DEATHS - 2002
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Joan S. (Summerhays) Killian, 74, former resident of Long Road, Grand Island, died on December 31, 2002 at Harmar Place, Marietta, Ohio. She was born May 6, 1928 in Buffalo, N.Y., to George H. and Edna Tibbet Summerhays, now deceased. She had been a key press operator at the Sylvania Company and had previously been employed by the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, N. Y. On September 12, 1953, she married Donald G. Killian who survives. Mr. and Mrs. Killian had made their home on Grand Island, NY before moving to Marietta with the Sperry-Rand Company in April 1976. Mrs. Killian is also survived by her children, Michael G. (Mingkwan "Pat") Killian of Columbus, Mississippi; Barbara K. (Edward) Morse of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Kurt A. Killian of Vacaville, California. Mrs. Killian was the grandmother of Michelle Killian, Donald R. Killian, Greg Morse, Kellie Morse, and Amanda Killian. Arrangements by McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home, Marietta. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, 508A Columbia Ave., Williamstown, W. VA 26187.




Mark J. Darata, December 31, 2002 of Grand Island; husband of Marilyn D. (Wilson) Darata; father of Kimberly, Paul and Robert Darata and the late Mark Darata Jr.; also survived by seven grandchildren; brother of Peter (Janet) Darata and Rosalie (Donald) Reding; son of the late Joseph and Theresa Darata; step-father of Richard Koziol Jr., Susan (David) Gerow, Robert (Debra) Koziol and Sherri (James) McMahon. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.




Geraldine (Sercu) Feign, December 25, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late Paul T. Feign; mother of Linda (Carl) Hartwick; grandmother of F. Christopher and Jason Hartwick; sister of Mary Elizabeth Rice and the late Patricia Colleran and James Sercu. 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 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




Doris Houck of Grand Island died Thursday (Dec. 19, 2002) in Riverwood Health Care Center. She was 89. The former Doris Hess was born in Red Bank, N.J., and had moved to Grand Island from Defiance, Ohio, 15 years ago to be with her family. Mrs. Houck volunteered with Hospice in Ohio and the Red Cross on Grand Island and had taught swimming to disabled children when she lived in Ohio. She was the wife of Nelson Houck, who died in 1976. Survivors include a daughter, Beverly Seibert of Grand Island; a son, John of California; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery.




Anna Mae Kanavel, 78, a retired department store clerk, died Sunday (Dec. 22, 2002) in Schoellkopf Health Center after a long illness. She was born Anna Mae Scherack in Toledo, Ohio, where she attended school. She moved to Grand Island in the 1950s and to Niagara Falls 11 years ago. Mrs. Kanavel worked as a sales clerk in the hat department of AM&A's department store on Main Street in Buffalo from 1978 to 1988. Survivors include a son, Michael of Buffalo; three daughters, Barbara Lund of Phoenix, Ann Piechowski of Lewiston and Rose Heist of Niagara Falls; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1065 N. Military Road, after prayers at 9 in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.




Gertrude Sarkees, 81, of Richmond, VA formerly of Grand Island, NY died on Monday, December 16, 2002 in Johnston Willis Hospital, Richmond, VA. Born on January 7, 1921 in Hagersville, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Maria Rose (Mariano) DeSantis. She married Joseph A. Sarkees on January 2, 1945 in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Sarkees predeceased her on January 1, 1998. Mrs. Sarkees came to Niagara Falls as an infant with her family, attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. She lived in Niagara Falls until moving to Grand Island, NY in the early 1970s where she lived until moving to Richmond, VA in the late 1990s. While living on Grand Island, 'Trudy' was a member of the Grand Island Golden Age Club. Her favorite pastimes included gardening, drawing, ceramics and traveling. Mrs. She is survived by one son, Wayne L. (Leeanne Higgins) Sarkees of Richmond, VA; three grandchildren, Connor, Travis and Erin Sarkees; one sister-in-law, Rema Gravelle of Rochester, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Sarkees was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph DeSantis, Louis DeSantis, Anthony DeSantis and three sisters Angela Orfano, Mary Paonessa and Grace Broker. Friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002 from 7-9 p.m. at the M. J. Colucci and Son Funeral Chapel, 468 - 19th Street, Niagara Falls, NY. Family and friends will assemble on Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY for a Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Paul Nogaro, O.M.A. officiating. Interment in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.




Robert H. Cortright, 54, of Grand Island, who worked as a heavy-machinery operator before a work-related accident forced him to retire, died Dec. 5, 2002, in Sisters Hospital after a brief illness. A Buffalo native, Cortright grew up on Grand Island and was a member of the first graduating class of the new Grand Island High School in 1966. He worked on Grand Island for several home builders and did odd jobs before moving to Georgia in 1982. Cortright returned to Western New York in the late 1980s to work in demolition and heavy machinery until he was injured. Surviving are his wife, the former Margaret White of Grand Island, whom he married in April; four daughters, Denise Phelps of Ashford Hollow, Debbie Steel of Duluth, Ga., Deanna Lightcap of Springville and Sherry White of Grand Island; his parents, Opal Cantrell of Depew and Robert G. of East Aurora; a stepdaughter, Robin White of Buffalo; a stepson, Brandon White of Grand Island; a sister, Christy Dybalski of Depew; his former wife, Barbara Snashell; and two grandchildren. A private funeral was held Dec. 6, 2002 in Kaiser Funeral Home on Grand Island.




Laura (Geraci) Clement, December 11, 2002 of Grand Island, formerly of North Tonawanda, wife of the late Joseph Clement; mother of Joseph (Tana) Clement of Colorado Springs, CO and Arlene (John) Larry of Grand Island; grandmother of Joseph, Anthony and Nicholas Clement and Mark, Christopher and Michael Larry; sister of John (Beverly) Geraci, Joyce (Ross) Bonfiglio and the late Irene Dispenza. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 White Haven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials made to Hospice Buffalo Inc..




Helen Rita Theresa (Springs) Clody, December 10, 2002, beloved wife of the late Albert W. Clody; loving mother of Msgr. Albert W. Clody and Ann L. (Joseph) Pizzuto and the late Antionette Clody; dear grandmother of Andrea (Alexander) Fink and Kristen S. Pizzuto. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the REGER FUNERAL HOME, 3135 Main St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at the St. Joseph University Church, 3275 Main St. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials made to St. Joseph University Church or All Saints Church, 127 Chadduck, Buffalo, NY 14207.




Walter L. DeGlopper, December 8, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Hazel (Kaegebein) DeGlopper for 66 years; father of Barbara J. (John) Butterworth of Odessa, FL and Robert W. (Karen) DeGlopper of Grand Island; grandfather of Mark DeGlopper, Erik (Julie) DeGlopper, Daniel DeGlopper, John Butterworth and Teri (John) Ferrin; great-grandfather of Evan DeGlopper and Emily DeGlopper; brother of Earl (Rita) DeGlopper, Hazel Mallwitz, Bernice Bailey and the late Marion (Gerald) Coates; son of the late Walter J. and Florence DeGlopper. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Wally, who lived most of his life on Grand Island, was a member of Teamster Local 449. He began working as a truck driver at age 17, and during most of his career was employed by Schutt Trucking Inc., a business founded on Grand Island by an Island resident many years ago. He retired after 45 years on the road, but continued on at a later time with the same company in an administrative capacity. The Teamsters honored him in 1977 for a 45-year of safe driving record. Wally was a member and former director of the Buffalo Launch Club and was awarded a life membership in 1982, and honored again with special recognition for his more than 57 years of dedication and service. His membership dated back to 1947.




Ann M. Landel, December 5, 2002, formerly of Grand Island and Dade City, FL, wife of the late Laurn J. Landel; mother of Marguerite (William) Thomas; grandmother of Paul-David (Kimberly) Pfeil and Dennis (Sherri) Pfeil; great-grandmother of Jacqualyn and Andrew; dearest friend of Cecilia Grant. Friends may call Sunday only, 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM, followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes. Mrs. Landel was a former board member of The Womens Building at the Erie County Fair and past president and member of The Niagara-Genesee Unit of the NCHA.




Alex Szur, December 2, 2002 of Grand Island; husband of Elizabeth (Ochs) Szur; father of Elizabeth Szur; brother of Julius (Eva) and the late Joseph Szur; son of the late Joseph and Gizella Szur. Friends may call Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002 only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 6, 2002 at 10:30 AM.




Cecelia H. Weselak, December 1, 2002 of Grand Island; wife of the late Theodore M. Weselak; mother of Daniel M. and Thaddeus F. (Rosalyn) Weselak, Elaine M. (Charles) Berardi and Nancy A. (Raymond) Zeis; also survived by eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister of Chester (Joanne) and the late Joseph and Alfred Krajewski and Jean Sieracki. 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. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Retirement Fund for Religious Care of St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 5, 2002 at 10 AM.




James D. Wald, November 28, 2002. Of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of the late Nancy C. Wald; loving father of Sally (William) Hayes, Rebecca (Rev. Paul H.) Schenck, Stephen D., Michael J. (Susan) and Jeffrey A. (Laura) Wald; grandfather of Jesse, Leah, Christy, Danielle, Julie, Ariel, Abraham, Alizah, Miriam, Marta, Isaac, Andrew, Eva and Eliza; great-grandfather of Arianna; brother of Edna Ball, Franklin, Norman Wald and Marie Plinzke and the late William, Mildred and Lillian; son of the late Kilian and Theresa Wald. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 7-9 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to attend services in the New Covenant Tabernacle Church, 345 McConkey Dr., Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the John Gentz Memorial Scholarship Fund.




Mabel E. Sanders: An appreciation by her son.
   Former Grand Island resident Mabel E. Sanders passed away on October 20th, 2002. Born Mabel Elizabeth Strunk in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania on July 5, 1918, she inherited her "Pennsylvania Dutch" cooking from her father, Earl F. Strunk, of German origin, and her Irish blue eyes and wonderful sense of humor from her mother, Mary Frances Dunn. She would reminisce with us about picking huckleberries "Down Home" as a youngster in the Pocono Mountains, and family visits to that beautiful region were enchanting for my sister and me as we were growing up. Mabel's family moved to Buffalo during the great Depression, and she always regretted not being able to pursue a post-High School education because of her family's economic necessities. She worked as a secretary for the Hubs and Howe Paper Company and later for Bell Aircraft during World War II.
   Mabel married George F. Sanders in 1943. Dad was a Technical Sales Representative for the Dupont Corporation, based at the Riverside, NY plant where he worked for 44-years. There, DuPont first manufactured some of the 20th Century's most exciting synthetics including nylon, rayon, cellophane, polyethylene, mylar and teflon.
   Memories of growing up included the polyethylene skating rink in the back yard and the Christmas presents wrapped in colored cellophane from DuPont. Mabel and George fulfilled a lifelong dream when they built their first home on Grand Island's West River in 1952, one year after George F. Sanders, Jr. was born. Valerie Elizabeth Sanders followed in 1954, and Mabel devoted herself to being a superb housewife and mother. Dad's business often involved bringing customers and associates home and we met interesting people from all over the world. Mabel's excellent cooking and entertaining skills made those times special. When her children reached High School, Mabel was able to return to work in the Town Clerk's office and as Secretary to the Planning Board (under Mr. Earl Harrison) that opposed urban sprawl and helped preserve the high quality of life the Island still enjoys today.




Edwin J. Koepp, November 18, 2002 of Grand Island; husband of Aureta (Villepigue) Koepp; father of Gregory W., Scott R. and Jennifer T. Koepp; grandfather of Samantha, Miriah and Nicholas Koepp; brother of Donald (Linde) and the late Peter Koepp; son of the late Peter and Helen Koepp. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM, followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to University of Buffalo Anatomical Sciences Dept., Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY.




John 'Jack' Costanzo, 69, of Grand Island, NY, November 18, 2002, at his home, husband of Irene Loria Costanzo; father of John Costanzo (Suzann) of Olcott, NY, Mark Costanzo (Melissa) of Richmond, VA, Chris Costanzo (Sidbhan) of Lancaster, PA and Therese Pangborn of Grand Island; brother of Florence V. Rotella (Louis) of Niagara Falls, NY and the late Phillip Costanzo; also survived by 12 grandchildren and four nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the family home, 40 Morningside Dr., Grand Island. Funeral Services Friday at 10 AM in St. Stephen's RC Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Burial in St. Stephen's RC Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Recovery Inc., 1301 Ridgewood Rd., Lockport, NY 14094 or St. Stephen's New Church Fund. Arrangements by COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Niagara Falls.




George L. Zelonis, November 18, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of 76 years of the late Sophie D. (Shubsda) Zelonis; father of the late George L. Zelonis Jr.; uncle of Joseph, Lawrence and Fr. Richard Zelonis, Walter, Daniel, Dorothy, John, Stanley and Frank Shubsda, Alice Morgan and Diane Schierle. 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.




Margaret M. Ragnar, November 15, 2002 of Grand Island; sister of Evelyn (Robert) Barclay of Grand Island and the late Roy (survived by wife Dorothy) Ragnar; aunt of David (Peggy) Ragnar and Linda Rohe; great-aunt of Daniel and Peter Ragnar and Stephen Roe. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 1284 French Road, Depew 14043. Or the First Baptist Church, Main & Fourth St., Niagara Falls, 14301 where Memorial services will be held Friday at 1 PM.




Marjorie (Blackmore) Gilmore, of Grand Island, NY, November 14, 2002. Wife of John Gilmore, mother of Jeff (Susan) Beich of Grand Island; grandmother of Amy Beich, daughter of the late Harry and Helen Blackmore. Sister of the late Nelson Blackmore, sister-in-law of Ramona Blackmore. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday only from 4-6 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2 PM from the St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 919 North Michigan Ave, Ste 1100, Chicago, IL, 60611-1676.




Joanne P. (nee Zunner) Guize, 67, a City of Tonawanda resident, died Friday (Nov. 15, 2002) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a long illness. Born Joanne Zunner in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Riverside High School. She lived in Buffalo and Grand Island and in the past two years resided in the City of Tonawanda. The housewife and mother of three was the widow of Donald A. Guize. She also was an avid reader and enjoyed crafts. Survivors include two daughters, Laura E. Guize and Constance J. (Michael) Guize-Hallman, both of the City of Tonawanda; a son, Michael Guize of Dunkirk; a brother, Edwin Zunner of the Town of Tonawanda; and a grandchild, Jessie Guize. She was the daughter of the late Leo and Jessie (nee Watson) Zunner; sister of Edwin Zunner; daughter-in-law of Constance Guize. There will be no prior visitation. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 565 East Park Drive, Town of Tonawanda. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Arrangements by JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., Tonawanda, NY. Interment will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Rachel (nee Andelora) Fodero, November 10, 2002 of Buffalo, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, beloved wife of the late Wes L. Fodero; mother of Gregory (Diana) Fodero and Francie (Gerald) Hace; grandmother of Tiffany Fodero and Robin and April Hace; daughter of the late Salvatore and Frances (nee Saia) Andelora; sister of the late Robert (Rose) and Carmen (Pamela) Andelora. Friends received Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave., (near Sheridan Dr.), where funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 8:45 and in Blessed Sacrament Church (Buffalo) at 9:30. Entombment in Rosewood Mausoleum, Forest Lawn Cemetery.




A memorial service for Consuela Frisch, 98, of Grand Island, who operated a hardware store on Buffalo's East Side for many years, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Schlager Funeral Home, 4614 Main St., Snyder. She died Friday (Nov. 8, 2002) in her Grand Island home. Born Consuela Fox in Buffalo and raised here, she was an only child and graduated from School 24 and Masten Park High School. She attended comptometer school and Chown Business School in Buffalo. In 1927, she married Fred Frisch. When he bought Guenther Hardware on Jefferson Avenue in 1946, she helped with ordering, pricing and stocking shelves. After he died in 1962, she ran the store for several years until closing the business in the early 1970s. Mrs. Frisch lived on Grand Island for more than 30 years. She was an avid letter writer and had pen pals around the globe. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, word puzzles and visiting friends. She is survived by a daughter, Joan Frisch-Mazur of Grand Island; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.




