinman Sts., Youngstown, NY. Memorials to the American Diabetes Association or to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Ambulance Fund.

William F. Zaepfel, December 5, 2000, husband of the late Eileen J. (nee Kane); father of R. Scott (Vivian), Susan (Paul Houser) and Christine M. (Peter Seidman) Zaepfel; also survived by four grandchildren; brother of Jean Schmidlin and Marie Crane. The family will be present at JOHN E. ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME (East Chapel), 1361 Hertel Ave. (near Colvin) Friday only 2-7 PM. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephens Church, Grand Island, Saturday at 10 AM. Please assemble at church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

Grover T. Bennett, Age 85, of the City of Tonawanda and formerly of Grand Island, December 3, 2000, husband of the late Oleta E. (nee Smith) Bennett; father of Kenneth F. Bennett, Barbara I. (Clarence) Hinchy, Marilyn M. Herec and Grover A. (Donna) Bennett; brother of Isabelle Reed, Dorothy (Donald) Akins, Richard (Virginia) Bennett and Lyle (Marlene) Bennett; also survived by 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., 25 Williamn St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.), City of Tonawanda, where services will be held Thursday (December 7) at 11 AM. Friends invited.

Marian A. Yensan, age 74, of North Tonawanda, November 30, 2000, born on Grand Island, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Ida (nee Killian) Yensan; sister of Doris Musgrave and Viola Feldt and the late Franklin and Lester Yensan and Arlene Ackerman; sister-in-law of Eunice and Katherine Yensan; also survived by several nieces and nephews. There will be no prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Elmlawn Cemetery, corner of Delaware Avenue and Brighton Road, Town of Tonawanda, Wednesday, December 6, at 1 o'clock PM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., Tonawanda, NY.

Gladys E. Harnett, 84, a former real estate agent and campground owner on Grand Island, died Friday Nov. 24, 2000 in Highlands Regional Medical Center, Sebring, Fla., after a brief illness. Born Gladys O'Donnell in Toronto, where she attended school, she moved to Niagara Falls in the mid-1930s. She later moved to Grand Island, where she lived until moving to Sebring in the mid-1980s. Mrs. Harnett was a real estate agent for Koch Realty Co. of Grand Island and Buffalo in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She and her husband also owned the Navajo Campground on Grand Island for about 15 years in the 1970s and 1980s. She was a member of the Zonta Club. Survivors include her husband, Harold J. of Sebring; a son, Frank V. Roma of Niagara Falls; two brothers, Pat O'Donnell and Fred O'Donnell, both of Toronto; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, after prayers at 9:30 in M.J. Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel, 468 19th St., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island.

Arlene Becker, November 23, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo. Wife of the late Norman Becker; mother of Judith A. (Robert) Hinchee of Seattle and Donald (Kathy) Becker of Grand Island; grandmother of Mandy Becker; sister of Howard (Helen) Keefe of New Orleans; dear friend of the late Harold Haak. Friends may call Saturday only, 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, 14150.

Charles A. Heltz, formerly of Hamburg, NY, November 19, 2000, beloved husband of Denise (Campbell) Heltz; loving father of Michael and the late Theresa Heltz; stepfather of Gaetano Bonafede and Brandy Gore; dearest son of Melvin and Betty Heltz; also survived by seven brothers, five sisters, two grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC. 'Floyd Hess Chapel', 207 Main St., Hamburg where funeral will be held Wednesday 11 AM. Mr. Heltz was employed at Ford Motor Co. Flowers gratefully declined.

Lawrence J. Brennan died on November 9, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, father of Kelly (Anthony) Sasso, Sherri (Craig) Roath, Patrick Brennan, Tracy (Scott) Hoffman and Kathleen (Kevin) Murphy; also survived by nine grandchildren; brother of William, Karen, Richard, Joel, Russell, Gerald, Donald Brennan and the late Patricia Forbes; son of the late William and Marian Brennan. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday at 7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

