Barbara M. Householder Russo, 58, of Kennett Square, passed away on Saturday Dec. 2, 2006, at the Chester County Hospital. Barbara was the wife of John "Jack" J. Russo, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage. Born in Buffalo, N.Y. she was the daughter of the late James and Bernice Koch Householder.
    Barbara was a Teller at the Peoples Bank of Oxford's Longwood branch for the past 10 years. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Kennett Square. She was an avid Phillies and Buffalo Bills fan. She enjoyed going for walks in Longwood Gardens, spending time with her family and friends, especially spending time with her grandchildren.
    In addition to her husband, Barbara is survived by two sons, Brent J. Russo and his wife, Tracey of Parkesburg, and Jason J. Russo and his wife Corinne, of Oxford, one sister, Bonnie King, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and three grandchildren.
    A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 6 at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery, Kennett Square.
    In memory of Barbara, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester, PA 19382.



    Dorothy L. (Voetsch) Fahrer, former longtime Grand Island, N.Y. resident, on December 2, 2006 at age 92. Beloved wife of the late Philip E. Fahrer; dear mother of Peter (Francine) Fahrer and Mary (Doug) Fahrer-Tepple; loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Friends may call Sunday, December 3, 2006 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. (Buffalo Chapel), 2397 Seneca St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bonaventure's Church (please assemble at church). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fr. Baker Victory Services.
   Click for "Dorothy Fahrer's 90th Birthday Story."

    Lloyd E. Charlton, November 29, 2006, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Isabel Charlton; father of Susan (Dennis) Horan, Barbara (Thomas) Literski, Peter Charlton, Gail (Joseph) Russo, Ann (James) O'Rourke and Joan (Steven) Burch; also survived by 13 grandchildren, three sisters and one brother; son of the late Thomas and Edna Charlton. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Mr. Charlton was a member of Friends of Harmony Barbershop Chorus in East Aurora.

    Eleanor Corbett Kachurek, November 27, 2006, formerly of Grand Island, wife of the late Wayne Corbett and Peter Kachurek; mother of Robert Gary (Linda) Corbett, Bonnie Coulter and Daniel (Laurie) Corbett; grandmother of Dwayne, Thomas, Kevin, Samuel and Jean Corbett and Megan Coulter; also survived by four great-grandchildren; sister of David and Samuel Sprankle and the late Martha Senser. Friends may call Thursday, November 30, 2006 only 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m.

    Paul G. Dyck, November 21, 2006, of Grand Island, husband of the late Carol A. Dyck; father of Peter (Irene), Margaret, Rudy (Joyce), Frank (Lorna), John (Orpha), Ernie (Judy) and the late Victor, Herman, Alvin, Henry (survived by wife Anne) and Mary Dyck; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Monday, November 27, 2006 from 12-1 p.m. followed by Funeral Services Monday at 1 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. A special thanks to all the medical staff who took such good care of Paul.

    A funeral for Charles R. Staly of Depew, longtime hardware store operator, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2006 in Lancaster-Depew Chapel, Amigone Funeral Home, 6050 Transit Road, Depew. A former Grand Island, NY resident who attended Charlotte Sidway School on the Island, Mr. Staly died Saturday, November 18, 2006 in Millard Fillmore Hospital after a brief illness. He was 69. Born on Grand Island, Mr. Staley graduated from Tonawanda High school. He owned Charley's American Hardware, formerly on Genesee Street and later on Campbell Boulevard in Getzville. He retired May 31. Mr. Staly was a member of the Genesee Small Business Association and the Crow's Nest Fishing Club. Survivors include his beloved wife of 46 years, the former Judith M. Collins; three daughters, Barbara (Anthony) Bernardi, Karen (Joseph) Billittier and Diane (Lawrence Smith) Staly; a sister, Betty Ann; and a brother, Frederick (Nancy). Also survived by grandchildren: Amanda Bernardi and Joey Billittier. Family will receive friends Sunday, November 19, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. and Monday, November 20 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the (Lancaster-Depew Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6050 Transit Rd., Depew. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to a charity of choice in Charlie's memory.

    Dorothy M. Ehde, 73, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2006 at Eden Park Nursing Home. Born in Morann, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1933, she was the daughter of John and Mary (Brezina) Gmerek. Dorothy moved from Grand Island to North Clarendon, Vermont in 1995. A secretary for Armco Steel Company on Grand Island, NY, she was also a member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, and the Late Bloomers of the Red Hat Society. Dorothy enjoyed bowling, golf and line dancing. She is survived by two daughters, Marjorie Arsenault of Electric City, Washington, and Brenda Abdelnour of North Clarendon, Vermont; a brother, Bernard Gmerek of Cleveland; and four grandchldren. Her husband, Henry Ehde III, predeceased her in 1993. A Memorial Mass was held Saturday, November 11, 2006 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Community Cancer Center, c/o of Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen Street, Rutland, Vermont 05701.

    Esther (Taber) Murzynowski, November 12, 2006, of Grand Island, wife of Ronald Murzynowski; mother of Roger A. (Kathy), Alan R. (Stacey) and Mark A. (Brandy) Murzynowski; grandmother of Jamie, Mark, April, Casey, Morgan and Katie; sister of Robert (Alice) Taber, Delphine (Ray) Schlee, Marie Dominiak and the late Richard Taber; daughter of the late Edward and Victoria Taber. Friends may call Tuesday, November 14, 2006 and Wednesday, November 15 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The American Cancer Society.

    Robert L. Hardy, of Grand Island, entered into rest on November 10, 2006. Husband of the late Leona (nee Robins); brother of Donna (Samuel) Gelose; brother-in-law of Geraldine (late John) Ramsey, Douglas (Edith) Robbins and Larry (Carol) Robins; predeceased by brother Kenneth, sisters Edna Buckingham, Norma Donahue and Betty (David) Balling; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, November 14, 2006 from 4-8 p.m. only at the HILLIARD-CREASEY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 147 Delaware St., Tonawanda, NY. Memorials to the Rotary International Foundation c/o Rotary Club of the Tonawanda's, PO Box 74, Tonawanda, NY 14150, would be appreciated. Interment will be private.