Army master sergeant William J. Bedford, in Germany, November 3, 2002. Loving husband of the former Peggy Haenig; dear father of Sommer Nicole; son of Joyce Bedford of Grand Island and the late James A. Bedford; step-son of Patsy P. Bedford of Grand Island; brother of Dawn (John) Mazur and Ryan Bedford, boh of Grand Island; step brother of William J. (Denese) Rietz of Rochester and Robyn (Randy) Tolsma of Grand Island; grandson of Mildred Carey of Whittier, Calif. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday only 5-8 PM at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME ROLLING CHAPEL, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, where funeral will be held Thursday at 11 AM. Friends invited. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.
   Bill, 35, who died in Hamburg, Germany, after a two-week illness, was stationed with his family at Ramstein Air Base, where he was superintendent of aircraft flight maintenance for the 86th Air Mobility Squadron. Born in Buffalo and raised on Grand Island, he attended Grand Island High School and received a bachelor's degree in finance last year through Park University. Since joining the Air Force in May 1986, he had been stationed at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Arkansas and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota before moving on to Germany in September 2001. Bill had also been deployed to Central America on anti-drug operations in 1993-94, to Saudi Arabia during operations from 1996 to 1999 and to Kyrgyzstan for assignments in Operation Enduring Freedom over the past two years. He was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and 14 other decorations. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Air Force Association, the Kaiserslaurtern Military Community Top 3 and was chief fund-raiser for the Combined Federal Campaign for the 86th Air Mobility Squadron.




Edward C. Lee, a laboratory technician at the former Union Carbide Corp. plant, died Thursday (Nov. 7, 2002) in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a short illness. He was 72. Lee was born in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1948. He later earned a degree from Erie County Technical Institute in 1955. Lee served 17 months in the Army in 1952-53. He was stationed in Panama as an intermediate speed radio operator. Lee was a master lab technician at Union Carbide for 35 years and retired in 1990. He formerly lived on Grand Island, where he was music librarian for the Grand Island Golden Agers Corral and was a member of the Over-50 Club at Town Hall Terrace Apartments. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, the former Marjorie Utley; three daughters, Diane M. Sargent of Bolivia, N.C., Mary E. Kennedy of Walden and Catherine M. of Mount Vernon; four sons, Harold C. of Escondido, Calif., Capt. Michael C. of Beaufort, S.C., Stephen C. of Champaign, Ill. and Russell C. of Bristol; a brother, Rev. T. Carlton of Pittsboro, N.C.; two sisters, Philippa Cook of Englewood, Ohio, and Geraldine Jenner of Chatham, Ont.; and 12 grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary of the Cataract Catholic Church, 259 Fourth St., with prayers at 9:15 in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave. Burial will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston..




Sophie D. (Shubsda) Zelonis, November 7, 2002 of Grand Island, formerly of Niagara Falls; wife of 76 years of George Zelonis; mother of the late George Zelonis, Jr.; sister of Chester, Casimer and the late Stanley and Walter Shubsda; aunt of Walter Shubsda of Rio Rancho, NM, Daniel, Dorothy, John, Stanley and Frank Shubsda, Alice Morgan, Diane Schierle, Lawrence, Richard and Joseph Zelonis. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




Bernice (Mietlowski) Ciszek, November 4, 2002, of Grand Island, NY; wife of Frank E. Ciszek; mother of Melanie (Bernard) Magee, Christopher, Stephen and Ian Patrick Ciszek; grandmother of Ryan Magee; sister of Emily Kajfasz and the late Stephen Mietlowski; daughter of the late Andrew and Antonina (Galeziowski) Mietlowski. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




Lewis Frankenfield, November 2, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Diane Frankenfield; father of David Lewis Frankenfield and Cythia Ann (Ed) Sankey; also survived by 5 other children, 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 3 sisters and his loving dog Brandy; stepson of Virginia Frankenfield. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and Monday from 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM with funeral services following at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island.




Gay Marie (Walker) Macro, of Grand Island, November 3, 2002, wife of Louis A. Macro; mother of Lee Ann Obenauer, David L. and Amy M. Macro; grandmother of Michelle Macro; daughter of the late Gus and Ruby Walker; sister of the late David Walker. Friends may call Wednesday only 10 AM-1 PM followed by Funeral Services at 1 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.




Julie A. (Parwulski) Oursler, suddenly, October 27, 2002, beloved wife of Christopher K. Oursler; dear mother of Joshua, Miranda and Cassie; dear daughter of Paul and Judith Parwulski; dear sister of Jamie (Todd) Lee and Paul (fiancee Kolleen Kolbert) Parwulski; daughter-in-law of Donna and Skip Oursler; sister-in-law of Robert (Nicole) and John (Denise) Oursler; survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at the JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME INC., 335 Ontario St., Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-9 PM, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 AM. Julie was a graduate of Grand Island High School and Niagara Community College.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Laura M. (nee O'Brien) Conboy, a former business representative with the old New York Telephone Co., will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island, by her brother, the Rev. David O'Brien. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Conboy, 78, of Grand Island, died Sunday (Oct. 27, 2002) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
   Born Laura O'Brien in Buffalo, she grew up on the West Side and excelled in academics and athletics at Grover Cleveland High School. Attending D'Youville College on a scholarship, she graduated in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in business. She was the college's Moving Up Day Queen in 1945. She worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in addition to the telephone company. After moving to Grand Island in 1953, Mrs. Conboy became active in St. Stephen's Parish, singing in the choir during the 1960s and '70s and serving on the Bishop's Committee. She and her husband, James W., participated in the drive to build the Catholic Grammar School on Grand Island. He died in 1977. Mrs. Conboy supported Catholic missionaries, particularly in Brazil, where her brother is a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, and in Indonesia, where her sister-in-law, Sister Mary Brigid, is a sister of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. She enjoyed vacationing at the family's cottage in Turkey Point, Ont., and had a lifelong fondness for the University of Notre Dame and its Fighting Irish tradition.
   She was the dear sister of Eileen O'Brien, the late Mary O'Brien and Reverend David O'Brien, O.M.I.; loving mother of Anne Byrne of Grand Island, James D. (Rebecca) Conboy of Ridgewood, N.J., Eileen (Jeffrey) Stone and David (Karen) Conboy both of Grand Island; dear grandmother of Hilary Byrne, James Byrne, Madeline Conboy, Laura Rose Conboy, James L. Conboy, Meredith Stone, Brendan Stone, Griffin Stone, Sarah McMahon and David James Conboy, and great-grandmother of Anthony and Sierra Byrne; also survived by many other loving relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, 10:00 AM at St. Stephens Roman Catholic Church, Grand Island, NY. Memorials may be made to the Oblate of Mary Immaculate, 348 Porter Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201.




Gladys (Giering) Sloan, October 24, 2002 of Grand Island in Erie County Medical Center after a short illness; wife of the late Charles W. Sloan who died in 1967; mother of Peter F. (Lucy) Sloan; grandmother of Laura and Katy Sloan. Mrs. Sloan, 91, was born in Ardsley-on-the-Hudson, and grew up in Bloomfield, N.J. She was a graduate of New Jersey State Normal School in Newark and also attended Columbia University. Mrs. Sloan taught kindergarten in New Jersey before moving to Grand Island in 1950. On the Island, she taught at Charlotte Sidway Elementary School and the William Kaegebein Elementary School before retiring in 1972. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Grand Island Retired Teachers and the Study Club. Mrs. Sloan enjoyed knitting, needlepoint and murder mystery novels. Friends may call Sunday (November 3, 2002) 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, 14072, where memorial services will be held Monday, November 4, 2002 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Stroudsburg, Pa.




Barbara J. (Smith) Study, October 24, 2002. Of Grand Island NY. Dear mother of Dr. Robert E., Jr. (Nancy Silva) Study of Potomac MD, John A. (Suzanne Tomkins) Study and Deborah (Michael) Denehy of San Antonio TX; grandmother of Michael Denehy, Jr., Victoria and Nicholas Study. A private funeral service will be held. Memorials to East Park Garden Club, 1625 West River Pkwy., Grand Island NY 14072 are preferred. Arrangements by D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME.




Margaret Underwood Stamler, October 22, 2002; of Grand Island formerly of Rochester; wife of the late E.Roger Underwood and Warren Stamler; mother of Ernie Underwood; grandmother of Roger Underwood and Beth Glessner; friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Association. Mrs. Stamler was a founder of the Women's Bowling Association, a national champion horse shoe player and a former professional Scottish Dancer.




Janet M. (Marion) Cavanaugh, of Cambria, NY, formerly of Grand Island, October 16, 2002, loving mother of Lisa (Darren) McGarrity and Daniel J. Cavanaugh; dear daughter of Bertha (late James) Marion. Janet was involved in the PTA on Grand Island and was a former member of Zonta Club of Grand Island. She was employed at the Grand Island Post Office at the time of her death and was previously employed at a Niagara Falls Post Office. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, October 26, at 10 AM in St. Stephens Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.oconnellfh.com Arrangements by RAY O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME ( 823-0124).




Lillian M. Mesmer, 87, an artist whose paintings have been shown in the Kenan Center in Lockport and at Niagara University, died Saturday, October 19, 2002 in Elderwood Health Care at Riverwood, Grand Island. Born in Buffalo, Miss Mesmer was a graduate of Riverside High School and worked at The Buffalo News in advertising and circulation departments for 40 years. She had lived on Grand Island for more than 50 years. A painter of still-life tableaus and portraits, she won many awards and was a member of the Grand Island Art Society. She was the daughter of the late Magnus and Nora Mesmer. Survivors include a sister, Norita M. (Karl) Cole of Lockport. Predeceased by brothers the late Joseph L., Peter and Leland Mesmer. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday, October 21, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery.




Stanley J. Lucas, Of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest October 19, 2002, beloved father of John D., James C., Michael H. (Maria) and Debbie (Barry) Swartwood; cherished grandfather of four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; loving son of the late Henry and Ethel (nee McMullan) Lucas; dear brother of Alfred (late Arlene), Kenneth (Nancy) and the late Mae Werner and Henry G. Lucas; also survived by nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (City Chapel), 102 Linwood Ave. at Summer near Delaware Ave. on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 4-8 PM where funeral services will immediately follow. Mr. Lucas was an Army veteran of WWII.




Services for Herbert J. Grover of Snyder, Texas, a former Buffalo-area resident, were held Sept. 23 in that city. Burial was in Hillside Memorial Gardens, Snyder. He died Sept. 20, 2002, in Cogdell Memorial Hospital, Snyder, of heart and lung disease. He was 85. Born in Buffalo, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers and worked as a cleaning supplies salesman for the Fuller Brush Co. and other companies. He was vice president and manager of an industrial cleaning company in Niagara Falls before he moved to Phoenix. He had lived in Snyder since 1988. A Grand Island resident from 1961 to 1977, he was active in many community organizations, including Rotary International, with which he found homes for international students visiting Western New York. He also was a deacon at Bible Presbyterian Church, Grand Island. His first wife, the former Marion Kumm, died in 1983. He married the former Juanita Williams in 1987. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Herbert III of Boston, Mass.; three daughters, Gail Toy and Dawn Miller of West Seneca and Lynn DelNagro of Buffalo; three stepsons, Arthur Baldwin of Grand Island, Norman Baldwin of Phoenix and James Farren of Round Rock, Texas; three stepdaughters, Patricia Frasard of Atlanta, Jeri Speegle of Mineral Wells, Texas, and Judy Jennings of Andrews, Texas; a half sister, Geraldine Liscio of New Haven, Conn.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.




Bernice M. Leiner, October 14, 2002, of Grand Island; wife of Milton Leiner; daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Bauerlein. Services will be held at a later date.




Mary Faith (Tilley) Peterson, October 13, 2002 of Grand Island, NY, beloved wife of Donald and the late Frederick J. Martin; mother of William (Sharon) Martin, Patricia Martin, Rita Juliano, Nancy (Mark) Fanning, Diane Marcucci and Susan (Mike) Masterman; sister of the late Charles (Rita) Tilley; also survived by 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 9:45. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Timothy's R.C. Church at 10:30. Friends invited. Mrs. Peterson was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.




Eugene C. 'Gene' Stoklosa, October 9, 2002 of Grand Island, NY; beloved husband of Sharon M. (Rouleau) Stoklosa; dearest father of Sharlene Stoklosa, Keith (Tammy) Stoklosa, Marlene (Bob) Attardo; fond grandfather of Nicholas and Zachary; son of the late Frank and Carrie Stoklosa; son in law of Leo (the late Evelyn) Rouleau; brother of Alice (late Robert) Zoyhofski, Raymond (Arlene) Stoklosa, Eileen Alba, Daniel (Diane) Stoklosa, Joanne (late Dennis) Carrigan; brother in law of Dianne Johnson. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral service from the BARRON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME INC., 3025 William Street, near Union Road., Cheektowaga Monday at 9:15 AM and in St. Josaphat's Church at 10 AM. Family present Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9. Mr. Stoklosa was a member of the St. Josaphat's Holy Name Society (Sunday 2 pm), honorary member of Doyle Fire Company 1 and 2, Cheektowaga Businessman's Association, William Street Taxpayers Association, Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus Council 2243, Leo J. Toomey, Fourth Degree. Memorials to Unty's, 165 Genesee St., Buffalo, NY 14203. Owner of Convenient Food Mart, William Street, Buffalo.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Dolores S. (nee Socci) Rogers, artist and professor emeritus of Buffalo State College, will be offered at 10 a.m. Oct. 19, 2002 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. No prior visitation. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Mrs. Rogers, 69, died August 11, 2002, in her Grand Island home after a long illness. Born Dolores Socci in Mount Vernon, N.Y., she studied at the New York Art Students League in New York City and Woodstock. She held a bachelor's degree in art education from Buffalo State College and a master's degree in fine arts from Columbia Teachers College. She taught art in the Niagara-Wheatfield School District and at the Buffalo State College Learning Laboratory, retiring in 1991 after 22 years as a teacher. In retirement, she taught adult art classes at the Carnegie Cultural Center in North Tonawanda. Mrs. Rogers was a charter member and past president of the Grand Island Art Society, a past board member of the Fine Arts League of Buffalo and a signature member of the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society and many others. Winner of many art awards, she was recognized in 1990 as Art Educator of the Year by the New York State Art Teachers Association. She also was a member of the National League of American Pen Women. She and her husband named their home studio the Peaceable Kingdom Studio, because of their love of animals, which abound in their paintings. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, John R. Rogers; a daughter, Kaye O'Leary of Edina, Minn.; a son, Alan (Sally) Rogers of Fircrest, Wash.; her six grandchildren, Kevin, John, Theresa, Peter, Alana and David; and a sister, Irma (Frank) Moore of Mount Vernon. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Arrangements ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.




A memorial service for Michael Giambra will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2002 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Giambra, 61, a former Grand Island resident and active church member, died Aug. 24, 2002, in a Cape Coral, Fla., hospital after a short illness. Born in Buffalo, Giambra grew up in Kenmore and moved to Grand Island in the 1960s. He enjoyed playing sports in his youth and graduated from Kenmore West High School. He worked for eight years in the flooring business before he and his wife, Sue, ran their own janitorial business for 15 years. Afterward, Giambra worked as a regional manager in the furniture business until 1992, when he transferred to a furniture store in Fort Myers, Fla. He began working for Radio Shack in 1996 and was employed there at the time of his death. Giambra was baptized in 1970 through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement on Grand Island. He conducted music and leadership ministry at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. In Florida, he did ministry work at Resurrection Church in Fort Meyers and St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Cape Coral. He helped establish a prayer group at St. Catherine Drexel's Church in Cape Coral and in 2001 became an active member of Cape Assembly Church. Giambra is survived by his wife, the former Sue Link; two daughters, Anne Marie Robinson of Cape Coral and Tina of Grand Island; two sons, Kevin of Mason, Ohio, and Garrett of Cape Coral; two brothers, Ralph of Angola and Chuck of Williamsville; a sister, Judy Bauer of Grand Island; and six grandchildren.