Dennis E. Ahern died on November 11, 2000, of Grand Island, husband of Dorothy (Anetsberger) Ahern; also survived by nieces and nephews; brother of the late Maurice Ahern, Margaret Dell, John Buckley, Eugene Buckley and Ann Ahern. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 18 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Alhambra Cordova Caravan #26, PO Box 353, Buffalo 14226, the Grand Island Fire Co. or Hospice Buffalo.
Dennis E. Ahern, a retired truck driver and longtime Grand Island firefighter, died Saturday (Nov. 11, 2000) in his Grand Island home after a lengthy illness. He was 80. A Buffalo native, he graduated from Riverside High School in 1938 and attended Hadley School of Engineering. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served on a submarine that was based at Pearl Harbor. He also served during the Korean War. In 1946, Ahern began driving trucks as a member of Teamsters Local 449. He retired in 1978. He and Dorothy Anetsberger were married in 1943 and moved to Grand Island in 1950. He joined Grand Island Fire Company as a volunteer in 1954. He remained active with the company until his death. He had served as company captain, treasurer, vice president, president and chairman of the board of directors. He also served several terms as president and board member of the Town of Tonawanda Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization, Erie County Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was a life member of Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Post 205, American Legion; and Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council 4752, Fourth-Degree Trinity Council. He also served as Grand Commander of Alhambra Cordova Caravan 26. He was a former member of the Buffalo Launch Club and George Washington Hunting & Fishing Club for more than 25 years. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

Ralph C. Amann, November 9, 2000, of Grand Island. Husband of Laura T. (Wichlacz) Amann; brother-in-law of Angela (Daniel) Gramza; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM, at St. Stephen's Church.

Harry R. Cunningham, November 7, 2000, of Grand Island; husband of Ruth (Zahn) Cunningham; father of Patricia Ann (Doug) Sweet, Jennifer Susan (Kevin) Knoll, Peggy Marie Popp, William Robert (Susan), Robert Michael, Alice Evelyn, Catherine Helen and Joseph Dennis (Susan) Cunningham; also survived by 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson and many nieces and nephews; brother of Mary K. Cunningham; son of the late Harry V. and Catherine Cunningham. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Clayton G. Ames, 84, of Punta Gorda, FL., died Thursday, November 2, 2000, at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda. Born December 4, 1915 in Chautauqua County, N.Y., he moved from his native Western New York, where he worked as a building and grounds superintendent for different school districts, until retiring, to Florida, moving to Punta Gorda 15 years ago from Bradenton, FL. He was a member of Paradise Park Community Church, Punta Gorda, FL. and was a veteran of WW II, United States Army. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille M. (Phillips) Ames; sons, David C. (Nancy) Ames of Mayfield, N.Y. and James C. (Peggy) Ames of Clarence, N.Y.; daughter, Kay A. (Robert) Brooks of Middletown, DE.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held this Tuesday, 11:00 AM, November 7, 2000 at the Paradise Park Gazebo. Committal services will be held in New York at a later date, to be announced. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Paradise Park Community Church memorial Fund, 46900 Bermont Rd., Punta Gorda, FL., 33982. Arrangements by the ROBERSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Punta Gorda Chapel in Florida.

Diane Morton-Baetzhold - Services for Diane Morton-Baetzhold of Grand Island, a retired City of Tonawanda teacher, were held Sunday in Amigone Funeral Home, 1132 Delaware Ave. Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold died last Monday (Oct. 30, 2000) in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, after a lengthy illness. She was 53. Born Diane Morton in Buffalo, Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold grew up on Grand Island. She graduated from Kenmore West High School in 1964. She received a master's degree in education from Buffalo State College in 1969. She taught first grade and kindergarten in the Tonawanda City School District for 32 years, retiring in 1998. She lived in Buffalo from 1968 to 1988, before moving back to Grand Island. Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold was a past president and an active member of the Variety Club Tent 7. In 1999, she received the organization's Woman of the Year Award. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Patricia Cope; her mother, Betty Rogers; her father, Howard of Cleveland; a sister, Karen Beck; and two grandchildren.
Diane Morton-Baetzhold October 30, 2000, beloved daughter of Howard Morton and Betty Rogers-Beck; dear sister of Karen Beck; stepmother of Patricia (Ronald) Cope; grandmother of Stephanie and Justin Cope. Family will be present to receive friends Sunday 10-11 AM at the (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1132 Delaware Ave., (near West Ferry St.), where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM.

Ernest J. Spinley of Grand Island, Friday, October 27, 2000, husband of Betty (Shankland) Spinley; father of Mrs. Michael (Karen) Harmon of Grand Island. There is no visitation. Memorial donations may be made to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls 14301, the Hart Program, 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston 14092 or to the Grand Island Volunteer Fire Dept., 2275 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072. Arrangements by the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

SPINLEY - Ernest J., 75, a former real estate broker, Civil Defense official and Niagara County Republican Party chairman, died Friday (Oct. 27, 2000) in his Grand Island home after a long illness. Spinley was born in Niagara Falls and attended Niagara Falls High School. In 1943, during his senior year, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces and served as an armorer with the 90th Bomb Group in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged as a staff sergeant in 1946. Upon his return to Niagara Falls, he worked in construction and set up Spinley Real Estate Co., which he operated until 1960. In that year, the state Civil Defense Commission appointed Spinley coordinator for the eight Western New York counties. In 1971, Spinley was chosen administrative officer of the Niagara Falls Office of Natural Disaster and Civil Defense. When that office was merged into the Niagara County Office of Emergency Management, he became its deputy director until his retirement in 1990. He was long active in Republican politics and served as Niagara County GOP chairman for four years during the 1950s. Spinley was a member of the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Niagara Falls Area Board of Realtors, where he was chairman of the Grievance Council. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Betty Shankland, and a daughter, Karen L. Harmon of Grand Island.