   Irene H. (Foley) Carter, November 6, 2006, after a long illness; wife of Herbert Carter; mother of Debbie (Bob) Johnson, Bob (Renee), Jim (Tammy), Tim (Lisa) and the late Ricky Carter; grandmother of Rick, Jennifer, Corrine, Kristen, Sean, Kyle, Michael, Justin, Andrew, Daniel, Chris and Erica; also survived by brothers, sisters and many friends. Friends may call Friday 7-9 PM and Saturday 1-3 PM followed by Memorial Services Saturday at 3 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

   Leonard Riordan, of Labelle, Florida, formerly of Grand Island, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2006, surrounded by his loving family. Leonard served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, Korea and Navy Reserves; past Commander of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249, Grand Island Auxiliary Policeman, Volunteer Fireman and committeeman for the Grand Island Democratic Party. He was also a Warrant Officer in the New York Army National Guard; member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Moose Lodge on Grand Island, NY. After military service, Mr. Riordan was employed with the Kimberly Clark Corp. He retired from the DuPont Corp. in 1979 after 25 years.
   Mr. Riordan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Colleen M. Smith; children, Colleen (Leon) Petrus, Gail (Richard) Byron, Joyce Clark, Leonard Riordan and Loretta (Patti) Riordan; grandchildren, Melvin Schilling, Paul (Cathy) Siemucha, Jason (Tracey) Petrus, Wendy (Chris) Mack, Jessica (Jarim) Petrus, Marsha (Brian) Rogers and Christopher Winters. Leonard is also survived by 12 great grandchildren; one brother, Louis (Dolly) Scolase; sister-in-law Celine Scolase; faithful companion Danny Boy; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
   He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ann Riordan and Louis and Elizabeth Scolase; brothers, Craig (Marlena) Kemp, Bob (Amy) Riordan and Michael Scolase; sister-in-law, Marilyn Scolase; and Teeny Riordan.
   He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. The love of his family was the most important part of his life.
   A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 1 p.m. at Church on the Rock, 9610 Colvin Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY.

   Lorraine A. Criddle, November 8, 2006 of Grand Island, wife of Dennis P. Criddle, Mother of James (Marla) and Jeff Criddle; grandmother of Jarett Criddle; sister of Shirley (Jim) Taylor and the late Louise (survived by husband Tom) Miller; daughter of the late Albin and Helen Simonds; daughter-in-law of Martha and the late James Criddle; sister-in-law of Carol (Gary) Hanes. Friends may call Saturday, November 11, 2006 from 5-8:30 p.m. followed by Memorial Services at 8:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.


(Click Photo) Jack was presented with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in 2003.
   James E. "Jack" Breier, November 4, 2006, of Grand Island.
   A memorial Mass for James E. "Jack" Breier, a decorated war veteran who offered input on the movie "Saving Private Ryan," will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2006 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Mr. Breier, of Grand Island, died Saturday, November 4, 2006 in Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo. He was 88. The Buffalo native worked as a grocer for the Peter J. Schmidt Co., then became the owner and operator of a cafeteria at Buffalo Pipe & Foundry. Later he worked as chief of maintenance at Niagara Nursing Home. In 2003 Mr. Breier was belatedly presented the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and other medals he earned as a U.S. Army paratrooper during World War II. He was a squad leader and completed 17 jumps in Europe with the 101st Airborne, one of them during the Normandy invasion, another in the Battle of the Bulge. He suffered a serious head wound in Holland. Mr. Breier served with Sgt. Frederick W. "Fritz" Niland, whose story of being plucked from the battlefield was the basis of the film, "Saving Private Ryan." During the filming, director Steven Spielberg's production team consulted with him several times by phone.
   Jack is survived his wife, the former Marguerite Staats; three daughters, Susan (Robert) Dommell, Phyllis (Gary) Gentner and Marilyn (William) Brennan; three sons, Michael (Crystal), David (Joanne) and James Jr. (Michele); 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and a sister, Margaret Notar. He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Riesz, Katherine Wagner, Eva Smith, Barbara Linich and Anna Jaeger; the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Breier.
   Memorials may be made to Pine Lodge Volunteer Services, VA Hospital, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14125.

   Brian W. Ireland of Grand Island, a chef, died Saturday, November 4, 2006 in Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was 48. The New York City native had lived in Niagara Falls for many years before moving to Crested Butte, Colo., where he worked as a chef. He returned to this area last December. Mr. Ireland had served with the Navy. Survivors include his mother, Ann; three brothers, Gary, Thomas and Kenneth; and three sisters, Deborah Clark, Laurie Wozniak and Karen Orsi. Services are private.

   Mary Lou (Shumard) Woodside, beloved wife of Bertram Woodside, of Grand Island, NY, lost her battle with cancer on November 1, 2006. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bertram, and by her three children, Catherine Humphrey of Richardson, TX, Jannette Gale of Denton, TX, and George Gale of San Antonio, TX, nephews William and Randy Shumard, and grandchildren William Ball and Jennifer and Joshua Gale. Mary Lou was a member of Ruxton Chapter 10, Order of the Eastern Star in Manitou Springs, CO, and Osseo Mystic Art Tyrian Chapter #386 and Kindred Chapter #669, and of Athor Temple 19, Daughters of the Nile. She and her husband instituted the Manitou Springs Chapter of Rainbow Girls and won the Grand cross of colors. There will be a memorial service at the 32nd Degree Masonic Community Center, 2379 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 10. The Funeral will be at the Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 14. Your cards, prayers and good wishes are very much appreciated, but in lieu of flowers, she asked that you make a generous memorial donation to your favorite cancer research charity.

   Hazel C. (Weiser) Nailor, 97, November 1, 2006 of Grand Island; wife of the late James J. Nailor; mother of Judith A. (late Robert) Meer, Susan C. (Paul W.) Bauer and the late Michael E. Nailor; also survived by seven grandchildren, nine great-grandsons and six nieces and nephews; sister of Edward G. (Mildred) Weiser Jr. and the late Ruth Weiser; daughter of the late Katherine (Rochow) and Edward G. Weiser Sr.; sister-in-law of Mary Nailor and the late Jean Nailor. Friends may call Friday only 6-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at St. Stephen's Church at 10:00 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo or the St. Stephen's Church Building Fund.

   Geraldine Koppmann, of Grand Island, NY, October 29, 2006, wife of the late Christopher Koppmann; dearest mother of Paul (Peggy) Koppmann; grandmother of Peter (Joyce) and Carl (Amy) Koppmann; great-grandmother of Kiel and Caitlin. Private Services were held at family's request. Flowers declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Arrangements by DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME INC.

   Richard P. McBride, of Grand Island. entered into rest on October 27, 2006. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; three sons, Weston B. Hoddick Jr. (Barbara), William K. Hoddick (Diana), and James A. Hoddick; a daughter, Deborah H. Smatresk (Neal) and six grandchildren. Also surviving are five children from a previous marriage. At his request, there was no prior visitation. Interment was private. If so desired, memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 149 Broad St., Tonawanda, NY 14150, or the Richard P. McBride Scholarship Fund, c/o Glendale School, Sweet Home Central School District, 101 Glendale Dr., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Arrangements by the HILLIARD-CREASEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.