Edith E. (Ernst) Andrews, September 25, 2002 of Grand Island, wife of the late Peter 'Stretch' Andrews; mother of Susan, David (Amy) and Jim Andrews; grandmother of Gregory Andrews; daughter of the late Charles and Clara Ernst. 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. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.




Sheila A. Martin, September 23, 2002, of Grand Island, daughter of John A. and Cheryl E. (Mondo) Martin; sister of Cynthia M. (Keith) Prine; granddaughter of Mary and the late John Martin, Russell and Nina Mondo; beloved aunt of Alex and Dominic Prine; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. 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.




David M. Darnley, on September 21, 2002, unexpectedly in Wellsville, NY, husband of Paula Mitchell Darnley; father of Amanda, Chrystal and Mary Darnley; son of Claudia (Ronald) Carlson; brother of Lynn Percovich, Donald (Cindy) Darnley and Ronald (Jen) Carlson; also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are invited to call Monday from 7-9 PM and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the J.W. EMBSER SONS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 17 Schuyler St., Belmont, NY. The funeral will be Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. David was a former resident of Hamburg and Grand Island.




Gloria J. (Anderson) Pagels, September 22, 2002, of Tonawanda, wife of Bruce D. Pagels; mother of Fredrick B. Pagels, Bruce A. Pagels and Kimberly S. (Chris) Patterson; grandmother of J.B., Nicole, Ryan, Kelsey, Jessica, Tyler and the late Ashleigh; sister of Harry Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Joan (Bill) Dekdebrun, Karen (Don) Webb and the late Norma (survived by husband Jack) Kenney and Russell (late Lynn) Anderson; daughter of the late Harry and Lavina Anderson; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by Funeral Services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.




James Anthony Pappano, September 17, 2002 of Grand Island; beloved son of John and Mary (Stillman) Pappano; brother of Matthew, Andrew, Joseph and Michael; grandson of Richard and Marcia Stillman, Almerino Pappano and Marlene DeMattia. Friends may call Thursday only 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Center for Handicapped Children, 80 Lawrence Bell Dr., Williamsville 14221.




Irene Rose ( Krawczyk) Mankiewicz, 77, on September 15, 2002 of Grand Island; wife of Norbert J. Mankiewicz; mother of Lynn (Michael) Cercone of Buffalo, Norbert Joseph Mankiewicz of Grand Island, Laurie (Mark) Karn of Hamburg and Donna (William) Fitzpatrick of Howell, N.J.; also survived by nine grandchildren; sister of Daniel (Alice) Krawczyk of Corvallis, Ore. and the late Raymond Krawczyk; dear sister-in-law of Mary (Al) Sawick and dear family friend of Karen Siemieniuk. 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, where prayers will be offered Thursday at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen's Church at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Mrs. Mankiewicz, 77, died in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness, eight days after her birthday. Born in Buffalo, she was a graduate of East High School and the former Chown Business Institute. She worked for Marine Midland Bank, now HSBC, for 25 years and was operations manager when she retired in 1989. Mrs. Mankiewicz enjoyed reading and traveling and was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres. She and her husband were planning to take a third trip to France when she became ill. The couple's 52nd anniversary is Sept. 30.




Michael James Delahunt, 51, of Grand Island, founder and owner of the Soda Bar & Pastry Co. restaurant in Buffalo, died Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2002) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Son of Francis M. of Lockport and the late Grace E. Delahunt; long time companion of Joseph Scibetta of Grand Island; brother of Annette (Ed) Gailor of Lockport, Susan (Bob) Lopez of Tampa, Fla., Steven (Helen) Delahunt and Thomas Delahunt both of Lockport; also survived by three nephews and one niece. The Lockport native graduated from Buffalo State College and had an early career in special education and human services. No prior visitation. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a memorial gathering Sunday, September 15, 2002 between 3 and 7 PM at 3797 East River Rd., Grand Island, NY. Memorials for Pancreatic Cancer Research may be sent to PAN CAN, 2221 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 131, El Segundo, CA 90245.




E. Donald Foley, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Lewiston, NY, September 8, 2002, age 70, husband of the late Sara (Burns) Foley; father of Joseph (Jennifer) Foley of San Diego, Barbara (Kenneth) Johnson of Grand Island and Carol (Michael) McCune of Norfolk, Va.; brother of Jack Foley of Bowie, Md.; grandfather of Sara Johnson and Ian Johnson. No prior visitation. A memorial service will be held at a time and date to be announced. Memorial donations to Mr. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston or the Niagara County SPCA. Arrangements by the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, Lewiston, NY.
   Mr. Foley, who was the former president of the Lewiston-Porter School Board, died Sunday (Sept. 8, 2002) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Pittsburgh, he graduated from Mount St. John High School in Dayton, Ohio and from the University of Dayton with a bachelor of science degree in life science. From 1953 to 1970, he also earned 70 graduate hours from the University of Dayton, Duquesne University, Niagara University and the University at Buffalo. Foley was both an educator and clinical scientist. From 1952 to 1956, he worked as a math and science instructor in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and from 1958 until his retirement in 1990, he was an advanced biology teacher at Niagara Falls High School. He had also simultaneously worked part time as a medical technologist in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh from 1956 to 1958 and in St. Mary's Hospital in Niagara Falls from 1958 to 1961. He founded the Physicians Laboratory Service in Niagara Falls in 1961 and served as its president and director until he retired in 1990. Foley resided in Lewiston from 1959 until 1977, when he moved to Grand Island. He was elected to the Lewiston-Porter School Board in 1969 and again in 1976. He served as the board's president in 1972. During his tenure, he was instrumental in honoring former athletics director and sports official Harry K. Blakeslee by renaming and dedicating the high school's football field in his name. He was a former member of the Lewiston-Queenston Rotary Club and the LaSalle Yacht Club.




Private services will be held in Buffalo; Boulder, Colo.; and Tampa, Fla., for Shirley Ann Krzes, a former Grand Island resident who died last Saturday (Aug. 31, 2002) at her Boulder home after a long illness. She was 67. The former Shirley Jordan was born and raised in Buffalo. She lived on Grand Island from 1961 to about five years ago, when she began splitting her time between Sherkston Beach, Ont., and St. Petersburg, Fla. About a month ago, she moved to Colorado. She worked as a reproduction manager at Cannon Design on Grand Island for 19 years before retiring in 1997. She enjoyed reading and walking. Survivors include a daughter, Tina Arthur of Boulder, and a grandson, Jordan Arthur. Cards of condolence may be mailed to Tina and Jordan, 5000 Butte St. #193, Boulder CO 80301.




Rev. Msgr. Richard A. Graeber, of Kenmore, September 4, 2002. Pastor Emeritus of St. Andrew's RC Church. Son of the late Joseph M. and Lucy (Elliott) Graeber; brother of Sister Josepha Graeber, SSMN and the late Rev. Capt. Joseph M. Graeber Jr USAF; cousin of Marilyn (Roger) Betz and James (Joan) Ackerman. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Thursday 5-9 PM and condolence calls on Friday at St. Andrew's RC Church, 1525 Sheridan Dr. at Elmwood Ave. 1-6:30 PM. A Parish Mass will be offered by the Most Rev. Edward M. Groz, DD Auxiliary Bishop of Buffalo at 7 PM. The Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell DD, Bishop of Buffalo will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday at 10:30 AM. Internment will follow at St. Stephens Cemetery, Grand Island, NY. Memorial contributions to the Sisters of St. Mary Namur Infirmary Fund are preferred.




Donald R. Crowell, September 3, 2002, of Grand Island, beloved husband and best friend of Jean (Kenific) Crowell for over 55 years; father of Donald R. (Carol) Crowell, Kathleen M. Doldan, Judith A. (Dr. John) Herman, Barbara J. (Dr. Jay) Clark, Margaret A. (Donald) Bray and the late Thomas M. Crowell; also survived by 14 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins; brother of Robert L. (Lillian) Crowell and the late Helen B. O'Hara. Friends may call Thursday and Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assn.




Audree Rittenhouse, a noted portrait and landscape artist, died Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2002) in Erie County Medical Center from injuries suffered in a fall in her Grand Island home. She was 79. Born in Cleveland, the former Audree Oughterson moved to Buffalo as a child with her family and graduated from Bennett High School. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts from Buffalo State College, graduating with honors. She married Robert C. Rittenhouse in 1946, and they moved to Minneapolis. The couple returned to Western New York in 1954. Her paintings have been shown by the Grand Island Art Society, Chautauqua Arts Association and Niagara Frontier Craftsmen Association. Her work is also included in the permanent collection of the Athenaeum Hotel at the Chautauqua Institution. Over the last 25 years, Mrs. Rittenhouse became a "painter of the people," setting up her easel in malls and shopping centers around Western New York, doing portraits. She was frequently asked to do portraits of people who had died, and used old photographs. Mrs. Rittenhouse taught painting at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and in Kenmore and Westchester public schools, and was a popular adult education teacher in Kenmore and on Grand Island. She and her husband honeymooned at Chautauqua in 1946, and had returned there every summer. They served for 16 years as hosts of the Chautauqua Institution's Church of Disciples House, where Mrs. Rittenhouse sketched hundreds of portraits of visiting celebrities such as Pete Seeger, Beverly Sills, Mark Russell and Rudolph W. Giuliani. Mrs. Rittenhouse was also an accomplished French horn player. She played for 20 years in the Amherst Symphony and the Clarence Town Summer Orchestra, until the late 1980s. Mrs. Rittenhouse traveled extensively, and her private art collection included sketches and paintings from trips to Europe, Asia and Alaska. She and her sister were in China during the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising, but were evacuated shortly before the military crackdown. She nearly drowned in Crete in 1970, before being rescued by her youngest daughter. Mrs. Rittenhouse is survived by her husband of 56 years; three daughters, Laura J. Rittenhouse of New York City, Eileen K. Bowen of Buffalo and Amy J. (George T.) Hoechst of Grand Island; a sister, Elloeen Oughterson of Amherst; and four grandchildren, Jeremy, Justine, Michael, and Lianne. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Cassie Oughterson. Memorials may be made to Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Road, Grand Island, 14072 where memorial services will be held Saturday, September 7 at 3 PM. Interment is in Forest Lawn. The family extends a special invitation to the service to friends of the family and anyone who knows and appreciates Mrs. Rittenhouse's art.

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John E. 'Jack' Thompson, August 29, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Irene M. Thompson; father of Diane (Mitchell) Essig, Colleen Nicholson, Patrick, Randall (Paula), Cheryl (Carl L. Jr.) Gonda and Shawn (Dolores) Thompson; also survived by 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; brother of Francis (Rosemary), James (Diane), Marylou (Norman) Clark and the late Robert Thompson. 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. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Harbor Camp Inc. C/O Tony Duke Sr. PO Box 177, East Hampton, NY 11937.




Elva J. Reiter, Penfield, formerly of Grand Island, NY, August 27, 2002. Predeceased by her husband Donald A.; Elva is survived by her children, Linda (Mike) Ferrara, Michael (Kimberly) Reiter and Karin (David) Wilson; her grandchildren, Megan and Nick Ferrara, Michael and Jennifer Reiter, Katie and Rachel Wilson; nephew, Paul Kelly and aunt, Veralyn Hill. Friends may call at NULTON, MATTLE & ASHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1704 Penfield Rd. Friday 6-9 PM. Elva's memorial service will be held Saturday 11 AM at Penfield Presbyterian Church, 1881 Jackson Rd., Penfield. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, 14450.




Michael Giambra, former Staley Road resident, died Saturday, August 24, 2002 in Cape Coral, Florida following illness. He was the husband of Susan Giambra and father of four. More details as they become available. (Complete obituary was added to this page in October 2002)




Harriet Emke, August 27, 2002, of the Town of Tonawanda, NY and formerly of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of the late Clark Emke; loving mother of Donna (Fred), Sandra, Alan (late Sharon) Daniel (Donna) and Kathleen (Sherrill); step-mother of Gerald (Paula) and Leah; also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend graveside committal services in White Chapel Cemetery, 3210 Niagara Falls Blvd., Thursday morning at 10:00. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd. (14227).




Darla Grasso, 51, of Grand Island, a homemaker, died Sunday (Aug. 25, 2002) in Fletcher Allen Health Care Center, Burlington, Vt., after becoming ill while scuba diving in Lake Champlain. Born Darla Rolfe in Gloversville, she attended high school in Monroe, Conn., and Johnson State College in Johnson, Vt. Her husband of 30 years, George N., is president of Sterling Fluid Systems, formerly SiHi Pumps, on Grand Island. Formerly of Jericho, Vt., they have lived on Grand Island since 1999. She enjoyed outdoor sports and helping others. In addition to her husband, survivors include a daughter, Wendi Fitzgerald of Ravena; a son, Jamie of Jericho; three sisters, Donna Richardson of Henniker, N.H., Doreen Angiloszek of Houston and D.J. Herde of Oxford, Conn.; and three brothers, James Rolfe of Las Vegas, Jeff Rolfe of Milford, Conn., and Jerry Rolfe of Connecticut. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Huntington Congregational Church, Shelton, Conn. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Monroe, Conn.




Carol A. Dyck, August 22, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of Paul Dyck; sister of Regis (Danny) Skrorupski, Roy (Pat) McDonald, Ellen Erikson, Marie (Jan) Jakiel and Colleen (Gary) Goldberg; daughter of the late Allen and Edith McDonald. Friends may call Sunday only, 2-5 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 AM. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.




Virginia Marie Ricey, August 20, 2002 of Winter Haven, FL; formerly of Grand Island, NY; beloved wife of the late John L. Ricey Jr.; mother of Gayle McGowean of Chicago and John L. Ricey III; also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister of Marion Feness and Don Dobbertean; aunt of Colleen Feness and Mark Owasso; cousin of Edward Mayo. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to attend a committal service in Holy Family Mausoleum at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, Auburndale, FL.




Edward H. Lenhard, 63, a former Grand Island resident for 32 years died Sunday, August 11, 2002 at his home in Weekie Wachie, Florida under the care of his loving family and Hernando Hospice, Inc. He was born in Buffalo, NY, on October 6, 1938, the son of the late Edward and Mildred (Berger) Lenhard. He was passionate about boating, especially on the Niagara River, and classic cars. He was employed by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for 26 years as a shift operator, and was a Lieutenant for the Buffalo Auxillary Police Department for 25 years. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Karen (Curran) Lenhard, and his four children: Thomas Lenhard of Fredonia, NY, Kathy (Michael) Fetzer, Stacey (Jennifer) Lenhard and Sean (Tina) Lenhard all of Grand Island, NY. He was the beloved grandfather of Michael, Sean and Madison. Memorial donations may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2002 at the Sandy Beach Yacht Club on Grand Island beginning at 2 p.m.




NIAGARA FALLS - A funeral service for Seth Millard Walck, 24, of Buffalo, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Riverside Presbyterian Church, 815 84th St. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton. Walck died Monday (Aug. 12, 2002) in Erie County Medical Center of injuries he suffered as a passenger in an automobile that crashed July 21. A native of Niagara Falls, he lived on Grand Island until moving to Buffalo a year ago. He graduated from Grand Island High School and received his bachelor of science degree in commerce and marketing from Niagara University in 2000. He had been employed as a sales representative for Advanced Business Machines in Cheektowaga for the past two years. He was public relations director of the Niagara University Marketing Association, a volunteer with the Niagara University Community Action Program and a member of the Niagara University Division I Swim Team, the American Marketing Association and the Tau Kappa Epsilon board of officers. Survivors include his parents, Millard and Patricia of Grand Island, and a sister, Sarah Sperry of Niagara Falls.