George J. Bower of Grand Island, NY, October 27, 2000. Born August 3, 1922 in Buffalo, the son of the late Stephen and Elizabeth. As a member of the US 66th Infantry Division during WWII, he was a survivor of the December 24, 1944 sinking of the USS Leopoldville and was awarded a Purple Heart. A former New York State Trooper, retired as a Warrant and Transfer Officer for the NYS Division of Parole. He was a charter member and past commander of VFW Post 9249, Grand Island. He is survived by two daughters, Judith A. Hrncir (David) of San Antonio, TX and Sheryl L. (Robert Hobler) of Islamorada, FL, two sons George S. of Amherst and Michael D. (Jill) of Grand Island. There are also three surviving sisters, Helen Grawe, Elizabeth Young and Mary Hall and three grandchildren. There will be a private family service.

Jack Fassbaugh October 29th. Friends may call today (Thurs.) only from 7-9 at Kaiser Funeral Home. Janice A. (Heimback) Heldwein October 22, 2000, age 54 of the City of Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Island, NY. Unexpectedly at her home. Wife of Warren M. Heldwein; mother of Michael (Christina) and Thomas (Barbara) Heldwein, Donna Jo (Randy) York and the late Paula Marie Heldwein; daughter of Viola Heimback and the late Thomas P. Heimback; sister of Ronald (Shirley), Dennis (Rosemary), Brent (Eleanor) and John (Mary Ann) Heimback; also survived by seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME INC., Adam & Seymour Sts., Tonawanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM Thursday at St. Francis Chapel on Adam St. in Tonawanda. Friends invited. Mrs. Heldwein volunteered her time and services at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. If desired, memorials to St. Francis C.C.D. are preferred by the family.

Virginia M. (Gossett) Drake October 20, 2000, of Grand Island, beloved wife of Wolcott E. Drake; mother of Tonya Robins of San Diego, CA and Thomas (Judith) Drake of Clarence, NY; sister of Louise Hoover of Kansas City, MO; also surviving are three grandchildren and one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Monday at 11 AM at Clarence Church of Christ, 5375 Old Goodrich Rd., Clarence, NY. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Research. Mrs. Drake was a WWII veteran, a retired registered nurse for Kenmore Mercy Hospital and a member of the Eastern Star. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

Nicholas Yakowenko - A Mass of Christian Burial for Nicholas Yakowenko, a U.S. Army veteran and former Niagara Falls businessman, was offered Friday in Our Lady of Las Vegas Church. A Las Vegas, Nev., resident since 1992, Yakowenko died at home Oct. 12, 2000, after a heart attack. He was 72. A native of Fell Township, Pa., he lived in Buffalo from 1950 to 1987. He worked in the chemical reclamation industry and ran his own business, O.R.M., from 1967 until his retirement in 1980. He was a former member of the Grand Island Lions Club and Bible Presbyterian Church on Grand Island. He is survived by his wife, Myrna; a daughter, Anna M.; two sons, Robert F. of Cheektowaga and William J. of Cary, N.C.; and four brothers, Peter of Brooklyn, George of Waipahu, Hawaii, Michael Young of Sun City Center, Fla., and Joseph Young of Manheim, PA.

Laura (Minnig) Cassoni, former resident, October 14th. Memorial Mass celebrated Wednesday, October 18, 2000 St. Stephen's Church.

Roy S. Gehring, October 17, 2000, of Tonawanda, NY, Friends may call Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at HARRY A. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME INC., 280 Grover Cleveland Hwy. at N. Bailey, where services will be held Friday at 10 AM. Friends invited. Mr. Gehring was a member of VFW Post #9249 of Grand Island, NY. If desired, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Neva L. (Dahl) Franklin, 84, of Grand Island, NY, passed away October 12, 2000. Mrs. Franklin was born April 17, 1916, in Neilsville, WI, daughter of the late Herman and Ida Lynch Dahl; wife of the late Harold L. Franklin; mother of Leroy (Bernadette) Franklin of Grand Island, Nancy (David) Duysters of Naples, FL, and Richard (Susan) Franklin of Forestville, NY; grandmother of nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Franklin was retired from the Grand Island Central School District as a bus driver. She will be dearly missed and forever loved. There will be no services held according to her wishes, as Mrs. Franklin's body was donated to the University of Buffalo Medical School. Donations in her memory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of WNY, 462 Evans St., Williamsville, NY 14221.