   Robert August Meyer of Grand Island, a World War II veteran who retired from his family's restaurant and equipment supply business, died Tuesday, October 24, 2006 in Hudson Elms Nursing Home, Hudson, Ohio. A native Buffalonian, he was 86.
   His family was one of the first to reside in the family-owned Sheenwater estates along Love Road and West River on Grand Island. Mr. Meyer spent most of his life on Grand Island and spent the last two years with his daughter, Ann, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of the late Edward J. and Edda (Glasser) Meyer and the brother of the late Edward J. (Elsie), Albert (Marion) and the twin of the late Jeanette (Gordon) Davidson. His wife of 56 years, Marie Vaughan Meyer, died in 2001. Survivors include four daughters, Susan Marie, Mary Edda (Richard) Day, Dr. Ann Meyer and Elizabeth (Alan) Dodge, and two sons, Robert "Butch" (Julie) and Albert F. (Kathy). He was the brother of the late Edward (Elsie) Meyer, Albert (Marion) Meyer and Jeanette (Gordon) Davidson. He also enjoyed 13 grandchildren: Robert and Steven Meyer; Robert, Corry, and Jackie Zimmerman; Valerie, Wiliam and Jeanette Witherspoon; Jennifer and Diane Meyer; Brittany, Austin and Connor Dodge; and one great grandchild Sydney Zimmerman.
    Mr. Meyer was a 1938 graduate of Bennett High School and served in the Army's 121st Calvary and 49th Army Air Force in the Pacific Theater, including bases in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines, where he was a fire control electrician. He received six medals, including the Bronze Star. Mr. Meyer served as installatio engineer and eventually vice president of Meyer Equipment Co., the first restaurant and equipment supply company in New York State, founded by his grandfather, the late August F. Meyer. He was installation engineer and rose to vice president of service. The business remained in the family until 1967. He was president of the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club and a longtime member of the Buffalo Launch Club. He recently celebrated 54 years as a member of the Grand Island American Legion post. He was an avid fisherman and skeet shooter and loved his pets and gardening.
   Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2006 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., where prayers will be said Monday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Stephen's R.C. Church at 10 a.m. Interment St. Stephen's Cemetery.

   Former Grand Island resident Douglas C. Northrup, 62, of Machias, NY died on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Jaquish Northrup; his children, Chad (Donna) Northrup of Jacksonville, NC; Laura (Paul Barber) Northrup of Freedom, NY; sisters Sharon Jandrew of Mansfield, TX and Mary King of Haggerstown, MD and seven grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Wesley A. and Eva Hartman Northrup. Douglas, who grew up on Grand Island, NY and attending Charlotte Sidway School, served in the U. S. Navy from 1962-1964. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors and was a member of the Springville Moose Lodge. He was a truck driver for TLC in Michigan. Visitation at the W. S. Davis Funeral Home Inc., 358 West Main Street, Arcade, NY will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2006. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2006 at the Delevan Fireman's Training Center. Burial in Sardinia Cemetery.


   Arnold L. Dilliot, Friday, October 20, 2006, age 76, of Grand Island, NY, husband of Martha 'Dolly' Dilliot; father of Tammy (DeBole) Sexton and Kevin (Lisa) Dilliot; brother of Karen Dilliot and the late Noel Dilliot; grandfather of Amanda, Heather and Rebecca Dilliot, Cori and Jason Sexton and Joshua DeBole; also surviving are nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where services will follow at 4:30 p.m.. Memorials may be made to Grand Island Fire Company. Mr. Dilliot served in the Navy during the Korean War, a life member of Grand Island Rod and Gun Club, Grand Island Volunteer Fireman and retired from the N.Y.S. Thruway Authority.

   Former Grand Island resident Leroy "Ike" Trautman, of Saint Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Grand Island, N.Y. died October 18, 2006 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born July 3, 1949 in Buffalo, N.Y. He was a lifetime member of the Grand Island VFW who fought in Vietnam. He was well known for his ability to fix anything and his dry sense of humor. He is survived by his companion Audrey Williams and her children Michael, Lisa, Kim Buckowski and Ronald Girard Jr. Also survived by his daughter, Tammy Trautman Fardink and son Jason Eugene Trautman. His was the grandfather of David, Brian, and Joseph Buckowski (Kim), Michael and Brooke Morton, Hanna Fardink (Tammy), Jason Jr. Cameron and Damian Trautman (Jason). Also survived by brothers and sisters Shirley Heckman, Cathryn Kaegebein, Lorraine Cook, Debbie Cydylo, and Keith Trautman. He was predeceased by his parent, Roy and Elenor Trautman and his brother, Bruce Trautman. He will be resting at his daughter's house in Panama, N.Y.

    Fenton Gerald Strickland, retired, of Phoenix, Arizona, gently passed away on October 14, 2006, two days short of his 86th birthday. A World War II veteran, Sgt. in the Infantry and later a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corp, Fenton was ordained to the ministry in the Reformed Church in America in 1958. He pastored churches in Detroit and Muskegon, Michigan, Wilmington, Delaware, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and Grand Island, New York. The Rev. Mr. Strickland also held graduate degrees in education and was instrumental in the establishment of Christian schools in Coatesville, Grand Island, and Phoenix. A man of remarkable devotion to the cause of Jesus Christ, Fenton genuinely loved all men and women of whatsoever rank or station and touched many children through the tenderness of his teaching. Survived by Ola Strickland, sister June Strickland of Buffalo, New York; his children, Patricia and Linda of Mesa and Tempe, Arizona, Gordon and Marta of Guatemala City, Gary and Elizabeth of Chandler, Arizona, and Cindy and Harvey of Walnut Creek, California, Fenton also leaves nineteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Docuit sancta vivendo-he taught by living righteously. Services will be held at Arizona Community Church 9325 S. Rural Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284 on Thursday, October 19, 2006; a visitation from 9-10 a.m. and funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. Followed by a military service with interment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023.

    Jack (Henry Girard) Brown, of Grand Island, NY, October 15, 2006; beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (Rampado) Brown; dearest father of Mary C. Brown; son of the late Henry G. and Ella Mae (Doyle) Brown; brother of Ella Mae (Arthur) Theuerkauf and the late Mary Jayne (Edward) Mulligan; also survived by nieces an nephews. No prior visitation. Memorials Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

    Patricia (McMillen) Roberts, of Grand Island on October 9, 2006, Mom went home to the Lord; wife of Jay G. Roberts II; mother of CindySue (Jay) Johnson, Jay G. (Marsha) Roberts, Pamela J. (Mark) Nessenson and Scott A. Roberts; grandmother of Colin, Ryan and Robert Johnson, Nathan, Meghan, Evan and Kyle Roberts, Heidi and Jennifer Nessenson; daughter of Pearl and the late Stanley McMillen; sister of Suzanne (Jim) Keleher; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, October 14th at 10 AM at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

    Gary L. Wolinski, October 9, 2006 of Grand Island, husband of Holly (Marohn) Wolinski; father of Corinne M. Wolinski of Tonawanda, Nathan J. Wolinski of Grand Island, Charlene (Carlos) Diaz-Granodos of Boca Raton, FL, and Jennifer (Charles) McCarthy of Old Bridge, NJ; grandfather of Alexa, Adriana, Nicholas and Allison; also survived by 12 brothers and sisters. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at The KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whithaven Rd, Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 AM. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Greyhound Adoption, 149 Keller Ave., Kenmore 14217. Mr. Wolinski was a 20 year Veteran of the Cheektowaga Police Dept. retiring in 1989 as a Lieutenant, and was the owner of Everything Automotive in Tonawanda and Cheektowaga.

   Services for Emma M. Call, 81, a Grand Island homemaker, were held Friday, October 8, 2006. Survivors include a daughter, Judith Merkley; one son, Robert Jr.; and two sisters, Eileen Troy and Irene Ruggirello.Mrs. Call died on Sunday, October 1, 2006.