Former Charlotte Sidway School teacher Marie E. (Dwyer) Hannan of Orchard Park, NY. August 4, 2002. Beloved wife of the late Lester T. Hannan and Michael A. Dwyer; mother of Michael G. (Cynthia) and Dennis R. (Doris) Dwyer, Kathleen A. (Gerard) Dunne, Theresa M. (Patrick) Blewett and Martin F. (Marie) Dwyer; also survived by 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the F.E. BROWN SONS FUNERAL HOME INC., E. Quaker St., Orchard Park. Services from the funeral home Saturday 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Nativity of Our Lord Church at 10 AM. Friends invited.




Maimie J. Grotz, August 2, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late Truman F. Grotz; mother of Donna E. (Donald) McQuade, Richard T., Randall A., Timothy C. (Mary) Grotz and Elizabeth L. McDonnell; also survived by eight grandchildren; sister of Jeannette Shannon. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4976 Transit Rd., Depew 14043.




George E. Casey Jr., 47, of Grand Island, an employee of Curtis Screw Co. since 1973, died Thursday (Aug. 1, 2002) in DeGraff Memorial Hospital, North Tonawanda, after a brief illness. The Bronx native came to the Buffalo area in 1969. He was a graduate of Grand Island High School. He was a coach for the Girls Softball Travel League, the North Tonawanda Recreation Softball League and was a scorekeeper for North Tonawanda girls varsity hockey and North Tonawanda Babe Ruth Baseball. He worked in machine maintenance at Curtis Screw, where a benefit was to be held Aug. 8, 2002 for him by friends and co-workers. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and baseball. He was a fan of the N.Y. Yankees and Buffalo Sabres. He also enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his beloved wife of 25 years, the former Judith A. Cassavino; a daughter, Kristen of North Tonawanda; a son, George E. III of North Tonawanda; his father, George E. of Grand Island; two sisters, Jude (Peter) Kuehne and Dolores (Tony) Sinicki, both of Grand Island; and a brother, Edward of Grand Island. He was predeceased by his mother, the late Dolly (nee Olivo) Casey and a sister, the late Alice (John) Ricatone. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner of Parker). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in the church cemetery.




Gertrude M. Cotter, of Grand Island, July 23, 2002, age 92, wife of the late Christopher J. Cotter; loving mother of Margaret Cotter Will and Kathleen Cotter Little; sister of Philip Moore; she is also survived by five grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Private services were held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company or Hospice Buffalo.




James A. Williams, 82, July 21, 2002. Lifelong Grand Island resident; husband of Dolores Williams; father of Foster R. Tolbert; step father of Carmenita Brown, Rodney and Benjamin Burks, Charida Tolerson and Cobina Pener; also survived by a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; uncle of Donald (Mary) Allen and Virgina Bobo; great uncle of Karen Burns, Cullen, Jacqueline and Allen Bobo; son of the late George and Melvina Williams; brother of the late Irene Allen, Nora, Richard, Rebecca, Grace Johnson, Paul, George and Ossian (survived by wife Dorothy) Williams. Friends may call Friday 11-12 noon, followed by funeral services at 12 noon at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island




Concette (nee LaDuca) Tripi, 96, a homemaker and active member of St. Stephen's Church, died Thursday (July 18, 2002) in the McAuley Residence, Kenmore, after a lengthy illness. The second of 10 children, she attended School 1 and was married to Samuel Tripi in 1920. A circulation agent for The Buffalo News, he died in 1962. A resident of Grand Island since 1948, Mrs. Tripi was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the Prayer Group at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. The mother of seven, she enjoyed cooking, baking and being with her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel P. Tripi; dear mother of Paul (Dorothy) Tripi of Kenmore, Charles (late Dolores) Tripi of Clarence, Sally (Donald) Richard of Grand Island, Rosemary (Edouard) Koeppel of Snyder, Dolores (late Park) Forde of Williamsville, Barbara (Edward) Shantler of North Tonawanda and the late Josephine Tripi; dear grandmother of 36 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; sister of Cosimo (late Josephine) LaDuca of Amherst, Samuel (Joan) LaDuca of Kenmore. Mrs. Tripi was predeceased by two brothers and four sisters; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will be present to receive friends Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner Parker) where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM and at St. Stephen's Church (Grand Island) at 11:00 AM. Friends invited. Burial will be in the church cemetery.




Albert N. Ball, July 16, 2002 of Grand Island; husband of the late Julia M. Ball; father of Edith Athans, Eleanor Norton, Albert N. (Sue) Ball Jr. and Michael (Pamela) Ball; also survived by 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; brother of Leona Brothers, Robert and David Ball. Memorial services will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.




Gloria M. (Grant) Kalman, July 14, 2002; of Grand Island; wife of the late Louis S. Kalman; mother of Lynn Kalman, Luann (Arty) Pelletier and Scott Kalman; grandmother of James and Daniel (Amy) Hartman, Jennifer Mondoux, Dannielle and Timothy Pelletier, Thomas and Kristin Kalman; sister of Gail Grant and the late Harold Grant. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by Memorial Services at 8:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.




Robert McColpin, 69, formerly of Grand Island, died Friday, July 5, 2002 in his Green Valley, Ariz., home after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, the former Shirley Gunsalus and sons Glenn (Mary Beth) of Houston, Texas, Keith (Christine) of Cleveland, Ohio, and Brian of Buffalo. Also survived by a brother Carroll W. of Novato, Calif; two sisters, Doris Bajak of Wycoff, N.J., and Lolita Sheehan of Petaluma, Calif.; and four grandchildren.    Burial will be in Arizona. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2002 at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church. The family invites friends to join them following the service for brunch.
   Mr. McColpin was born in Los Angeles. He moved to Buffalo with his family as a child. He graduated from Canisius College, and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He lived on Grand Island for 22 years, and worked for 30 years as a National Fuel serviceman, retiring in 1988. In 1996, he and his wife moved to Arizona, where he enjoyed gold prospecting, working at the Green Valley Presbyterian Church and spending time in the mountains.




Amelia (nee Miserantino) Price, July 9, 2002, of Grand Island, mother of William E. (Faye) Price Jr., Diana M. Price, Sandra A. Nawrocki, Patricia A. Price and the late Richard P. Price; grandmother of Jason M. Price, Richard P. Springs and Danny Nawrocki; daughter of the late Josephine and Phillip Miserantino. Memorial services will be held Friday at 1 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island.




Rodney C. Alt, of Grand Island, president of Alt Chevrolet on Grand Island and a boat racer, died Sunday (July 7, 2002) in his Grand Island home after a long illness. He was 65. Alt was raised on Grand Island and graduated from Tonawanda High School. After graduation, he joined the Army and later served in the Army Reserve. After living most of his life on Grand Island, he moved to Salt Lake City in 1982 but moved back to Grand Island in January. Alt was president of Alt Chevrolet, the family business, from 1967 until it was sold in 1977. He was a member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island Fire Company. An avid sportsman, he was a member of the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club and the Marsh Boat and Gun Club. He also drove race boats and was a member of the American Powerboat Association, the Niagara Frontier Boat Association and the B&T Powerboat Association. Predeceased by a son, David B. Alt. Alt is survived by his wife of 25 years, the former Judith Shaver; two sons, William J. of California and Christopher R. of Mesa, Ariz.; a daughter, Patricia Carminati of Grand Island; a stepson, David S. Murphy of Lewiston; two sisters, Carleen Alt Gerber of Grand Island and Sandra E. (Christopher) Peper of Champlain; and grandchildren Ashley and Casey Carminati. He was the son of the late Carlton W. and Evelyn L. Alt. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2002 in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.




Robert H. Killian, a Town of Tonawanda resident and a veteran of the Korean War, died Friday (June 5, 2002) in Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a brief illness. He was 71. Killian was born on Grand Island and was a graduate of Tonawanda High School. During the Korean War, he was stationed in the Philippines with the Army. He served in the Signal Corps from 1952 to 1954. Killian worked as a maintenance mechanic for Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. for 37 years before retiring in 1986. During the winters, Killian resided in Venice, Fla. He was a member of the board of directors of the Kingsgate Condominium Association and a former Cub Scout leader. He enjoyed tennis, golf, bicycling, walking and bridge. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, the former Dorothy M. Arnott; two sons, Brian of the Town of Tonawanda and Grant of Albany; two sisters, Lucille (Harold) Long of Nunda and Lois (Robert) Kaiser of New Port Richey, Fla.; and two brothers, Philip (Jean) Killian of the Town of Tonawanda and Roger (Brenda) Killian of Kenmore. Special friend of Jonah; also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Fred and Esther (nee Rapp) Killian. A service will be held on 1 p.m. Monday in Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton.




Robert O. Dorfer Sr., of Grand Island, formerly of Syracuse, NY, July 1, 2002, beloved husband of Peggy A. (nee Lauducci) Dorfer; dearest father of Kristen (Cameron) Brawn and Robert O. Dorfer Jr.; proud grandfather of Victoria and Anthony Brawn; dearest son of William J. (Michelene) Dorfer and the late Bernadette (nee Guyette) Dorfer; dear brother of William Jr. (Joan), Donald (Joy), Bernard (Kelly), Christopher (Valerie) Dorfer and the late Elizabeth Shenfeld; step-brother of Michael (Michelle) Hajjar; also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Family present Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the SABER FUNERAL HOME, ( 692-0271) 549 Oliver St., N. Tonawanda. (No visitation Thursday, July 4). Funeral services will be held Friday (July 5) at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's R.C. Church (Payne Ave.) N. Tonawanda at 10 AM. Burial in Syracuse. Robert was a US Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and was an employee of the G. M. Powertrain Engine Plant (River Road), Town of Tonawanda.




Suzanne S. Dawson, 53, a former Grand Island resident, died of breast cancer Sunday (June 30, 2002) in her Fayetteville, N.C., home. The former Suzanne Somer was a first-grade teacher at Cliffdale Elementary School in the Cumberland County School District, where she taught for 26 years. She also taught for five years before moving to Fayetteville. Mrs. Dawson was a 1967 graduate of Grand Island High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Geneseo State College. She was a member of Aries Triangle on Grand Island and Alpha Delta Kappa, the international honorary sorority for women educators. She also was a member of Salem Methodist Church in Fayetteville and was a volunteer for Rape Crisis. Survivors include her husband of 20 years, Floyd S.; two sons, Nicholas S. and Matthew D., both of Fayetteville; her mother, Norma M. Somer of Lake Worth, Fla.; a sister, Christine M. Weaver of Grand Island; and a brother, Michael N. Somer of Grand Island. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Lafayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville.




Brooke Madison Dynko, June 26, 2002. Beloved infant daughter of Dennis and Kimberly (Tortorice) Dynko; sister of Ryan Dynko; granddaughter of Sam and Nina (Insana) Tortorice, Jim and Barbara Dynko; great granddaughter of Salvator Tortorice; also survived by many aunts, uncles and godparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial may be made to Sisters of Charity Hospital Special Care Nursery or the Dynko family.




James S. Prouse, June 25, 2002; of Grand Island, after a long illness; husband of Veronica Prouse; father of Lawrence J. of Grand Island and Lisa R. Prouse of Freedom, NY; grandfather of Crystal, Jodi and Dennis; son of the late Arhtur and Margaret Prouse of Bradford, Ontario; brother of the late Kenneth Prouse. Friends may call Saturday only 12-2 PM followed by funeral services at 2 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined.




Franklin J. 'Frank' Butcher, June 24, 2002, of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of 66 years of Nora (McSween); dearest father of Sybil (Michael) Corrigan, David (Joan), Roger (Linda), John (Karen), Richard (Debra) and the late Melvin (Pat) Butcher; also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial may be made to a charity of your choice.




Edna (Kohl) Braddell, June 22, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late A. James Braddell, Sr.; mother of Janet S. Redinger, Nancy L. (Bill) Gorrell, Mary Ann (Robert) Stawitzky, John R. (Linda), Nina E. (Martin) Goss, Edward H. (Peggy), Larry G., Edna E., Eileen R. (Michael) Dowd and the late A. James Braddell, Jr.; also survived by 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; sister of Betty Cobernus Bizzaro; daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth Kohl. 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 Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY.




Services for Joanne E. LaClair, 58, of Grand Island, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Mrs. LaClair died Friday (June 21, 2002) in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a short illness. Born Joanne Nelson in Niagara Falls, she graduated from Niagara Falls High School and worked at Hooker Chemical Co. as a secretary for several years before going to work for the New York State Power Authority, where she was administrative assistant to the resident manager for more than 20 years. She was also co-owner of Goodyear X-Ray Co. in Amherst with her husband of 28 years, Louis M. LaClair. She was an active member of Martin-in-the-Fields Church. In addition to her husband, survivors include three stepdaughters, Loretta Crane of Sanborn, Jacqueline Wicks of Golden, Colo., and Michelle Michaels of Orlando, Fla.; a stepson, Jeffrey of Towson, Md.; and seven grandchildren.




Nancy C. (nee Benton) Meister, June 18, 2002. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Sr; dear mother of Alexander Jr; dear daughter of the late Alice and Thomas Benton Jr; dear sister of Joan Templeton, Christine (Austin) Dempsey-Ward and the late Thomas Benton III; dear aunt of Wayne (Kathy) Benton, Gary, Daniel, and Jeffery Dempsey. Dearest friend of Edna Rouse. Friends may call KOLANO FUNERAL HOME, 396 Amherst St. (near Grant), Thursday evening only, 7-9 PM, at which time Funeral Services will be held. Mrs. Meister was retired from the Blind Association. Private interment in Staley Cemetery, Grand Island, NY.




George C. Scranton Jr. of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., former owner of Thruway Builders Supplies Corp., died Sunday (June 16, 2002) in Lockport Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was 71. Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Seneca Vocational High School. After high school, he worked on the railroad and then enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948 and served during the Korean War. After his military service, he returned to Buffalo and opened the Chef Shop convenience store in downtown Buffalo, operating it until 1959. He then began working for Thruway Builders Supplies. In 1970, he bought the company, which had locations in Cheektowaga and Sanborn. His family has continued to own and operate the company, which now has a single location in Depew, after he retired in 1994. He was a former president of the Kenmore Rotary Club and served on its Cradle Beach Camp committee. He was a Past Master of Harmonie Lodge 699, F&AM, and a member of the Shriners, the Knights of the Round Table, the Jesters and the Niagara Falls Country Club. Scranton also was a member of the Building Industries Employers Association, Construction Industries Employers Association, Construction Specifications Institute and American Institute of Architects. A longtime resident of Grand Island, he and his wife moved to Fort Myers Beach four years ago. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, the former Irene France; two daughters, Christine Sullivan of Lockport and Nancy Militello of North Tonawanda; two sons, David of Lockport and Douglas of Lancaster; a brother, Richard of Colorado; three sisters, Lois DeBon of Ohio and Elaine Fish and Joyce Will, both of Tonawanda; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Brighton and Fries roads, Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.




Daniel L. Binner, June 15, 2002 of Grand Island. Husband of Jeanne (Shields) Binner; father of Christine and Richard Binner; grandfather of Kyla Hoffman; son of Leo Binner and Alice Roach; brother of Alice (Warren) Brock, David, Michael, and the late Leo 'Skip' Binner. 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. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Binner Family for Christine and Richard's education.