Robert F. Nardini Sr., died October 10, 2000; of Grand Island; husband of the late Marie J. Nardini; father of Robert F. Jr. (Gloria) of Chichester, NH, Miriam (Bruce) Thering of Dunkirk and Stephen (Jennifer) Nardini of North Wilkesboro, NC; grandfather of Nicholas, Steven and John Thomas Nardini, Margaret and Donald Robert Thering, Christopher and Angela Nardini; brother of Barbara Reynolds. Friends may call Thursday only 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. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY.

Arthur Mueller, October 9, 2000, husband of Lorraine A. Mueller and the late Martha A. Mueller; father of Ruth (Manfred) Wittberg of Germany; grandfather of Volker and Heike Wittberg; step-father of Lorraine H. Michaels and Harold R. (Beverly) Mueller. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Thursday at 10am.

Janet Haen, formerly of Whitehaven Road, Thursday, October 5, 2000 in Clearwater, Florida. Predeceased by her husband Bill Haen, on March 12, 2000. Cards of condolence may be sent to Janet's daughter, Susan Willard, 1761 Martha Lane, Clearwater, FL 33756.

Elizabeth A. (nee Smudski) Jordan, 44, of North Tonawanda, Thursday October 5, 2000, in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a lengthy illness. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Marta Vogel, October 2, 2000, born in Lautern, Germany, came to Grand Island in 1956 with her husband, Anton Vogel and two small children. Survived by husband Anton Vogel and children Roland (Delane) Vogel, Horst (Debbie) Vogel, Peter Vogel, Ingrid (Keith) Kinney and Karen (Richard) Benninger.

Marie Bennion, 62, September 5, 2000 - teacher in Grand Island school district.

Marta Vogel, October 2, 2000. Memorial services will be held at the New Apostolic Church, 314 Pine Ridge Rd, Cheektowaga at a date to be announced. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Charles E. Gorcheck, October 2, 2000

Jonathan David Ratajczak, 6 month, September 27, 2000. Memorials may be made to Childrens Hospital ICU, 219 Bryant St., Buffalo 14222.

Edna A. Wolanske, September 22, 2000

Allan A. 'Wish' Wischman, September 22, 2000. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Carl Waterstruss of Buffalo, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, September 20, 2000

Evelyn R. Liesenfeld, September 22, 2000. Memorials may be made to Grace Manor Nursing Home, 10 Symphony Circle, Buffalo 14201.

Adrianna Kherara Ballantyne, September 21, 2000, beloved infant daughter of Amber E. Ballantyne and Kheshawn Cowart

Richard C. Kaska, September 3, 2000 in a Florida hospital after a lengthy illness
Eleanor Webb Dinsmore, August 25, 2000 at Lebanon Valley Nursing Home in Annville, PA.

Charles M. Austin August 30th. Memorials in his name may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Erie, PA.

Edwina H. Meredith, 75, Sept. 5,2000, a longtime teacher in the Grand Island School District, Contributions may be made to the Grand Island Teachers Assn.Scholarship Fund.

Mary Lee Lenore Leach, September7, 2000

Carole A. Brundage, 54, Sept. 5,2000

Theodora M. (Gund) Edington, August 26, 2000; mother of Gladys (Charles) Benzing

Patricia M. Wolfe, 74, Aug. 25, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation W.N.Y. Chapter.

John Lawrence Boyd Jr.,71, of East River Road Aug. 25, 2000

Barbara Taylor Brick, 68, August 21,2000, Largo, Fla., a former resident of Grand Island

Helen Juanita Miller,August 23, 2000. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Grand Island Golden Age Center.

Walter John Dutka, August 19, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Ryan, August 19, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Niagara Lutheran Home, 64 Hager St., Buffalo, NY 14208.

Robert W. Currie, August 17th.

Norman C. Kenny, 63, Aug. 15, 2000

Peter M. Olrogge,August 17, 2000. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

John J. Quackenbush Sr., August 13, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Foundation 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227-1480.