    Robert C. Desimone, 74, of North Port, Fl. passed away Saturday Sept. 30th 2006. Bob was born in Buffalo and resided in Tonawanda and Grand Island before retiring after 30 years from the Prudential, and then moved to Florida. He deeply loved his wife of 52 years Dolly and his children, Robin (Reid) Gibson of Connecticut, Ernie Desimone of Buffalo, his grandchildren, Joelle (Ed) Johnson of Clearwater, Fl., Judah Gibson of Buffalo, Joshua (Kristen) Gibson of Grand Island, Ernest Desimone of Buffalo, Michael (Amy) Desimone of Okinawa Japan, and his great granddaughter Peace Selah. Bob will always be remembered for his sense of humor and endless supply of jokes. His gift of encouragement has brought peace to many people as he shared with them his love for Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was for everyone he met to come to know Jesus as he did, and that he would see them in eternity. His daily prayer was "Lord show me who you want me to talk to about you". A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday Oct. 6th at Calvary Bible Church, 1936 E. Venice Ave. Venice, Fl.

   JoAnne Petrilla, October 2, 2006 of Grand Island, N.Y. Beloved mother of William (Christine), Todd, Kristi and the late Dawn Petrilla; cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Tyler James and Zoie; loving sister of Beverly (Jack) Armstrong and the late John (Barbara) Steuert and Bettyjean (late John) McVey; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends received at the LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC., S-4199 Lakeshore Rd. (corner Camp Rd. & Rt. 5), Hamburg, 627-2919 on Saturday from 12-2 PM where funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.

   Charles William ‘Bill’ Truitt, September 14, 2006 of Grand Island, husband of the late C. Louise Truitt; father of Charles William Jr., Regina and Donald C. (Susanne) Truitt; grandfather of Athena Januchowski, David and Zachary Winter, Erich, Jesse and Lisa Truitt; also survived by four great-grandchildren; brother of Abagail Anderson of OK. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island followed by Masonic Services conducted by Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge 1138 F&AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Hospice Buffalo.

    George W. Backlund, September 15, 2006 of Grand Island; husband of Nanci E. Backlund; father of Michael, Laura and Jessica Backlund; brother of Lawrence 'Butch' (Barbara) and William (Catherine) Backlund; son of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Backlund. Friends may call Monday, September 19, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-8:30 p.m. followed by funeral services Monday at 8:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. Mr. Backlund was an active member of the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club and VFW Post 9249.

    Frances M. Ficorilli of Grand Island, a founder of Heart and Soul Soup Kitchen and Food Ministry, died Wednesday, September 13, 2006, three days before her 74th birthday, in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Born Frances Rubino in Niagara Falls, she was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School. The former city resident was also executive director of Heart and Soul, which she founded after working for many years in the logistical services department of Occidental Chemical Corp. She was the recipient of many community and civic awards and worked closely with volunteer organizations to improve the plight of the hungry and poor. Mrs. Ficorilli also enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bingo and cards, and going to the casino. She was a champion domino player . She was predeceased by her former husband, Biagio S. "Ben." Survivors include a son, Michael J.; a daughter, Donna M. Pierce; a brother, John Rubino; and two sisters, Mary Ann Rubino and Christine R. Rubino-Farino. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

    Hazel A. (Connors) Kranzmann, September 11, 2006; formerly of Grand Island; wife of Herbert H. Kranzmann; mother of Helen (Gilbert) Harris, Frank (Laura) and Robert Zaboraski; step-mother of Scott (Patricia) Kranzmann and Robin (Tim) Jordan; also survived by eight grandchildren and eleven brothers and sisters; predeceased by four siblings. Friends may call Thursday, September 14th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. followed by Memorial Services Thursday, September 14th at 8:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Amercian Diabetes Assoc.

    Gordon T. Wilsoncroft, former Grand Island, NY resident and a retired Buffalo-area autoworker, died unexpectedly Aug. 31, 2006 in his Winburne, Pennsylvania home. He was 68. Born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wilsoncroft moved to Buffalo as a young man. He worked more than 25 years as a pipefitter for General Motors' Tonawanda Forge, retiring in 2000. He and his wife, the former Rebecca Case, moved briefly to Arizona after he retired before returning to Pennsylvania. Mr. Wilsoncroft enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a former recording secretary for Local 846, United Auto Workers, and served as international representative for the Community Action Program Council. He also was a longtime member of Ransomville Lodge 551, Free & Accepted Masons. Besides his wife, survivors include two stepsons, Joel and William Tully. A memorial service will be Saturday morning in Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

   Wilbur J. Pless of Grand Island, a World War II veteran and retired trucking business operator, died Tuesday August 29, 2006 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. He was 84. Born in Clarence Center, Mr. Pless was a mechanic in the Army Special Forces during World War II. He owned Pless Trucking, Niagara Falls, which contracted with local industries, from 1962 to 1995, when he retired. He is survived by his wife, the former June D. Brinton; a son, Alan; five daughters, Karen Podgorski, Jayne Miller, Jill Schopp, Carol and Valerie; and a sister, Pearl Hunt. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2006, at Whitehaven Cemetery on Grand Island.

   Robert L. Morris, August 28, 2006 of Grand Island; father of Joel M. Morris; brother of Charles W. Morris, Paul (Rebecca) Ackley and Tracy Morris; also survived by three nephews and two nieces; son of Robert Morris and the late Carole (Waterrose) VanDermark. Graveside services will be held Wednesday morning, September 6, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Cemetery, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island.

   Bruna Frances (Scocco) Tominich, of Grand Island, entered into rest Monday, August 28, 2006; beloved wife of the late Italo Tominich; beloved mother of Milvia (Augstino) Mammoliti, Frank E. Tominich Sr. and Mario J. (Susan) Tominich; beloved grandmother of Frank I. Jr. (Gayle), Paul R. (Terri), Rodney J. (Marie), Renee, Brian (Tammy), Christopher and Mallory Tominich, Christina M. (Kyle) Miller, Michael (Lori) Mammoliti, Susan (Gary) Mead and Linda (Brian) Jackson; beloved great-grandmother of Danielle Kosmoski, Ricky and Janna Phillips, Alexis and Angelica Mammoliti and Zachery I. Tominich; Friends may call Thursday, August 31, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, where Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 1st at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen's Church at 10 a.m. Entombment in Birchwood Mausoleum, Forest Lawn Cemetery.

    Stella Bernadette Hess, a homemaker, died Sunday, August 27, 2006 in her Grand Island home. She was 87. Born Stella Maciborski in Pittsburgh, she moved to Grand Island from Indiana, Pa., in 1964. Mrs. Hess was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Grand Island Golden Age Club. She and her husband, Donald A., celebrated their 60th anniversary Friday, August 25, 2006. In addition to her husband, survivors include three daughters, Constance Canfield, Margaret Monaco and Donna Klaaren, and a son, William. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2006 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

   Walter E. Berton, August 22, 2006, of Grand Island, husband of Rita M. Berton; father of Jeffrey A. (Lisa), Gregory W. (Joann) Berton and Melanie M. (Ted) McGraw; grandfather of Lauren, Colton, Kathryn and Kelley; son of the late Walter and Lillian. Friends may call Thursday, August 24, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, August 25th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 26th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church.