Dolores M. (nee Gaudioso) Cane, of Grand Island, NY June 13, 2002. Beloved wife of the late Stephen V. Cane; mother of Stephanie (John) Sheer and Richard (Susan) Cane of El Paso, TX; grandmother of Stephen (Sheila) Sheer, Jacquie Sheer, and Katie Cane; sister of Lauretta Sinatra, the late Angela Mastretta, Elizabeth Moran and Anthony Gay; dearest aunt of Patricia Moran, Sharon Samek and several nieces and nephews. Friends received Sunday 4-8 PM a the GRECO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave. (near Sheridan Dr.) where funeral servces will be held Monday morning at 10. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.




Darrell 'Newbaby' Covert, S/Sgt. U.S. Air Force Ret. June 16, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Beverley Covert; father of Darrell (Josette), David, Dwane (Teresa), Darren (Loretta), Denise (Bob) Cleveland, Douglas and Daniel (Denise) Covert; grandfather of Stephanie, Ashley, Allison, Dwane Jr., Matthew, Jennifer, Amanda and foster grandchildren; also survived by brothers and sisters. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Graveside Services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at Maple Grove Cemetery, Stony Point Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Mr. Covert was a member of the DAV, Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association and VFW Post #9249.




Former Grand Island resident, Bruce C. Vogler, of Sebastian, Fla., a Buffalo native and former Chautauqua resident, died June 8, 2002, in VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fla., after a long illness. He was 45. Born in Buffalo, Vogler was raised in Kenmore and graduated from Kenmore West High School. He also resided on Grand Island before moving to Chautauqua in 1985. He lived there until moving to Florida in 1993. He attended Erie Community College and Vero Beach Community College and worked as a marine mechanic in Chautauqua and Vero Beach prior to his illness. Vogler enjoyed writing music and playing guitar, boating and painting. He is survived by his parents, William and Alice of Sebastian, Fla.; a sister, Linda Draper of Lewiston; and four brothers, Kurt of Sebastian, Charles of Minneapolis, and Rex and Thomas, both of Albuquerque, N.M. A memorial service will be held at a later date.




Gerald J. Coates, 71, of the Town of Tonawanda, a retired state trooper and Navy veteran, died Friday (May 31, 2002) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, under Hospice Buffalo care, after a long illness. The Niagara Falls native retired from the State Police in 1976 after serving for many years at the Walden Avenue barracks in Cheektowaga. He served as a signalman aboard the USS Cogswell in the Pacific during the Korean War. He was a life member of DeGlopper Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, on Grand Island, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Niagara Falls. Coates spent many winters in Venice, Fla., and was a golfer and sportsman. His wife, Marion DeGlopper Coates, died last year. Survivors include two daughters, Karen Fuller of Amherst and Michelle Webb of Grand Island; a brother, F. Vincent McElwain of Ocala, Fla.; and two grandchildren. Services will be private. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Grand Island.




Donna Paxhia (nee Sander) Ebersole, 52, died Thursday, December 13, 2001 after a brief illness. Mrs. Ebersole was a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Buffalo State College. A memorial service will be held June 9, 2002 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church St., Youngstown at 4 PM. A reception will follow at the Youngstown Yacht Club immediately after the service. Click for Complete Death Notice.




Karl H. Buehrig, May 24, 2002, of Grand Island; husband of Virginia G. Buehrig and the late Jessie-Jean Buehrig; father of Rebecca-Ruth Buehrig; brother of Ruth Elgar and the late Howard Buehrig and Carlene McDermid. Friends may call Sunday and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. or the Masonic Research Laboratory, 2150 Bleecker St., Utica, NY 13501. Mr. Buehrig was a member of Zuleika Grotto M.O.V.P.R., Harmony Lodge #699 F&AM and Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge #1138 F&AM, under whose direction services Masonic Services will be held Sunday at 7:30 PM.




Dorothy I. Tosetto, a long time resident of Grand Island, died May 15, 2002. She was the mother of Deborah (Steve) Fisher of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Mark (Debra) Tosetto of Kenmore. She was also survived by eight grandchildren, two sisters and one brother. Ms. Tosetto was the former owner of the Suburban Beauty Salon on Grand Island. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2002 at Bible Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robert Vandermey officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Memorials may be made to Bible Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.




Warren S. Stamler, May 17, 2002, of Grand Island. Husband of Margaret Stamler and the late Jean Stamler; father of Sandra J., David W. (Jill), and Michael A. (Cynthia) Stamler; grandfather of Robert Stamler and Roger Underwood; brother of Ehde-Beth (Ernst) Parrish; son of the late Henry and Elsie Stamler. Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 1 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.




Longtime Sandy Beach resident, John Dower, 91, died Saturday, May 11, 2002 in Saratoga, WY where he had been living with his daughter, Judy (Gary) Babel for the past 18 years. Husband of the late May Dahlstrom Dower; survived by daughter Patricia (Ross) Hamilton of Pt. Vernon, Australia and five grandchildren. Predeceased by sisters Anna and Virginia Dower. A graduate of Syracuse University, Dower was retired from Union Carbide, Niagara Falls after 42 years as a chemist. He enjoyed watching baseball, doing crossword puzzles, reading, fishing and most of all, his children and grandchildren. He was a former member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club and St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.




Walter S. Merwin of Venice, FL, May 9, 2002, loving husband of the late Irene (nee Nelson); dearest father of Christine (John) Lehman and Cynthia (Walter) Robertson; grandfather of Mark and Greg Robertson, Bethe Lehman and Pam Brown; great-grandfather of three; brother of Robert M. Merwin; also survived by nieces and nephews. Mr. Merwin served as town attorney for Grand Island. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday from 4:30-7:30 at the URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 5895 Goodrich Rd., Clarence Center. Private funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15.




Former resident William Rossie, in Columbus, Ohio (no further information available).




   Services for James A. Bedford, 56, of Grand Island, a journeyman electrician and former Boy Scout leader, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Dengler and Roberts Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Private burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME ROLLING CHAPEL. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Andrew C. Smith.
   Bedford, who was born in Buffalo, died Sunday, May 12, 2002 at home after suffering a heart attack. He was a graduate of Riverside High School, attended Niagara County Community College and took courses from Empire College. He was employed by American Axle & Manufacturing from 1996 until his death.




Catherine A. Colosi, 90, of Grand Island, died Friday (May 10, 2002) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a brief illness. She was born Catherine Antonucci in Florence, Pa. She moved to Niagara Falls with her family when she was a small child and attended schools in that city. She moved to Grand Island in 1957. Mrs. Colosi, a homemaker, was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church and the Bridgehoppers of Grand Island. In Niagara Falls, she was a member of the St. Joseph's Children of Mary Sodality and the former Century Club ladies' auxiliary. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and cooking. Her husband of 46 years, Russell P., died in 1997. Survivors include a daughter, Johanna Snyder of Clarence; a son, Dr. Russell P. of Grand Island; and four grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls.




Betty L. Kane, 78, who was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, died unexpectedly Thursday (May 9, 2002) in St. Mary's Manor after a brief illness. Born Betty Seidenick in Niagara Falls, she was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and a member of Grace Lutheran Church. A former Grand Island resident, she was the widow of John L. Kane, who died in 1998. Survivors include a daughter, Martha R. Warczak of Chicago; a sister, Ruth Seidenick of Grand Island; and a grandson. Services will be held at the convenience of the family in Oakwood Cemetery.




Calvin "Cal" W. Lamb, a retired SKW Alloys employee, died Tuesday (May 7, 2002) in Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Fla. Lamb, 78, was born in Buffalo and was a longtime Niagara Falls resident. He moved to Barefoot Bay, Fla., in 1986. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was the recipient of four Bronze Stars. After the war, he worked for SKW Alloys in Niagara Falls as a traffic manager for 31 years. Lamb was a member of VFW Post 10210, the Barefoot Beach Golf Club and the Niagara Falls Traffic Club. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, the former Joyce Martin; three sons, Scott of Atlanta, Ga., Jonathon of Pennsburg, Pa., and Brian of New York City; two stepsons, David Collins of Depew and Douglas Collins of Niagara Falls; a stepdaughter, Diane Rosinski of Niagara Falls; and eight grandchildren.




Helena (Shea) Kerr, May 4, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late James T. Kerr, Sr.; loving mother of James T. Jr. (Mary Nell), Joseph P. (Andrea) Kerr, Sr., Elizabeth (James) Olmstead and the late Margaret Kerr Suffoletta; beloved grandmother of Sheila (Gerald) Daminski, Jr., Amelia (Stephen) Thome, Mark (Susan) and Robert (Jennifer) Suffoletta, Megan Kerr (Thomas Powers), Joseph P. Jr. (Anna), Mary Frances, Steven M., Brendan J. (Erin) and William J. Kerr; cherished great-grandmother of Joshua J. and Katlin E. Smith, Julia E. and Grace M. Thome and Carson J. Suffoletta; sister of Frances (late Victor) Roty and the late Bernice (late Lawrence) Smith, Paul J. (survived by wife Viola) and Eugene (survived by wife Becky) Shea and Betty (late William) Dargert; sister-in-law of Irene and Mary Kerr. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hearts for the Homeless, 890 Tonawanda St., Buffalo 14207 or St. Stephen's Church where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 25 at 10 AM.




Judith A. Roemer, 41, of Grand Island, an employee of HSBC Bank in Buffalo, died Sunday (May 5, 2002) in Millard Fillmore Hospital after a long illness. Ms. Roemer, known as "Dee Dee," was born in Batavia and raised in Lewiston. She graduated from Lewiston-Porter Senior High School in 1979. She worked at HSBC for 22 years in various departments. Before joining the bank, she had worked at Artpark and Philbrick's Service Station, both in Lewiston. Ms. Roemer enjoyed playing pool, bowling, shopping and vacationing with her family. She was a former member of Chapter 1940, Women of the Moose, Lewiston. Survivors include a son, Michael P.; her parents, Walter E. of Grand Island and Linda E. of Lewiston; two brothers, Michael J. (Jean) Roemer of Youngstown and Patrick F. of Lewiston; four sisters, Mary Kate and Bridget A., both of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Elizabeth of Irondequoit and Megan A. of Lewiston; and a dear friend, Gary Cross of Niagara Falls. She was the aunt of Sean Roemer, Shannon and Marlene Roemer, Kristen and Amy Roemer; also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., North Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Peter's Catholic Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston, after prayers at 9:30 in Hardison Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials to The American Heart Association or The American Diabetes Association.




Rena K. Ponton, April 12, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late John G. Ponton; mother of Dennis K. (Libby) Ponton; grandmother of Stephen M. Ponton. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 11 at 10 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton, VA. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Trinity Church Music Program.




Mae (Webb) Eastman, 79, April 26, 2002 in Florida, life long Grand Island resident. Wife of the late Earl M. Eastman; mother of Jean (Skip) Schlegel, Earl E. (Barbara) Eastman, Mary Ann (Tim) Donner, and Linda Gorman. Also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She was the sister of Bette Benton and the late LaVerne, Melvin and Carl Webb. Mrs. Eastman was the daughter of the late Carl and Ruth (Stamler) Webb. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at 1 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.




Paul E. McSweeney, 73, of Grand Island, who was president of the Retail Clerks Union for many years, died Saturday (April 27, 2002) at home after a two-year struggle with melanoma. He was born in Niagara Falls and was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School. McSweeney and his family moved to Grand Island in 1982. He had been a Boy Scout scribe in Niagara Falls at one time. McSweeney was chairman emeritus of the board of directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Western New York, and served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank in Buffalo. He also had a home in Florida, and enjoyed golf, boating and horses. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Marie McMahon; four daughters, Patricia Fitzgerald of Chicago, Janet Dreyer of Snyder, Joan McSweeney Weir of Rochester and Anne of West Palm Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered in St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.




James R. Hartwell of Grand Island; April 26, 2002; beloved husband of Mary Alice (nee Trocki); loving father of Deacon James W. Hartwell of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Hamburg and Thomas A. Hartwell; brother of William C. (D. Carol) Hartwell of Troy, MI. Friends may call at the DONALD M. DEMMERLEY FUNERAL HOME INC., 21 Pierce Ave., Hamburg, Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Cathedral, 50 Franklin St., Buffalo, Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined.




A memorial service for Robert A. Hopwood, an Army veteran and retired truck driver, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2002 in Little Chapel of the Elms in Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Ave., Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery. Hopwood, 78, died unexpectedly Tuesday (April 23, 2002) in his Grand Island home. Born in Petrolia, Ont., Hopwood was a longtime City of Tonawanda resident. He served in the Army from 1942 until 1959, fighting in European, African and Middle Eastern campaigns during World War II and rising to the rank of master sergeant. Hopwood was a truck driver for Direct Systems. He was a life member of Tonawandas Post 264, American Legion, where he was an officer, including past president. He also was a member of the Last Man's Club, the Past Commanders Club of the American Legion, a life member of Frontiersmen Post 7545, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a retired member of the Teamster and Retirement Club of Western New York. Before his wife, Myrtle, died in 1996, the couple volunteered at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, each accumulating more than 6,000 hours of service. He also was National American Legion adviser to the medical center. Hopwood is survived by two sons, Chris W. Hopwood and Robert (Karen) Clark, both of North Tonawanda; three stepsons, Ronald (Marie) Brenon of the City of Tonawanda, Robert Brenon of North Tonawanda and James (Karen) Brenon of Edmonds, Wash.; two stepdaughters, Judy (John) Donovan of Niagara Falls and Betty (Joseph) Wiech of Scio; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the husband of the late Myrtle M. (nee Brock) Hopwood; brother of the late Harold Hopwood. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials are preferred to the Mert Hopwood Spinoza Bear Fund c/o Tonawandas Post 264 American Legion. Arrangements by JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME., INC., Tonawanda, NY.




Thomas A. McKeen, 74 of Richmond, VA died Saturday April 20, 2002 after a long illness. Born in Toledo, Ohio, McKeen came to Buffalo at a young age and went on to serve in the Army. He moved to Grand Island, where he reared his family, and later moved to Williamsville for a short time. McKeen worked for Seneca Steel and Beals, McCarthy and was president when he left in the 1970s. He then operated his own steel services firm until the late 1970s. He also owned the Williamsville Art Center and, for a few years, a wild game deli in Buffalo. He was a past president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, twice recipient of the Chamber's Citizen of the Year award and also served as County North chairman of the United Way in Buffalo. Mr McKeen was the son of the late Walter J. McKeen and Norah L. McKeen. Former husband of Katharine J. McKeen and the late Geraldine E. (Korbs) McKeen. Father of Carol A. (John Dunton) of Waltham MA, Thomas C. of Richmond VA and Lynne N. (Michael Czysz) of Colden, NY. Brother of Charles R. McKeen of Richmond. Grandfather of David A. and Michael W. McKeen and Japhy L. and Kayla J. Czysz. Mr. McKeen, who retired as senior vice president of Steel Services Inc., Richmond VA, was involved in many civic and charitable organizations. Mr. McKeen enjoyed travel and was an avid golfer and fisherman. Private services will be held Saturday, April 27, 2002 in Richmond.




PERRY - Services for Lillian DeGlopper Bell, 93, a resident of Perry since 1961 who worked in the kitchen at Empire Livestock Auction in Pavilion for 17 years, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 N. Main St., Perry. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Perry Center. Mrs. Bell, who was born in Buffalo, died at home Tuesday (April 23, 2002). She lived on Grand Island before moving to Perry. Her husband, William, died in 1966. Survivors include three sons, Willard, Robert and Roy, all of Perry; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.




NELLIE C. WEINGARTNER, 96, of Tinton Falls, N.J., formerly of Grand Island, died Saturday, April 13, 2002 at Blythe House. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Little Silver, N.J.. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Ann, Little Silver, N.J., a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Carmichael, Kenmore, a brother-in-law, Rev. John D. Mears, East Aurora and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Weingartner in 1994, her sister, Gladys Mears and her brothers, Walter and Arthur Carmichael. Before moving to Tinton Falls she resided in Port Orange, Fla. where she was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church Women. She served on the Altar Guild and, for many years, as parish secretary. Born in Rio Grande du Sul, Brazil and graduated Hutchinson High School, she lived for many years on Grand Island where she was a founding member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and served on the Altar Guild and as parish secretary. Services will be held at later dates in Port Orange, Fla. and Buffalo. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Baseline Rd, Grand Island. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of John Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, N.J.