Thomas L. Frampton Sr. August 12, 2000. John L. Suchocki Sr., August 12, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Robert A. Vogel,71, Aug. 5, 2000

Mark E. Rafe, 40,Aug. 7, 2000

Martin Livingston, August 4, 2000

Pauline B. (Wheeldon) Weber,August 4, 2000

Arline B. Doherty,August 3, 2000.

Howard Ross July 27,2000. Memorials in his name may be made to Vitas Hospice, 5001 LBJ Fwy., Suite 1050, Dallas, TX 75244

Auleen E. Brown, 81, July 20, 2000

Corinne K. Koester, 85,of Kenmore, July 28, 2000. Born Corinne Kaiser on Grand Island

Andrew F. Proto, July 30,2000 of North Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Islanad. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas.

Brian J. Barbera, 36,chef at the River Oaks Golf Club for 11 years, died July 26th from injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Eleanor Jones, 77, July 25, 2000

JoAnn (nee Bowden) Graham, July 26, 2000 Fannie C. Jeffery, 90, July 19,2000

Louis Villano, 88, July 17, 2000

Carol B.Farley, July 10,2000. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island.


Dorcas Dial-Nelson, 78, July 7, 2000

Richard C. Deuell, 67, of Fayetteville, a former Kenmore resident, died unexpectedly July 4, 2000. He moved from Grand Island to Guilderland in 1968 and had lived in Fayetteville since 1972.

Anna K. Franke, July 4, 2000, of Lockport, NY, formerly of Grand Island. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Barbara Ann Aquilino, July 4, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation, PO Box 155, Grand Island 14072.

William F.Burns Jr., 76, June 24, 2000

William G. Hennigar Sr., 80, June 26, 2000

Eileen J. (nee Kane) Zaepfel, June 27, 2000

Mabel L. (Wineford) Leibinger, 96, June 24, 2000

Eleanor Trautman, June 22, 2000, in Zepher Hills, FL

Roland L. Reid, June 20, 2000

Grace (Sardina) Baldi, June 18, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Maria R. (Barth)O'Connor, 24, suddenly, June 17, 2000. Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

John R. Hutt Sr., June 15, 2000. Memorials may be made to the John R. Hutt scholarship fund 2645 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda NY, 14150.

James M. Waldron, June 5, 2000. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice or Exley United Methodist Church

Rose M. (nee Biamonte) Rinaldo, 91, June 11, 2000.

Veronica 'Vera' (Walasek) Modelski, June 12, 2000

Lori B. McDonough, June 10, 2000; beloved daughter of John E.McDonough and the late Sharon Rezabek.

Karen S. (nee Robinson) Goode, June 9, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

James B. Brown, June 8, 2000. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Anthony M. Petrosino, June 4, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society of America.

Donald J. Magro, June 3, 2000. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Assn. of WNY.

Beatrice Cady, 94, June 2, 2000

Eugenia J. Plewinski, June 2, 2000. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Catholic Charities.

Edward C. Redinger Sr., May 30, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.

Lester, Ivan M. May 28, 2000

Michael E. Adams, May 14, 2000 (son of Sandra and Raymond Adams)

Terry M. Kortum, May 16, 2000, age 57

Edward G. Lindsey, April 30, 2000. Memorials may be made to Hospice of South West Florida, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Mary Moscati, 91,May 2, 2000

Ida L. (Hoth) Kemsley, May 2, 2000. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.

Bonnie (Piotrowski) Bishop, April 25, 2000

Margaret I. Kavanaugh, April 27, 2000. Memorials may be made to People Inc., Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island NY 14072 or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094

Salvatore J. Anzalaco, April 23, 2000

Eleanor L. ( Liebermann) Burg April 22, 2000

Agnes E. (nee Ehrmann) Brobeil, April 9, 2000, beloved wife of the late Francis G. Brobeil; dear mother of Francis G. (Ann) Brobeil Jr., Kathleen A. (Ronald) Cichocki and Karl R. (Lou Ann) Brobeil; sister of the late Anna Huber, Robert and Leo Ehrmann; grandmother of five grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ & SON FUNERAL HOME INC., 911 Englewood Ave., Wednesday from 7-9 PM and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, where funeral services will be held Friday at 8:15 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Amelia's Church at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society. (Fran and Agnes lived on Grand Island from 1953 until 1978.)

Joseph Soares Sr., July 30, 1999 of Grand Island; husband of Lorene F. Soares; father of Susan (Steve) Taylor, Joanna, Joseph Jr., Jane Ann and David A. (Jessica) Soares; grandfather of Matthew, Katie and Joseph Anthony; brother of Anna (Lloyd) Potter and the late Frederick Mengual and Joanna Golden; son of the late Jose and Mary Soares; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a church of choice.


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