   Dawn M. (Gworek) Becker, Of Eden, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, August 16, 2006, beloved wife of Donald M. Becker; loving mother of Colton and Cara Becker; daughter of William and Sandra (Swannie) Gworek Sr.; daughter-in-law of Doris (late Leo, Sr.) Becker; sister of William Jr. (Danielle) and Christopher (Connie Mosley) Gworek. No prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service from All Saints Lutheran Church, 6065 South Park Ave., Hamburg at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2006. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colton & Cara Becker Scholarship Fund, 3062 Bley Rd., Eden, NY 14057. Dawn was a member of the Grand Island High School graduating class of 1989 and attended Tri-State University in Indiana. While in high school, she was the manager of the cross country team. She was an FICA foreign exchange student in Ecuador in 1986. Dawn was a member of Teddy's Islettes Baton and Drum Corps during her teen years and also earned a Cadette Girl Scout Silver Award. At the time of her death she was employed at Tzetzo Brothers, Military Road, as an administrative assistant/buyer.

   Gerald G. Combes passed away Thursday, August 10, 2006 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls on August 17, 1931, he was the son of the late John and Ola Combs. Mr. Combes was a resident of Nigara Falls until moving to Grand Island in 1959. He was a graduate of Trott Vocational School and was formerly a welder at General Motors. He was also a US Navy veteran who served during the Korean Conflict and was a Fireman's Apprentice 1st Class. He sailed aboard the USS Purdy DD-734, one of four ships in the Acey Deucey Squadron. This squadron was the only group of ships, at the time, to circumnavigate the globe twice in two years, once east and once west. He is survived by his wife, Georgette (Corsaro) Combes; his sons, Glenn (Deborah), Gene (Brenda) and Jamie (Diane) Combes; and grandchildren, Katie Anne and Gerald Combes. He was the father of the late Colleen Marie Combes; and brother of the late Robert Combes. Private services were held Monday, August 14, 2006. Interment was in Niagara Falls Memorial Park, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, JA (617) 632-2901 in memory of his daughter, Colleen, or to the Grand Island VFW Post 9249.


   Irma W. Dworak, 100, a longtime Island resident, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 13, 2006 in Fairchild Manor Nursing Home, Lewiston. Born in Buffalo, the former Irma Westphal graduated from Hutchinson-Central High School and worked as a secretary for several years. She moved to Grand Island in 1942. For many years, she played the piano for Sunday school classes at Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island and also was a Girl Scout leader. Her husband of 59 years, William H., died in 1985. She was the mother of Myrna P. (Dale) Boerschig of Grand Island, N.Y. and Robert W. (Sally) of Sebring, Florida. Also survived by two grandchildren: Robert (Kathie) Dworak Jr. and Brenda (Leonard) Fike; and five great grandchildren: Stephanie, Jessica and Leonard Fike Jr., Heather L. (Robert) Henry and Keith R. Dworak. Predeceased by five brothers and one sister. Private services will be held at Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton.

   Robert L. Brennan,72, August 14, 2006, of Grand Island. Husband of 46 years of Barbara (Allen) Brennan; father of Barbara (Roy) Becker and Robert (Debbie) Brennan; also survived by seven grandchildren; brother of Larry Brennan, Dorothy (Snuffy) Thornton, Michael (Mary) Brennan, and the late Edward Brennan and Marion (survived by husband Don) Toy. A retired General Motors expeditor and nursery operator, Bob died Monday, August 14, 2006 in Mercy Hospital after a short illness. Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of McKinley High School and served in the Army from 1957 to 1959. Bob worked at General Motors as an expeditor and was the union steward of Local 774, retiring after a 30 year career. He also operated Brennan's Nursery on Grand Island for about 15 years and continued to grow plants throughout his life. He joined the Grand Island Fire Company in 1964 and became a life member, serving as sergeant-at-arms, captain and dispatcher. He also was an avid model train collector. Friends may call Wednesday, August 16, 2006 only from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. The Grand Island Fire Company will conduct services Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 7 p.m. at Kaiser Funeral Home.

   Audrey F. Yehle, 82, of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest August 13, 2006, loving daughter of the late Charles W. and Isabel (nee Miller) Yehle; also survived by relatives and friends. No prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Timothy's Church, 565 East Park Dr., Tonawanda on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 10 o'clock. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Audrey was born in Buffalo and worked at Hewitt Rubber and then as a switchboard operator at the University at Buffalo. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines choir group.


   Andrew Michael Dlugosz, August 12, 2006, of Grand Island, beloved son of Michael and Frances (Swanson) Dlugosz; dear brother of Matthew M., Kate M. and Brett M. Dlugosz; grandson of Ann and the late Leonard Dlugosz, and Helen and Edward Swanson. Friends may call Tuesday, August 15, 2006 and Wednesday, August 16th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 17th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to The Andy Dlugosz Memorial Scholarship Fund for Grand Island Students, c/o Citizens bank, 2140 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island 14072. Andrew was a 2004 graduate of Grand Island High School and was a prelaw student at The University at Buffalo. He was an avid athlete and played football, soccer and lacrosse. Andy enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. Published in the Buffalo News on 8/13/2006.

   William Gondek Sr. of Grand Island, a retired businessman, died Saturday, August 5, 2006 in Riverwood Nursing Home, Grand Island. He was 91. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Gondek was the owner and operator of Gondek Meat Market from 1941 to 1960. He then was the co-owner of Klemco Products, which manufactured school fixtures. He also owned Gondek Cabinets from 1958 through 1980. He was a member of the Buffalo Auxiliary Police Department, vice president of Grant Amherst Businessmen's Association in the 1950s and a member of the Fishermen's Club of the Niagara River from 1938 through 1975. A Grand Island resident since 1970, he spent winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His wife of 64 years, the former Stephania "Stella" Furtak, died in 2001. Surviving are a son, William Jr.; a sister, Dorothy Walczewski; a brother, Peter (Clara) Gondek; grandchildren Jeffrey (Mary Louise), Molly (Arthur) Musarra, Lynette (Sam) Reda and William III (Julie); great-grandchildren Tiffeny, Daniel, Arthur, William IV, Joslyn and Zoe. Visitation Sunday, August 6, 2006 from 4-7 p.m. and Monday, August 7th from 4-7 p.m. at the DONALD J. SIWEK FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Everyone is asked to assemble at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island on Tuesday, August 8th at 9:45 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM.