William Parkinson, April 11, 2002, in Daytona Beach, FL, formerly of Grand Island, survived by grandchildren, Michael, Susan Parkinson, both of Daytona Beach, FL and Timothy Parkinson of Anchorage, AK; also survived by one great-granddaughter. Friends wishing may attend Funeral Services Wednesday 11 AM at Elmlawn Cemetery (gather at Main Entrance 10:45 AM). Arrangements by the BURY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 875-2261.




Veronica E. Connor, of Ransomville, NY, April 10, 2002, age 91, sister of Loretta Joseph and the late Clifford and Vincent Connor; sister-in-law of Josephine Connor and Lois Connor Anderson; dear friend of Linda Smith; aunt of Leo Connor, Kathleen Ford, Maureen Scalzo, Sheila Remmert, Karen Connor, Dennis Joseph, Susan Downes and David Joseph; also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC., 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Services Saturday at 11 AM from the Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM from St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Veronica E. Connor Scholarship Fund, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 or a charity of one's choice.
Veronica E. Connor, 91, of Ransomville, a former principal and chief school officer for Grand Island schools, died Wednesday (April 10, 2002) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a brief illness. Miss Connor graduated from Niagara Falls High School and earned a bachelor's degree in education from Buffalo State Teachers College. She also earned a master's degree in administration from Columbia University. Miss Connor taught in Porter and Wilson schools for several years. In 1936, she was hired as supervising principal of three schools on Grand Island and taught seventh and eighth grades at School 5 on Grand Island. The next year saw the opening of the island's first central school, Sidway, where Miss Connor was a teacher and principal. She was named chief school officer for Grand Island schools in 1947. She took an active part in the financial planning and building of schools and additions, including William Kaegebein School in 1953 and Huth Road Elementary School in 1958, and was instrumental in the building of the high school in 1963 and the adjoining middle school in 1969. She retired in 1973. In 1996, her lifelong dedication to education was recognized with the renaming of Grand Island Middle School to Veronica E. Connor Middle School. Miss Connor was a charter member of the Grand Island Memorial Library, and served on its board for several decades. She also was a charter member of the Grand Island Historical Society, serving as president and treasurer at various times, and as its librarian. She was a charter member and a past president of the Zonta Club of Grand Island, a service club for executive women in business and the professions; a charter member of the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation; a member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, which twice honored her as citizen of the year; and a member of the Grand Island Retired Teachers Association; the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Iota Chapter, of Niagara Falls; the New York State Retired Teachers Association; and the Twentieth Century Club of Buffalo. Surviving are a sister, Loretta Joseph of Lewiston; and a dear friend, Linda K. Smith of Ransomville. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Hardison Funeral Home, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in North Ridge Cemetery, Cambria.




George J. Meyer, March 23, 2002, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Helen E. Meyer; brother of Newell C. (Elizabeth) Meyer of Tonawanda; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 13, at 10:00 AM, at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church or a charity of your choice. Mr. Meyer was past president of the Niagara Frontier Section of the Instrument Society of America and was an electronics teacher at Trott Vocational High School in Niagara Falls where he was named Teacher Of The Year in 1977.




Veronica E. Connor, of Ransomville, NY, April 10, 2002, age 91, sister of Loretta Joseph and the late Clifford and Vincent Connor; sister-in-law of Josephine Connor and Lois Connor Anderson; dear friends of Linda Smith; aunt of Leo Connor, Kathleen Ford, Maureen Scalzo, Sheila Remmert, Karen Connor, Dennis Joseph, Susan Downes and David Joseph; also survived by several great nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC., 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Services Saturday at 11 AM from the Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM from St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Veronica E. Connor Scholarship Fund, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 or a charity of one's choice.




Ruth M. Horner, 91, of Grand Island, April 4, 2002, beloved wife of the late Donald A. Horner; loving mother of Donna K. (late Harold L.) Anderson of the Town of Tonawanda; grandmother of H. Lorn (Frances) Anderson III, Holly (Gary) Place; also survived by four great-grandchildren; predeceased by her sister and brother. All are invited to a Eucharistic Memorial Service at Church of the Advent (Episcopal) 54 Delaware Rd., Kenmore Saturday at 5:00 PM. Final resting place Acacia Park Cemetery. Memorials contribution to Church of the Advent are preferred. Arrangements by D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, Kenmore, NY. Mrs. Horner, a retired Grand Island town clerk, was born in Cleveland, The former Ruth M. French married Donald A. Horner in 1930. He died in 1964. She worked for 25 years in the Grand Island town clerk's office, working her way up to the position of town clerk, from 1972 until 1976, when she retired. She was an active member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church on Grand Island and worked in the church's Altar Guild. She was a member of the Zonta Club of Grand Island and served as a Republican election inspector for many years. She enjoyed cooking in her spare time.




A memorial Mass for Nancy C. Heyer of Grand Island, a nurse and Vietnam veteran, will be offered at 10 a.m. today in Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 172 15th St. Ms. Heyer, 56, died Sunday (April 7, 2002) in Sisters Hospital after a long illness. She was project manager of the Women & Children's Health Research Foundation of Children's Hospital, raising funds for research, until taking disability retirement in 1999. Earlier, she was an infection control practitioner at Sisters Hospital, assistant director of nursing at the American Red Cross, and a public health nurse for the Erie County Health Department and the Episcopal Long-Term Home Health Care Program. A native of Dekalb, Ill., Ms. Heyer graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Phoenix and joined the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. She retired as a captain in 1977. Ms. Heyer moved to Buffalo to complete her bachelor's degree in nursing at D'Youville College. She later earned a master's degree in epidemiology from the University at Buffalo, where she had nearly completed her doctoral degree. "Nancy was noted for her sense of humor," said a longtime friend, Sister Donna M. Lord, chaplain at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. "A special touch with children was also one of Nancy's gifts. Her hobbies were gourmet cooking for friends and enjoying her pet golden retrievers." For many years, Ms. Heyer was a Eucharistic minister at Blessed Sacrament Church, where she also ministered to homebound people. Survivors include her companion, Shirley A. Lord.
    Nancy C. Heyer, April 7, 2002 of Grand Island, NY, close friend and companion of Shirley A. Lord; lifelong friend of Sheila (Peter) Boulay of Reston, VA and their children Kate, Matthew (Catherine) and Tim; also survived by her adopted mother Agnes G. Lord, her sisters Patricia A. Lord, Sr. Donna M. Lord, GNSH and Janice Nichols; her brother Rev. Ronald A. Lord; her sister-in-law Chris Lord; her nephew Daniel and niece Magdalene. Will be missed by her friends Felice (Gary) Jarrold of Tucson, AZ and their children John (LanVi), Adam, and Michael; and Gary and Carol Rimlinger of North Canton, OH and her Godsons Craig and Eric Rimlinger, and many other friends. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME, 102 Linwood. Arrangements will be private. Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, April 10, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 172 Fifteenth St, followed by a reception in the church hall. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Nancy was an Army Nurse in the Vietnam War.




Isabelle (Altschaft) 'Tootie" Maurer, April 7, 2002, of Grand Island; wife of Kenneth H. Maurer and the late William L. Altschaft; mother of Connie I. Trautman and Denise L. (Dr. Ronald) Klizek; step-mother of Marilyn (Ken) Lewis, James (Sonya) Maurer and Cheryl (David) Wunsch; grandmother of Jodi and William Trautman, Mathew and Emily Klizek, Laura Mason, Jodi Lewis, Shannon Zaccaria, Arlene and Tyler Wunsch; great-grandmother of Alexandra and Christian Mason and Elli Zaccaria; sister of Edward (Nancy), Robert (Jean), Raymond (Marilyn), David (Donna) and the late John (late Joyce) Mesmer; daughter of the late John R. and Isabelle Mesmer. 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 Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 AM.




Thomas F. Wheeler, April 5, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Patricia A. (Maggio) Wheeler; father of Michelle A. and Sondra M. Notto; grandfather of Jay Ali, Marissa and Vincent Notto and Michelle Monahan; great-grandfather of Jarad; son of Marie and Jack Shea and the late William Wheeler; brother of George, Patrick and Mary Wheeler; brother-in-law of Ronald and Lorraine Maggio; also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and very close friends. Friends may call Monday 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 10 AM. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.




June S. (nee Langhoop) Pinzel, March 27, 2002, beloved wife of 60 years to Franklin B. Pinzel; mother of Terrence F., Frank B., Carl (Linda), Bonnie J. and John Earl Pinzel; also survived by two grandsons and one great-grandson. Family will receive friends Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM from St. Stephen's R.C. Church. Burial will be at Whitehaven Cemetery. Mrs. Pinzel was a member of St. Stephen's R.C. Church and a former member of its Altar Society.




William J. Gibson, 73, retired supervisor for Are-Kay Tool, died Friday (March 28, 2002) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. Born and raised in Toronto, Gibson trained as a tool-and-die maker. He and his wife of 53 years, the former Mary H. Pellolio, moved to Western New York in 1952. They settled on Grand Island, where they raised their family. Gibson was an active Mason and served as master of Grand Island Lodge 1138, Free and Accepted Masons, in 1970. He remained active with the lodge, even through his retirement. He began working for Are-Kay in 1956 and retired as supervisor in February 1991. The Gibsons then made their home in Holiday, Fla., for 10 years before returning to Grand Island. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, William J. of Grand Island; four daughters, Marjorie L. McCauley of Spring, Texas, Catherine L. (Lee) Weiss of Conroe, Texas, and Mary Lynn (William) Martin and Carol L. (Dale) McCready, both of Grand Island; a sister, Eileen (late Roy) Davis of Brighton, Ont.; a brother, Edward J. (Bernice) Gibson of Elgin, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.




Joseph C. Mercer of Grand Island, a banker for four decades, died Saturday (March 23, 2002) in Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 67. After starting out as a part-time collection adjuster, Mercer became a manager at the Bank of Buffalo in 1959. In 1974, he joined M&T Bank, where he was a loan officer and then vice president for business and professional banking. He retired in 1996. Born in Buffalo, Mercer attended Lafayette High School and graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1956. He served in the Army during the 1950s. An all-around outdoorsman, Mercer caught several trophy fish in Ontario and won several skeet shooting title events in the United States and Canada. He boated extensively through the Great Lakes. Mercer trained retrievers in field, obedience and agility events, winning more than 100 ribbons on both sides of the border. He was a member of the East Aurora Fish & Game Club, Tonawanda Sportsmen's Club, Grand Island Rod & Gun Club, Golden Retriever Club of Western New York and the National Skeet Shooting Association. Mercer also was a member of the U.S. Power Squadron and the old Buffalo Chamber of Commerce and, in West Seneca, Rotary, Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include a son, Michael David (Beth) Mercer of Depew; a daughter, Roslyn Kerr of Farmington, Maine; and his companion, Deborah Bechtel. He was the son of the late Charles and Grace Miserentino; brother of Roslyn Kerr; also survived by several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Prayers will be said at 9 in Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga.





Cole W. Aydelotte, March 23, 2002, of Grand Island, son of William and Nancy (Sasala) Aydelotte; brother of Ross E. Aydelotte; grandson of Paula (late William) Aydelotte, Carolyn (late Arthur) Sasala; nephew of Gail (John) Piershalski and David Sasala; cousin of Andrea Sasala. Family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-9 PM at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 PM from St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. The Rev.'s Doug and Joanne Stewart officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, memorials to Mercy Flight. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.




Frances M. Falejczyk, March 22, 2002, of Buffalo, NY, daughter of the late Walter and Marion Falejczyk; sister of the late Frank Falejczyk and John (Regina) Filk; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services Tuesday at 9:30 AM from the Old First Ward Chapel of the PETER K. LESLIE FUNERAL HOME, 580 South Park Ave. (corner of Hamburg St., 855-1411) and in the Shrine of St. Jude/St. Stephen's Church at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Family will be present Monday only 4-8 PM. Frances was a retiree of Pillsbury Flour Mills after 40 years of service. Interment in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.




Longtime Island resident Joan D. Hoag,



NIAGARA FALLS - Bella Medzadourian, 89, of Grand Island, owner and operator of the Tower Restaurant in downtown Niagara Falls, died Thursday (March 21, 2002) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a short illness. Born in Armenia, the former Bella Evarian was the widow of Joseph Medzadourian, who was the first president of St. Hagops Armenian Center in Niagara Falls. She was a member of the St. Lucia Chapter of the Armenian Red Cross here. She is survived by two daughters, Ann D. Bishara of Niagara Falls and Louise Alessi of Grand Island; a sister, Sylvia Hagopian of Hamilton, Ont.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. today in Lane Funeral Home, 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in the city.




Services for Kuldip "Deep" Chopra, 67, of Grand Island, a research metallurgist, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Chopra, who was born in Karachi, India, now part of Pakistan, died Tuesday (March 19, 2002) at home of complications brought on by lung cancer. He graduated from New Delhi University in 1958 with degrees in science and mathematics. From 1959 to 1963, he attended the University of Missouri, where he earned bachelor of science and master's degrees in metallurgy. He received a doctorate in metallurgy there in 1971. Chopra was a research metallurgist for Union Carbide Corp., then Elkem Metals, in Niagara Falls from 1971 to 1993. He also was a partner in managing many apartment projects in Western New York. In 1988, he started Chopra-Lee, a testing laboratory, with a friend and colleague, Rich Lee of Pittsburgh. During his career, Chopra wrote numerous technical publications on metallurgy, asbestos, material testing, failure analysis, electron microscopy and powder metals. He had several patents in the fields of powder metallurgy and hard facing alloys in the aluminum industry. He belonged to numerous professional societies. Chopra had been active in the Boy Scouts of America, the Juvenile Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society and was on the board of associates at St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. As a member of the River Oaks Golf Club in the 1970s and 1980s, he served as the men's club president for several years. He belonged to Niagara Falls Country Club and served on its board of governors, and was a member of Kelly Greens Golf Club in Fort Myers, Fla., for the past eight years. Survivors include his wife, the former Kathleen Sullivan; two daughters, Karen of Grand Island and Sheelah Bielenia of Warsaw, Poland; two sons, Raj and Paul, both of Grand Island; and 10 grandchildren.




John Sutherland Scott, 70, March 18, 2002 of Palm Bay, FL, formerly of Grand Island, beloved son of the late Sutherland and Margaret (McLeod) Scott; beloved husband of Linda (Hemindinger) Scott; father of Gary M. (Patricia) of Grand Island, Cheryl L. (Roger) Williams of Palm Bay, FL, Thomas S. (Sheena) of Atlanta, GA; stepfather to Dawn M. Hillock of Atlanta, GA and Gail A. Allen of Orlando, FL; brother of Douglas M. and David E. Scott and the late Sally Jean Burr; also survived by several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John was a member of the VFW American Legion and the Masonic Order.




Isabel B. Taylor, March 18, 2002; of Grand Island; wife of Paul H. Taylor; mother of Douglas P. (Sandra) Taylor of North Tonawanda, Joyce M. (Richard) Hill of Williamsville and Elaine (Peter) Cassel of Tuscon AZ; grandmother of Alan, Erin and David Taylor, Ian, Dayna and Alyssa Hill; daughter of the late Nicholas and Lena Boyer; sister of the late Nicholas and Viola Boyer. Friends may call Wedneaday 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 Stephen's Church.




Patrick Lenehan, March 17, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Dorothy Lenehan; brother of Teresa O'Sullivan and the late Martin, Mary, Andrew, Peggy, Ted and Nan; son of the late Patrick and Mary Lenehan. 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 Wednesday at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Mr. Lenehan was a member of Local #17.