   Johanna J. Zakrzewski, August 6, 2006, of Grand Island, wife of Leon M. Zakrzewski; mother of Dianne M. (Dale) Pershyn and Jocelyn M. Viola; grandmother of Derek I. and Dana M. Pershyn, Jeanna D., Joseph L. (Ashley Fenwick-Naditch) and Jerome J. Viola; sister of Martha (Carl) Poston and Rhea Ceborwicz; aunt of Linda (Brett), Jaffrey, Carl (Nadine) Poston, Jr. and the late Nancy Poston. Friends may call Tuesday, August 8, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

    Dolores M. Quinn of Grand Island, an active churchwoman, died Friday, August 4, 2006 in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga, following a long illness. She was 83. Born in Buffalo, the former Dolores Weiss graduated from Kensington High School and worked as a bookkeeper for Dow & Co., a Buffalo equipment-rental business, from the mid 1970s to 1988. She was a 50-year member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island, where she served as a eucharistic minister since 1977 and taught religious education classes for 40 years. Her husband of 28 years, Thomas J., died in 1978. Survivors include a daughter, Mary (Charles) Quinn Wydysh, and a son, Michael T. (Susan) Quinn of Indiana; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara (late Robert) Schlageter and Maryann (Samuel) Natalino; and three brothers, William (Irene) Weiss, Joseph (Theresa) Weiss and Anthony (Joan) Weiss. She was also the sister of the late Frances (John) Kemp. The family will be present to receive friends Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Service, 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) where funeral services will be held Monday at 9 a.m. and from St. Stephen Church (Grand Island) at 10 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, contributions may be made in Mrs. Quinn's memory to Hospice Foundation. Online register book at www.Amigone.com.

    Former Grand Island resident Mark D. Dearlove, 54, of Parker, Colorado passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 30, 2006. Mark was a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 1969. A postal service career took him from the Island to San Clemente, California where he resided for several years. He carved a niche for himself as a self-employed rancher in Denver while still working for the United States Post Office. Mark was an avid golfer, a Buffalo Bills fan and a respected businessman. He is survived by his wife, Sherry and sons, Wyatt and Drew. He was the beloved son of Jean D. (Clare H.) Jones of Grand Island and the late Raymond A. Dearlove. Also survived by brothers John Dearlove of Texas, Dane Dearlove of Atlanta, and Todd Dearlove of West Seneca and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mark was formerly married to Cheryl Witnauer Dearlove of California. A private funeral service was held.

    Richard F. LaPress, whose family owns glass companies, died Tuesday, August 1, 2006 in his Grand Island home after a brief illness. He was 85. Born in Buffalo, Mr. LaPress served stateside in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he bought LaPress Glass Co., which was founded by his father in 1921. He later took over Frontier Glass, another family business, in 1965. Both companies still are family owned and operated. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, the former Claudia L. Harrington; two daughters, Sandra (George R.) Beckett and Annette LaPress; a son, Richard M. (Ann); grandchildren Christine and Richard LaPress, Darlene Beckett and Laura (Steven) Gorcheck; and great grandchildren Brandon, Michael, Russell and Alexandria Gorcheck. He was the son of the late Robert F. and Cecelia LaPress; brother of the late Viola Sobel and Lola Leaver. Friends may call Saturday, August 5, 2006 only 6-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Prayer Services will be held Saturday at 7 p.m.

    Jane M. LaRiviere of Grand Island, a graphic designer, died Tuesday, July 25, 2006 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a brief illness. She was 46. Born Jane Mildrew in St. Marys, Pa., she moved to the Buffalo area as a child with her family. She was a graduate of West Seneca East High School and earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Buffalo State College. Mrs. LaRiviere worked as a graphic and structural packaging designer at Mod-Pac Corp. in Buffalo for 14 years. Prior to that, she was an employee of F.N. Burt Co. in Cheektowaga. She enjoyed dogs and took her wheaten terrier to shows, where it won some championships. Surviving are her husband, Ralph E.; two sons, Jeffrey F. and Mitchell M.; a daughter, Tessa Jane; her parents, James W. and Shirley Mildrew; a brother, James R. Mildrew; and a sister, Deborah Van De Ven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2006 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

    Melva L. (Christman) Alt, July 26, 2006 in Newark, DE, formerly of Grand Island. She was 95. Melva was the wife of the late J. Milton Alt; mother of Rev. James Calvin (Patrcicia) Alt of Newark, DE; grandmother of John Byron (Cheryl) Alt and James Gregory Alt; sister of June Renwick and the late Glenn (survived by wife Mildred) Christman; daughter of the late Henry and Margaret Christman. Friends may call Saturday only 12:30-1:30 PM followed by Funeral Services at 1:30 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

    Doris “Dj” (Enright) Kuntz, July 23, 2006, of Grand Island, wife of the late George Kuntz; mother of Michael (Patty) O'Connor; grandmother of Katlin and Meghan O'Connor; stepmother of Jeffrey (Suzie) Kuntz DDS and Tim Kuntz; step-grandmother of Jimmy Kuntz. Doris was one of 18 children and is survived by several brothers and sisters; dear friend of Madonna Scott. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 10 AM at St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Rd. Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.


    Deborah M. Jacobs-LaLiberty, 53, of Grand Island, died unexpectedly Friday, July 21, 2006 in Millard Fillmore Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, she was a graduate of Madonna High School and Niagara County Community College. A Grand Island resident since 1998, Mrs. Jacobs-LaLiberty was an apprentice operator at the New York State Power Authority. She was a member of the Niagara Catholic Alumni Association and a church school teacher. She is survived by her husband, Gary D. LaLiberty; two sons, Patrick and Jacob LaLiberty; a daughter, Adrienne LaLiberty; four sisters, Pamela Corrado, Linda Coyle, Mary Gail Lamar and Susan Rydzewski; and four brothers, Dennis Jacobs, Francis Jacobs, Paul Jacobs and John Jacobs. Friends may call at the Otto Redanz Funeral Home, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY on Monday and Tuesday, July 24-25 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. where funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, after prayers at 9 a.m. in Otto Redanz Funeral Home, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundaton, 6931 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814.

    George Brian Smith, 46, of Grand Island died suddenly on July 18, 2006. Beloved husband of Patricia (Smith) Smith, dearest father of Heather, George, Brian, Brandon, Smith; Son of George J of Grand Island and The Florida Keys + the late Mary Smith; brother of Linda (Don) Kutzbach, John (Vikki) Smith, Sharon (Pete) Johnson, Bonnie (Mike) Leto all of Grand Island. Son-in-law of Trudy + Terence Smith of Tonawanda, brother- in-law of Michael (Carolyn) Smith, Judy (Michael) Killian, Margie (Jeff) Salada, Ken and Daniel Smith. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday, July 20 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in memory of Amy Kutzbach to Women's & Children's Hospital or St. Stephen's Church, where a memorial service will be held Friday, July 21st at 10 a.m. George moved from Tonawanda to the Island on East River Rd when he was 3 years old. He enjoyed swimming, skating and living on the river throughout his childhood. When he married Patty, he bought a home on that same block of East River where his wife and children reside today. George went to St. Stephen School the first year it opened and graduated from there as well as from Grand Island High School. He was employed in his family's masonry business since he was 18 years old. An avid gardener he also skillfully remodeled his circa 1930's home. George, a loving husband and devoted Dad - Also had a great sense of humor and will be missed by his entire family and many friends.

    Clifford H. Jones, July 1, 2006 of Grand Island; husband of the late Ivy Eileen Jones; father of Philip H. (Beverly) and David T. Jones; grandfather of Jeffery, Margaret, Daniel, Scott and Jamie Jones; great-grandfather of Sarah and Eric Jones. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 4 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Niagara, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, 14094.

   Dawn Marie Petrilla, 42, of 110 Garrison Street, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2006. Ms. Petrilla was born in New London, CT. She retired from the United States Postal Service and was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Surviving are her mother, JoAnne Petrilla, of Grand Island, NY; father and stepmother, William J. and Sylvie-Anne Petrilla, of Easley; two brothers, William P. Petrilla and wife Christine of Buffalo, NY and Todd V. Petrilla of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Kristi A. Petrilla, of Easley; two nephews, Nicholas and Tyler, a niece, Zoie; and animal companions, Merlin, Shaker, MacLean, Rocker and Missy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, SC on Saturday at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SPCA, 205 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150. The family is at the Petrilla residence, 110 Baldwin Place, Easley, SC. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.thomasmca fee.com. THOMAS MCAFEE FUNERAL HOME, NORTHWEST is assisting the family.

   Barbara Ellingson,
A memorial service Barbara Delvina Ellingson of Grand Island will be held at 10 a.m. July 22 in North Park Lutheran Church, 310 Starin Ave. She died Feb. 4 in Eugene, Ore. She was 61. Born in Waterbury, Conn., she was a graduate of Clarence High School and Erie Community College. She worked as a registered nurse. She is survived by her husband, Gerald; two sons, Christopher and David; and three brothers, Peter Donaldson, Jack Donaldson and Bob Donaldson.

   David Prentice, born February 10, 1946, died June 30, 2006, former Grand Island, N.Y. resident residing in Bloomfield, Colorado. Survived by his wife, Linda, and two children, Kelley and Matthew. Services will be held Monday, July 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, 7400 W. 80th Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN.


    Robert C. Skip Trautman, July 12, 2006. Lifelong resident of Grand Island. Husband of Jean (Eastman) Schlegel-Trautman; father of of Sandra J. (Robert) Reed, Nancy Schlegel; grandfather of Megan and Heather; brother of Linda Murphey; uncle of Kathleen (Steven) Klimkiewicz and Kimberly Murphey; son of the late Charles and Evelyn Trautman. Friends may call Saturday, July 15, 2006 only 1-3 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Company.

    Roy W. Sexton Jr., of Sanborn, N.Y., a self-employed handyman, died Sunday, July 9, 2006 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston. He was 52. Son of the late Roy and Patricia (Thompson) Sexton Sr., he was born in Buffalo, NY on February 5, 1954. He resided in the Riverside area, then moved to Sanborn. A former Grand Island and Buffalo resident, he worked as a self-employed handyman, and his hobbies included auto mechanics, gardening and puttering in the garage. He was a member of Charles N. DeGlopper Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars Men's Auxiliary on Grand Island. Survivors include his wife, the former Deborah Gallant, and three brothers, Daniel Lee (Laura) Sexton of Grand Island, Mark G. (Karen) of the City of Tonawanda and Peter A. Sexton of Texas. Also survied by a cousin, Howard M. Sexton and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in DuBois Funeral Home, 2436 Niagara Road, Bergholz. Flowers gratefully declined. Interment in Elmlawn Cemetery.

   Constance J. Gilbert, July 9, 2006 of Grand Island; mother of William S. (Marcia) Gilbert and Cynthia L. (Donald) Darnley, both of Grand Island; grandmother of Christine, Daniel, Kaitlyn and Andrew Gilbert, Michael and Ryan Darnley. Friends may call Wednesday, July 12, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 13th at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Assn. of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville, 14221.

   Walter Kelly, of Grand Island, NY, July 5, 2006.
Walter Kelly, who founded Kelly's Country Store on Grand Island, died Wednesday, July 5, 2006 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. He was 88. With his wife, the former Grace Appeal, whom he married in 1940, Mr. Kelly opened the country store in 1962. The two had previously sold their candy at fairs and home shows down the East Coast. Ten years after they opened the store, the husband and wife team started making their own chocolate. Through four generations of Kellys, the store grew into a full-service and mail-order chocolate manufacturer that supplies candy to county fairs in the Northeast. Once 2,500 square feet, Kelly's Country Store is now 14,000 square feet. Mr. Kelly also played Santa Claus for 20 years in the store's "Santa's Fantasy Christmas Room." Children lined up to see him slide down a fake chimney and to sit on his lap. Before he opened Kelly's Country Store, Mr. Kelly owned K.D. Door Co., which manufactured aluminum doors and windows. After his retirement from the store in 1983, he spent much of his time fishing in Tampa Bay, Fla., where for several years he owned a second home. He moved back to Grand Island permanently four years ago. He is survived by a son, Michael (Deanna); a daughter, Kathy Burbas; a sister, Helen Sova; and a brother, Michael. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, Grace (Appeal) Kelly; a daughter, Patricia (late John) Pater; and brother and sister, Leo and Katherine. No prior visitation. Memorial Services will be held privately at a later date. Arrangements by DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME.

   Donald F. (Dischaw) Deschamps, July 4, 2006 of Grand Island, NY. Beloved husband of Donna (Revezzo) Deschamps. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday, July 8-9, 2006 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where funeral services will be held Monday morning, July 10th at 11 a.m.. Friends invited.

   William Sinclair Wilson, of Huth Rd., Grand Island, 83, in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga, on Thursday, July 6, 2006. Husband of 55 years of Edith (Wood) Wilson; father of Heather Truitt of Blasdell, Nancy Sukhia (Douglas) of Orchard Park; brother of the late Charles Wilson and Nancy Chatterton; grandfather of Athena Januchowski, Leah Carper and Adam Sukhia; great-grandfather of Amber, Jade, Dalton and Coral. Friends may call Saturday from 2-4, 7-9 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8622 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 9, 2006 at 3 p.m. in the Grand Island Bible Presbyterian Church, 1650 Love Rd., Grand Island. Interment will be private in Memorial Park Cemetery. Flower are gratefully declined. Mr. Wilson was a retired Carborundum Co. employee. Born in Bellshill, Scotland, he moved with his family to the United States in 1925. He was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School, Niagara Falls, and had a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Buffalo. Mr. Wilson served with the Marine Corps in World War II in the Pacific. He worked as a mechanical engineer for Carborundum, retiring in 1985.

   Patricia M. (Webber) Majtyka, July 5, 2006 of Grand Island, N.Y. Wife of Richard Majtyka; daughter of Donna M. and the late Dr. Richard H. Webber; sister of Michaeline Reining of Grand Island, Margaret (Donald) Hooper of Ogdensburg N.Y., Anne Smith of Albion WA., Donna Goss of Grand Island, Kimberley (Jim) Marshall of Crofton KY. and the late Tom Webber; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, July 7, 2006 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, July 7th at St. Stephen's Church at 10:00 AM. Flowers gratefully declined.

    Wilma G. (nee Benthin) Denler, born into eternal life June 17, 2006, age 99, of Wisconsin, formerly of Grand Island, NY, wife of the late Louis; dear mother of Paul (Toni) and the late Alan Denler; grandmother of Caryl, Jeff, John, Mark, Tom and six great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held in September on Grand Island. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Grand Island, where she was a member for several years prior to moving to Milwaukee, WI.