A Mass of Christian Burial for Angeline De Masi, 86, of Grand Island, will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Ave. The service will be preceded by prayers at 9:45 in Spallino-Amigone Funeral Home, 1300 Pine Ave. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Mrs. De Masi died Thursday (March 14, 2002) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a brief illness. She was born Angeline Magliarditi in Messina, Italy, and came to Niagara Falls in 1919. She married James De Masi in 1936. From the late 1950s until the early 1970s, they owned and operated DeMasi's Delicatessen in Niagara Falls at 24th and Niagara streets, and later at Portage and Niagara streets. Mrs. De Masi was active in the Women's Democratic Club of Grand Island, serving as secretary-treasurer for many years. In 1993, she was awarded the Joan Heim Woman of the Year Award by the Democratic Party of Grand Island. She also served as an election inspector. Mrs. De Masi was a member of the Grand Island Senior Citizens, Grand Island Over 55 Club, St. Joseph Church Senior Society, St. Joseph Mothers Club and Mount Carmel Senior Citizens in Niagara Falls. Besides her husband, survivors include two daughters, Barbara C. of Grand Island and Joni Prantera of Niagara Falls; a son, James of Las Vegas; and a sister, Carmella Nolfi of Niagara Falls.




Arthur C. Walter, March 10, 2002; of Grand Island, NY; beloved husband of the late Lucille Walter; beloved father of Linda Reeves, William Walter, Kathy Bates and the late Leola Power; grandfather of nine and numerous great-grandchildren; long time member and past president of the East Buffalo Lions Club and Niagara Mowhawk employee for over 35 years. Memorial services and burial to be arranged. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, (Grand Island) the Lions Clubs or the American Cancer Society.




Donald I. Hubbard, March 13, 2002 of Grand Island; husband of Bettyjean Hubbard; father of Diane (the late James) Bieber, Michael and David Hubbard; stepfather of Gareth (Pat) Mooney, James (Linda) Szczech, Sharon (Tom) Krathaus, Madona (Ben) Gorney and Tod Szczech; also survived by eight grandchildren. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Hubbard was a life member of VFW Post #9249.




Jack R. Stark, 74, of Grand Island, a longtime foundry plant manager, died Tuesday (March 5, 2002) in the Kresge Residence, Cheektowaga, after a long illness. Born in Buffalo, he attended Kensington High School. Stark joined the Navy at age 17 in 1945. He served in the Pacific during World War II and returned to civilian life in 1949. He received a general equivalency diploma from the University of Hawaii. He also earned an associate's degree in metallurgy from Erie Community College. During the 1950s, he was plant manager at Curtiss-Wright Corp. and foreman at Pratt & Letchworth Co. He was promoted to plant manager at Pratt & Letchworth in 1960, a position he held until the plant closed in 1981. >From 1981 to 1984, he was plant manager at Abex Corp. in Medina. He then was plant manager at Manoir Industries in Elyria, Ohio, until he retired in 1993. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island and the American Foundrymen's Society. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Maving Stark; a daughter, Sharon L. Nabal of Williamsville; two sons, Jack R. Jr. of Fairport and Richard A. of Grand Island; and nine grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. today in Amigone Funeral Home, 2600 Sheridan Drive, Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Forest Lawn.




Kenneth F. Wagner, 80, March 6, 2002, life long Grand Island resident; husband of Irene (Derylak) Guilmette Wagner; father of Dale (Arlene), Diane Woodman Ashton ofN.C., Douglas Wagner of Woodstock, Ga. and Dana Wagner of Lawrenceville, Ga.; also survived by four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; stepfather of Janice Johnson of Ocean View, Del., and Judee Emmons of Colorado Springs, Colo. and James Guilmette of Cheektowaga; son of the late John and Rosetta Wagner. Friends may call Saturday 12 Noon - 4 PM, followed by Memorial services at 4 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.
   Wagne died in Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a long illness. He was born on Grand Island, where he attended a one-room school before graduating from Tonawanda High School. After high school, Wagner worked on the family farm during the day and attended Niagara University at night, earning a degree in business administration. During World War II, Wagner served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After the war, he worked in various positions at Carborundum, Bell Aircraft and GTE Sylvania. In the early 1980s, he retired from Mennen Medical, where he had worked in quality control. Wagner was a member of the Society of Reliability of Engineers; Chapter 168, Disabled American Veterans; Post 205, American Legion; and the Grand Island Moose Family Center 180.




James R. Young, March 2, 2002, of Grand Island, beloved husband of the late Betty R. (Singer) Young; beloved father of Sandy (David) Wiesenthal, Kathie (Frank) Romano, Judy (Frank) Cruz, Darcy (Larry) Rogers and Donna Young; beloved grandfather of Naomi and Joshua Wiesenthal, Zachary, Anthony and Carolyn Romano, Jennifer, Melissa and Solomon Cruz, Nicholas, Luke, Scott and the late Benjamin Rogers; beloved great-grandfather of Ariana and Gabriel Cruz; beloved brother of Donald (Betty) Young, Joann (William) Singer and Robert (Shirley) Young; son of the late James M. and Gertrude C. (Keefer) Young. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 1 PM at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Rd., Grand Island, 14072.




Richard J. VonWryeza, of Grand Island, NY, March 3, 2002; beloved husband of Jean R. (DeGrood) VonWryeza; dear father of Mark R. (Kris) VonWryeza; grandfather of Tammi L. (Jason) Ras; brother of Alverno, Lee, Jewel and Michael. No prior visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the National ALS Foundation, Inc., 185 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010. Arrangements by ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.




Services for Merry G. (Ripley) Nestark, 51 of Pendleton will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St., City of Tonawanda. Mrs. Nestark died unexpectedly Friday (March 1, 2002) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. Born Merry Ripley in Erie, Pa., she came to the Buffalo area as a youngster and graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1969. In 1984, she worked as human resources director for J.M. Jayson for seven years before leaving in 1991 when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Mrs. Nestark was a member of the Grand Island Historical Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Society's Western New York/Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. Survivors include her husband of five years, Wayne C.; a daughter, Amy A. (Brian) Poeller of Pendleton; three sons, Brian T. (Rachael) Clark of Amherst and Jeffrey S. and Timothy R. Clark, both of Pendleton; a stepson, Eric Nestark of Atlanta and Britt Nestark; her mother, Pauline Jeanette Ripley of Amherst; a sister, Debra K. (James) Garlock of Lockport; four brothers, Robert R. (Kathy) Ripley of Lockport, Paul M. (Francine) Ripley of Pennsylvania, Gary Ripley of Amherst and Ronald D. (Cheri) Ripley of Lockport; two stepsisters, Carol Ann Session of Sacramento, Calif., and Barbra Lynn Ripley, also of California. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WNY, 4245 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Gail had been a member of the MS Society of WNY and the Grand Island Historical Society.




Kathleen A. (Deneke) Dixon, of Wales Center, NY, February 28, 2002, beloved wife of Gary J. Dixon; loving daughter of Marie (Ronald) Spong and the late Donald Deneke; dearest sister of Michael (Cheryl) Deneke; also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday 7-9 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC, MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1820 Seneca St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephens RC CHurch, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island on Monday 10 AM (please assemble at the church). Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. or the Buffalo Animal Shelter, 380 Oak St., Buffalo, 14202.




Charles W. Whiting, of E. River Rd., Grand Island, in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, March 1, 2002, husband of the late Jean (Tasca) Whiting; father of William C. Whiting (Deborah) of Grand Island, Daniel J. Whiting of Niagara Falls and the late Joseph C. Whiting; grandfather of Charles J. and Brandy N. Whiting of Grand Island, Maria Rychel (Vinny), Jenna R. Whiting, Danielle Whiting, all of Niagara Falls; great-grandfather of Geonni Rychel; brother of the late Elsie Brenecki; brother-in-law of Dimitrie Brenecki. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls where Funeral Services will be held Monday 1 PM. Interment in Acacia Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society.




TOWN OF NIAGARA - Samuel J. Bonette, 85, who served for 26 years in the U.S. Army and also worked as an accountant and a professor, died Monday (Feb. 25, 2002) in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a long illness. Bonette was born in Cuylerville and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Niagara University in 1939. He earned a master's degree in financial management from George Washington University in 1964, and a doctorate in business administration from American University in 1973. Bonette retired from the Army in 1968 as a lieutenant colonel. During his career, he was in the South Pacific during World War II and also served in the Korean War. He also was posted in Okinawa, in Germany and at the Pentagon. He received the Commendation Ribbon with metal pendant, the Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit. Bonette was an executive officer in the Operations and Maintenance Coordination Office of the General Staff at the Pentagon from 1962 to 1965. He was assistant chief of the Advisory Group for the South Korean First Army in 1965 and executive officer of the Army Materiel Command in Washington in 1966. After leaving the Army, Bonette worked in the Washington, D.C., area with accounting firms, as a management consultant and finally as a business management instructor at Shenandoah University and George Washington University. He retired in 1981 as an accounting professor at Northern Virginia Community College. After retirement, he moved to Grand Island and then to the Town of Niagara last month. Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Elizabeth; a son, Michael of Springfield, Va.; a stepson, David Burnham of Mount Prospect, Ill.; a daughter, Barbara Grusso of Stratford; two sisters, Josephine Bianco of Rochester and Ida Agnello of Webster; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Mary of the Cataract Catholic Church, 459 Fourth St., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.




Edward J. Aldridge of North Tonawanda, a retired bench mechanic, died Friday (March 1, 2002) in DeGraff Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was 62. Born in Hartford, Conn., Aldridge served in the Army as a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War. He later worked at the General Electric Apparatus Service Center in the Town of Tonawanda for 20 years, retiring in 1999. Aldridge was a life member of Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Grand Island. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and also was very active in NASCAR racing. Survivors include his wife, the former Karen F. Licht of North Tonawanda; a daughter, Christine F. Cirrito of Wheatfield; two stepdaughters, Deborah Glaser and Colleen Joyner, both of Amherst; a stepson, James Bryans Jr. of North Tonawanda; a brother, Duane of New Hartford, Conn.; two grandchildren; and six stepgrandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William St., Tonawanda. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Park, Amherst.




Stanley V. Sankes, 84, of Niagara Falls, entered into rest on February 27, 2002 after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of Jeanette (nee Wendt) Sankes; father of Gary (Heidi) Sankes, Jeffery (Senny) Sankes and Todd (Sharon) Sankes; brother of Helen Sankes; grandfather of five grandchildren. No prior visitation, family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday at 11:00 AM from St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 875 Eggert Dr., in No. Tonawanda, Rev. Dr. A.W. Moldenhauer will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or the Leukemia Society, 4053 Maple Rd, Ste. 110, Amherst NY 14226. Mr. Sankes worked for 47 years at the Carborundum co. as a tool and dye maker. Arrangements by FRETTHOLD FUNERAL HOME.
   NIAGARA FALLS - Stanley V. Sankes, a retired tool and die maker who was known for his athletic ability, died Wednesday (Feb. 27, 2002) in the Schoellkopf Health Center after a lengthy illness. He was 84. Sankes worked for the Carborundum Co. for 47 years. He had been recognized by the Niagara Falls Old Timers Sports Hall of Fame for his participation in city basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and bowling. He had played on several city championship teams and was selected to the State All-Star Volleyball team, where he was recognized as an outstanding spiker. Sankes had been a member of the Lewiston Senior Citizens Center, was a social member of the Niagara Frontier Country Club of Youngstown, was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in North Tonawanda and was a former member and financial secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, the former Jeanette Wendt; three sons, Gary of Grand Island, Jeffrey of North Carolina and Todd of Rochester; a sister, Helen Sankes of North Tonawanda; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 875 Eggert Drive, North Tonawanda.




Hazel D. (Colley) Hartmann, February 22, 2002 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved daughter of Walter and Evelyn Colley. Sister of the late Alan Colley. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave, where private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.




Donald F. Bellinger, February 20, 2002, of Grand Island, husband of Elaine F. Bellinger; father of Donald F. Bellinger Jr., Marcia (William) Gilbert and Colin M. (Danyelle) Bellinger; grandfather of Chrissy, Danny, Katie and AJ Gilbert, Sarah and Colin Joseph Bellinger; brother of Kenny Bellinger and Chris Osier; son of the late Roy and Hazel Bellinger. Memorials services will be held Monday at 1:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 716 Cayuga Dr., Niagara Falls.




Thomas R. Webber, February 18, 2002, formerly of Grand Island, son of Donna Marie and the late Dr. Richard H. Webber; brother of Michaeline M. Reining, Margaret M. (Donald) Hooper, Patricia M. (Richard) Majtyka, Anne Lynn Smith, Donna Marie Goss and Kimberly Marshall; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:30 AM, at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.




Michael D. Braun, Sr., 58, passed away suddenly, February 18, 2002. Beloved husband of Betty (nee Beilman) Braun; dearest father of Michael D. (Susan) Braun Jr., Jeanette (Adrian) Martinez, Matthew (Jeanette) Braun and Mary Jane (Louis) Mustillo; loving grandfather of Lauren and Lisa Braun, Alex Laycock, Emily Martinez, Natalie Braun and Taylor Mustillo; brother of Barbara (William) Springer, David (Colleen) Braun, Susan (Mark) Lavetti and Patricia (Donald) Rackl; also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family will be present Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Urban-AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, 7540 Clinton St. (corner of Girdle Rd.). Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday at 11 AM in Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Elma, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Luke's Mission.
   Michael D. Braun Sr., owner of a printing business, died unexpectedly Monday (Feb. 18, 2002) in Mercy Hospital. He was 58. A resident of Marilla, Braun was owner and operator for more than 20 years of Relsco Printing, Grand Island. A Buffalo native, he was a graduate of Bishop Timon High School. He had a bachelor of science degree and a master of business administration degree from Canisius College. Braun was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church, Elma, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Marriage Encounter team, and a Holy Name Society volunteer at St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, Buffalo. He was a member of the Elma Historical Society and Mensa. He enjoyed reading, golf, fishing, telling jokes, watching television and movies, card games, travel, puzzles, reading stories and playing games with his grandchildren. Braun is survived by his wife, the former Betty Beilman; two daughters, Jeanette Martinez of Grand Island and Mary Jane Mustillo of West Seneca; two sons, Michael D. Jr. and Matthew, both of Grand Island; three sisters, Barbara Springer of Florida, Susan Lavetti of Waldorf, Md., and Patricia Rackl of East Amherst; a brother, David of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and six grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in Annunciation Catholic Church, 7580 Clinton St., Elma. Burial will be in Annunciation Cemetery, Elma.




Leonora F. 'Pat" Woodward, February 18, 2002 of Grand Island; beloved wife of the late Fred J. Woodward; beloved mother of Lorraine F. (Al) Daniels of Lewiston; grandmother of Jennifer (Scott) McFarland, Adrienne, Anthony and Joseph Daniels; great-grandmother of Kameron McFarland. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-8:30 PM followed by funeral services at 8:30 PM at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the SPCA. Mrs. Woodward was originally from London, came to Canada as a war bride in 1946 and then immigrated to the U.S. in 1952, she was a secretary for various businesses in the area and was an accomplished pianist and avid animal lover.




LOCKPORT - William "Bucky" Carminati Sr., 78, who worked as a process supervisor for the N Area at Hooker Chemical Corp., Niagara Falls, died Monday (Feb 18, 2002) in Newfane Inter-Community Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born in Niagara Falls and was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School, where he played basketball, baseball and football. He was a member of three state championship teams. Carminati entered the Navy in 1943 and was discharged in 1945 after serving in World War II as an electrician's mate second class. He married Barbara Pietras in 1976. He retired in 1980 from Hooker Chemical after 39 years of service. Upon his retirement, he worked as manager of Willow Brook Golf Course for several years. He was an outdoorsman who played golf and fast pitch softball. He enjoyed watching all sports. Carminati lived in Lockport for the past 22 years. Previously, he lived in Niagara Falls and on Grand Island. In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, W. David Jr. of Grand Island; two daughters, Bernadette Franklin of Grand Island and Patricia Weeks of Tampa, Fla.; two stepsons, Otilio J. Cartagena and Jose M. Cartagena, both of New Jersey; his children's mother, Mary E. Carminati of Grand Island; 11 grandchildren; and a dear friend, Lyell Aiken of Lockport. A memorial service was held in Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, Newfane.




Ellen Moest Charles, 85, a former teacher and homemaker who spent most of her life in Western New York, died Friday (Feb. 15, 2002) in Lafayette, La. Born and educated in Buffalo, she taught public school on Grand Island for several years before raising a family with Paul E. Charles. They were married for 49 years before he died in 1989. Mrs. Charles lived in Williamsville for many years and was a member of Brighton Community Baptist Church. She moved to Louisiana three years ago. She is survived by a daughter, Susan Rager of Portland, Ind.; two sons, Richard of Lafayette and Douglas of Buffalo; a sister, Margaret Fry of Millbrook; and eight grandchildren. Memorial services will be scheduled.




Travis W. Hennigar, February 10, 2002; son of W. Grant Hennigar, Jr. son of Jennie Carcaud-Hennigar; both of Grand Island; brother of William G. Hennigar III 'Trey' (Christine) of Boca Raton, FL, Charlotte C. Hennigar of New York City, and Brittany L. Hennigar of Grand Island; grandson of Donnette G. Hennigar of Deerfield Beach, FL; also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephens R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. Grand Island at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 16. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.




Howard K. Benns, February 8, 2002 of Grand Island, son of Sandra R. Benns and Howard W. Benns; beloved master of Echo; brother of Linda A. Spacone, April Wright and Cynthia M. (Thomas) Moss; grandson of Mary R. and the late Irving Jordan, Mary and Howard W. Benns, Sr.; uncle of James A. and Christine R. Wright, Kimberlee N. and Ryan T. Moss; also survived many family members and friends. No prior visitations. Memorial services will be held Monday at 1 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the S.P.C.A., 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150 or the National Kidney Foundation, 3871 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14215.
   Howard K. Benns, who appeared on the Variety Club Telethon in 1961, died Friday (Feb. 8, 2002) after an illness. He was 42. Benns graduated from Grand Island High School in 1978 and from Buffalo State College with a degree in graphic design. He also attended Niagara County Community College. Benns was a volunteer for the SPCA, attended Cradle Beach Camp in Angola for many years and was a member of the Silver Wheels Football team, the sled hockey team of the Niagara Challengers and the Grand Island Snowmobile Club. He also enjoyed hydroplane racing and was a NASCAR fan and an avid photographer. Survivors include his parents, Sandra R. and Howard W. of Grand Island; three sisters, Linda A. Spacone and April Wright, both of Grand Island, and Cynthia M. Moss of Cape Coral, Fla.; and a grandmother, Mary R. Jordan of the Town of Tonawanda. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today in Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.




Anita Jo Sander, age 21, of Grand Island, NY, February 4, 2002, formerly of Canton, passed away suddenly on Monday in her residence. She was born in Canton, a daughter of Kenneth and Katherine Vorndran Sander, of Canton, and was life resident of Canton until moving to Grand Island in July of 2001. Anita was a 1998 graduate of Jackson High School, attended the University of Akron for two years, and would have graduated from Niagara Community College in New York this June with a Degree in Accounting. Surviving beside her parents is her sister, Elizabeth Sander, who resided with her parents; two brothers, Thomas Sander and his fiancee, Jennifer Evans, of Massillon, and Kevin Pohle, of Akron; Anita's fiance, Justin Parker, of Grand Island; her grandparents, Joanne Sander and Harold Sander, of Canton, and John Vorndran, Sr., of Marshallville, OH; and her beloved animals. Services will be conducted Sat. at 1 p.m. in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert P. Sander officiating. Interment in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call Friday 6-9 p.m. at the Formet-Clevenger Gordon Funeral Home and Sat. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the church. Contributions in Anita's memory may be made to either the Stark County Humane Society, P.O. Box 7077, Canton, OH 44705, or the Spina Bifida Assoc. of Canton, 5609 Lillys St. NW, Canton, OH 44708.




James B. Welfare, suddenly February 6, 2002, of Grand Island, father of Darlyne (Gary) Kennedy, Gordon (Lisa) Welfare, Heidi (Donald) Topolski and Heather Welfare; also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother of Betty A. (Vince) Phillips; son of the late James and Harriet Welfare. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Further arrangements incomplete.




Harry G. Stoll, February 1, 2002, of Grand Island, NY, beloved husband of the late Joan Stoll; father of Brian (fiancee Shelley), Karl (fiancee Nancy) and Erica Stoll; also survived by several grandchildren. Friends may call Wednesday 1-3 and 6-8 at the LESTER H. WEDEKIDNT FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. where private Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Stoll was twice Commander of the Milton Brounshidle American Legion Post #205.




Richard W. McNamee, February 3, 2002, life long Grand Island resident, husband of the late Elizabeth 'Betty' McNamee; father of Richard Tim, Catherine (Noel) Wilhelm, Mary (Fred) Giordano, John Kevin (Christine), Margaret E. (George) Golias, Michael McNamee and Sheila (Donald) Wietan; also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; son of the late Albert and Clara McNamee; brother of the late Daniel and Catherine McNamee. 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.




Ruthann W. Jones, February 3, 2002, of Grand Island and Englewood, FL, beloved wife of Raymond P. Jones; mother of Janet (Bernie) Brower and Joyce Jones; grandmother of Joel, Jenel and Jarilyn Stoorza; sister of Martha (Dward) Wiedner. 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 Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga 14227 or St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church, 2585 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072 where Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 11 AM.




Lura Jean (Hislop) Lenzner, of Grand Island, wife of Alfred R. Lenzner MD; mother of Marilyn Jean (Jay) Williams and Paul R. (Cynthia) Lenzner; grandmother of Brooke and Brett Williams and Elise Lenzner; sister of Dorothy (G. Verner) Miller; daughter of the late Frank and Aleen Hislop; sister-in-law of Ruth (Jay Arthur) Mann. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Chapel, 895 North Forest Rd., Williamsville 14221 where memorial services will be held Saturday February 9 at 2 PM.




Jack F. Hugill Sr., 79, of Grand Island, died January 30, 2002. He is a WWII Army Air Corp. veteran and was employed 30 years with Penn Central Railroad, and member of VFW Post 917, Eagles Post 616 and Grand Island Rod & Gun Club; survivors include three children Bonnie (James) Stefanie of Snyder, Jack (Carol) Hugill, Jr. of Grand Island and Elaine Burton; dear friend Verna Ball; brother Raymond Hugill of Illinois and sister Norma Kolda of Ransomville; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; predeceased by wife Marcella (Burge) Hugill; daughter Darline Lannen; sister Emma Coutauix and brother Robert Hugill. Visitation at the DUBOIS FUNERAL HOME, 2436 Niagara Rd., Wheatfield on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Services on Saturday at 10 AM in the funeral home.




NIAGARA FALLS - Sylvia E. Mash, 74, a former Grand Island resident who cooked meals and volunteered her services for the Frontier Fire Company in Wheatfield for many years, died Monday (Jan. 28, 2002) in Niagara Geriatric Center after a long illness. Born Sylvia Crapis in Conway, Pa., she moved to Niagara Falls with her family in 1942. She was a life member of the Frontier Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary. Among her hobbies were crocheting, gardening and cooking. Her husband, Orlando, died in 1986. Surviving are two sons, Joseph and Anthony, both of Grand Island; two daughters, Toby Robinson of Niagara Falls and Paula Hann of Grand Island; two sisters, Louise Oliverio of Grand Island and Serena English of Mineral Springs, Pa.; and four grandchildren. Services will be private. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.




Irene (Boblak) Miller, January 27, 2002, of Grand Island, wife of the late Walter F. Miller; mother of Marcie Smith, Charles J. (Laurie) and Michael (Jean) Miller; grandmother of Glen (Rita) Smith, Jennifer (George) Bushey, Michelle (Richard) Filipink and Sean Miller; great-grandmother of Roy Smith and Gabrielle Filipink; sister of John and Frank Boblak, Vera Frandsen, Florence Zastempowski, Amelia Wienclawski and the late Jenny Bielicki, Victoria Boblak and Fran Wetherwax. 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 1 PM.




Bernard J. McTague, January 26, 2002, of Grand Island, son of the late Maud and Joseph McTague; brother of the late Mary McTague Wollert; uncle of Karen Wollert Kline of North Andover, MA; great-uncle of Seth Robert and Brian Joseph Kline. His Grand Island family includes Kim and Dennis Platts and Rebecca, Jason, and Autumn Platts. Friends may call Sunday 5-8 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 1 PM at St. Stephen's Church. Mr. McTague was a retired employee of FMC Corp. in Tonawanda.




Marie L. (nee Vento) Giancarlo, January 21, 2002, dearest wife of the late Joseph 'Chubby' Giancarlo; beloved mother of Pat (Dave) Rubrecht, Lynn (Peter) Viscuso and Jody (Michael) Azzarella; loving nanny of 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; companion of the late Rocky Logan; also survived by 4 sisters, 1 brother and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by 3 brothers. No prior visitation. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island at 10:00 AM. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Arrangements by (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC.




Arthur A. Staley, January 20, 2002, beloved husband of Patricia (nee Wielkiewicz); dear father of Rose (Paul) Fryer, Laurie, Kenneth, Cindy (Vinnie), Allison (Jose') and Michelle; fond grandfather of ten grandchildren; dear brother of Ida, Dorothy (Larry) Chesarone, Wende (Stephen) Gane, William (Brenda), Debbie, David, Kim, Tom (Diane), Barbara and the late Nanci and Wilbert (Dawn) Staley; brother-in-law of Joseph Chmielowicz; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the KOLANO FUNERAL HOME, 396 Amherst St. (near Grant) Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM where Funeral Services will take place Wednesday 9:30 AM. Donations to the C.M.I.C.U. Millard Fillmore Gates Circle are preferred. Interment in family plot, Staley Cemetery, Grand Island, NY.




Samuel Michael Terlecky, January 17, 2002, beloved infant son of Peter and Traci (Andross) Terlecky; brother of Nicholas G. Terlecky; grandson of Mike and Paula Terlecky, George Andross, and Lyn Kamens; also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Children's Hospital Intensive Care Neonatal Unit, 219 Bryant St., Buffalo, NY 14222 in memory of Samuel Terlecky.




Kenvin R. Moreau, January 17, 2002, of Grand Island; husband of Andrea Moreau; father of Tracie (Jef) Groves; grandfather of Noah Groves; brother of Florence Reitz and Paul R. (Joyce) Moreau. Friends may call Saturday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Brighton Community Baptist Church, 1225 Brighton Rd., Tonawanda. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Niagara Falls Little Theater, P.O. Box 1221, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Mr. Moreau was a former Music Teacher at Grand Island High School for twenty years and was Minister of Music Emeritus at Brighton Community Baptist Church.
Kenvin Moreau, 63, of Grand Island, a music teacher, director and actor, died Thursday (Jan. 17, 2002) in Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo. A native of Pittsburgh, he earned degrees in music, art history and education. After spending several years in New York City, he returned home to teach in Grove City, Pa., where he met his wife, Andrea. They moved to Grand Island in 1973. He began teaching in the Grand Island School District, where he directed the school choir and spring musicals and taught classes on music and art history. He also started a 20-year tradition of the Grand Island Madrigal Singers, a select group of high school students who sang at public and private concerts throughout the community. In 1974 and 1983, the group traveled to Europe and won international awards. After retiring in 1993, Moreau resurrected the group with alumni spanning his 20 years of teaching. He taught music at Canisius College, St. Mark's in Buffalo and St. Amelia's in the City of Tonawanda, as well as teaching private voice lessons out of his home. He was also the minister of music at Brighton Community Baptist Church in the Town of Tonawanda. In 1979 he was honored as citizen of the year by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. He was a very active member of the theater community in Western New York, directing and acting in hundreds of productions for Niagara Falls Little Theatre, Shea's Performing Arts Center and Studio Arena Theatre, among others. He also directed musicals at Williamsville East High School and Mount Saint Mary Academy. During his professional career, he performed in more than 100 theater productions, including in New York City on Broadway and off Broadway, and in summer stock with celebrities including Carol Burnett, Ginger Rogers, Donald O'Connor, Jerry Lewis and Judy Garland. Survivors include his wife, the former Andrea Guntrum; a daughter, Tracie Groves of the Town of Tonawanda; a sister, Lucille Reitz of Plano, Texas; a half-brother, Paul of Santa Ana, Calif.; and one grandson. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Brighton Community Baptist Church, 1225 Brighton Road, Town of Tonawanda. Interment will be in Lakewood Memorial Garden, Pittsburgh. Some of Moreau's former students will take part in a prayer service next Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.




Roger F. Burl, 75, January 14, 2002, beloved husband of the late Rita O. (nee Weissleader); dear father of Jennifer Burl, Linda (Gary) Glessner, Toby (Kathy) Pellicci and the late Michael Burl; father-in-law of Ruthann Burl; grandfather of Ben, Amanda, Fleurette, Kevin, Kim, Kelly and Toby Jr. and seven great-grandchildren; brother of Leslie (Shirley), Ernest Burl Jr., Maynard (Corky) Burl, Wayne (Rosie) Burl, Lorraine (Bud) Ryall, Patricia Tremblay, Joyce (Tom) Warren, Judy (Mel) Montpelier, Lynn (Jim) Jarvis and the late Gerald, Donald, Verne and Gordon Burl; also survived by nieces, nephews and friends. The family will be present to receive friends Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr., (at Parker Blvd.), where Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 11 AM. Roger was a veteran of WW-II and a retired employee of E.I. Dupont Company after 33 years of service. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation or American Cancer Society.




Laura T. Amann, January 16, 2002. Of Grand Island, beloved wife of the late Ralph C. Amann,; dearest sister of Angela S. (the late Daniel) Gramza and the late Raymond, Conrad and Sigmund Wichlacz; daughter of the late Joseph and Sophia Wichlacz. 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 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church.




William C. Marshall, January 10, 2002, of Grand Island, beloved husband of Isaura (Serrano) Marshall; loving father of William James (Megan) Marshall, Amy L. (Mark) Allen, Michael E. (Lynn) Ziehm, Nicole R. (Dan) Webb and Jason C. (Amy) Marshall; dear grandfather of Jessica, Michael, Rachel, Mikey, Amanda, Jamie, Joshua and Anna; brother of Mary (Alan) Welti and Tom (Nancy) Marshall; son of the late Gordon C. and Frances Marshall. Friends may call Sunday only, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Mr. Marshall was a Navy veteran and served on USS Kretchmer 329.




Ltcol. (Retired) Ronald B. Wetterau, January 4, 2002, of Grand Island, father of Michelle (Jerome) Scarcella and Kimberly (William) Zern; grandfather of Matthew and Jillian Scarcella and Peyton and Morgan Zern; son of Edna and the late M. Nicholas Wetterau; brother of Jean (Tom) Schineller; loving longtime companion of Mary Ann Cooper; uncle of Crista Zern and Kenneth Shineller. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Further arrangements incomplete.

Eileen C. (O'Keefe) Perkins, January 2, 2002, formerly of Grand Island, wife of the late Jarlath D. Perkins; mother of Peter J., Michael P., Joshua A. (Susan) and Dana C. (Matthew Hornburg) Perkins; also survived by nine grandchildren; sister of Jackie (Phyllis) and Patrick (Marilyn) O'Keefe; daughter of the late James and Catherine O'Keefe; cousin of Betty Keane. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM.

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