   Jamie Alan Smith of Grand Island, N.Y. died Tuesday, June 27, 2006 in his home. He was 42. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Smith graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1981. He served in the Army from 1981 to 1986 in Kansas and Germany and attained the rank of staff sergeant. Afterward, he worked at Colvin Cleaners for three years and in 1987 became sales manager for Coit Cleaners. During the 1990s, he worked in the construction business, doing roadwork, building homes with Rossi & Tummillo Construction and working for Pinnacle Flooring. Finally, beginning in 1998, he spent two years as a dealer at Casino Rama near Orillia, Ont. He is survived by his wife of five years, the former Karen Hill; two daughters, Jennifer and Meaghan; a son, Adam; a stepdaughter, Mimi Williams; two stepsons, Charles Williams and Curtis Williams; his mother, Mary Clause; two sisters, Brenda Thom and Cory Shay; and three brothers, Kevin and Darryl and Bill Clause. Also survived by six grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father, the late Alan Smith, and brother, the late Wink. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006 at First Native Church in Christ, 248 Dominion Road, Fort Erie. Friends invited.

    Paul F. Kane of Buffalo, an accountant, died Tuesday, June 27, 2006 in Veterans Affairs Medical Center following a long illness. He was 63. Born in Syracuse, Mr. Kane attended the National School of Business of North Dakota, earning a bachelor's degree. He served from 1963 to 1968 in the Air Force. Mr. Kane was an accountant for the Army Corps of Engineers from 1974 to 2000 and later for Head Start from 2000 to 2004. Commander of the Grand Island Chapter #168 Disabled American Veterans, he was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Grand Island and served as chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans Association. Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer (Erik) Mackedon; three sons, Paul, Sean and Jeffery Kane; and grandson Evan Mackedon. Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2006 in John E. Roberts Funeral Home, 1361 Hertel Ave. (near Colvin), Buffalo. Friends invited.
A Memorial Service is being held at the Charles. N. DeGlopper Post 9249 VFW "Pavilion", 2121 Grand Island Blvd. at 7 p.m. following the funeral home services. The Post Honor Guard will perform VFW ritual. Friends are invited to these Services to honor this VFW member and commander of the Disabled American Veterans.

   Kathryn Louise (Vanthoff) Raby, lifelong resident of Grand Island, N.Y.; wife of the late Horatio Killian and Chester Raby; mother of the late Linda Marie Killian; daughter of the late Martha and Peter Vanthoff; sister of the late R. Gordon and Wilfred Vanthoff; survived by a niece, nephews and three Raby stepchildren. Funeral services private.

   Kathryn E. "Betty" O'Dea-Carr
Burial for Kathryn E. (Hoadley) O'Dea-Carr will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2006 at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. A 10 a.m. burial in the cemetery behind the “old” church will be followed by a memorial service in the "old” church. A luncheon at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road, will follow the memorial service. Betty died at the age of 85 in Englewood, Florida February 7, 2006, following a short respiratory illness. Born February 14, 1920 in Buffalo, NY she was raised in Kenmore graduating from KHS in 1938. She and her husband, the late Edward D. O'Dea lived on Grand Island for 37 years. She will be greatly missed by her children by birth and marriage: Martin of Phoenix, James and Christine O’Dea of Grand Island and Rotonda West, FL, Michael and Carol O’Dea of Carmel, Ind., Patrick of Englewood Fl., Mary Jo(O’Dea) and Pete Beyer of Englewood, Fl., Kathy (O’Dea) and Kurt Donath of LaFayette, NY. Marrying former Buffalo physician and Grand island resident Dr. Francis Carr in 1997, she also added Carol (Carr) and Tom Fox of Hickory, N.C., Debra (Carr) and Dr. Chuck Rice of Grand Island to her family. For complete death notice and photo, click "Kathryn O'Dea-Carr"



    Christine Borland Ryshkus , June 20, 2006 of Grand Island, N.Y. Wife of Eugene J. Ryshkus, Jr.; mother of Aaron J. Ryshkus and Tricia M. (Kieran F. Knutson) Ryshkus; grandmother of Sasha and Kaelan Ryshkus-Knutson; daughter of Winifred C. and the late Edward Borland; sister of Edwinna J. McLuckie and Howard (Valerie) Borland; daughter-in-law of Elizabeth A. and Eugene J. Ryshkus, Sr.; sister-in-law of Carol (Norman) Plattenburg and John (Wanda) Ryshkus. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 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 Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. - Click for "Christine's Eulogy"

    Nicole Elizabeth Herman, 19, suddenly, of High Springs, FL on Saturday, June 17, 2006 in Gainesville, FL. Cherished daughter of Richard B. and Debra A. Buck Herman; beloved sister of Jason T. Herman of Blacksburg, Virginia; loving granddaughter of Betty (Louis) Kralick of Tampa and Charles A. (Patricia) Herman of Corfu, N.Y. and the late Eleanor P. Herman; also survived by paternal great-grandmother Alvina Peterson of Corfu, N.Y. and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Nicole was a 2004 graduate of Grand Island High School. A Memorial Service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at Forest Meadow Funeral Home-Chapel in Gainesville, FL. Nicole, who died of injuries from a car accident, moved to High Springs two years ago and worked at Shores Animal Hospital and was attending Santa Fe Community College. Memorials are suggested to the Nicole Herman Scholarship Fund, Grand Island School District Business Office, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

   Arthur LaVerne Beyer, 75, formerly of Grand Island, NY, of Cape Coral, FL, June 18, 2006. He was born October 11, 1930 in Buffalo, NY, the son of Andrew and Marjorie (Weber) Beyer. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, two sons, Mark John (Deborah) Beyer of East Amherst, NY and Michael James (Resa) Beyer of Clermont, FL; one brother, Andrew Beyer of Grand Island, NY; seven grandchildren; he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Virginia Mae Beyer in 2004. He was a retired Chemical Engineer at Allied Chemical Corp. and resided in Cape Coral for the past 13 years. He was a graduate of Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH. He was a member of Sigma Tau Nu Society and enjoyed fishing, gardening and working with the youth of America. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Arthur's loving memory may be made to The American Cancer Society.

    Mary B. Narad,, a retired chemical lab technician, died Thursday, June 15, 2006 in Weinberg Campus, Getzville, where she had lived for the last six years. She was 94. The former Mary Blum was born in Buffalo and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. After working briefly at a library, she became a chemical lab technician, working for various companies for 40 years, retiring in the 1960s. Mrs. Narad and her husband, Marian, lived on Grand Island for 53 years and in the 1970s traveled across Europe and Asia. He died in 2003 after 72 years of marriage. Mrs. Narad also enjoyed reading, crocheting and making afghans for her family. She also was a member of the Marillac Guild at Sisters of Charity Hospital. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Parsons, and a son, Richard. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

   Ann (nee Balzinac) Waldorf Harrington, former resident of the Sandy Beach neighborhood on Grand Island, N.Y. for many years, died in the Brothers of Mercy Home June 4, 2006 at the age of 92. She was the former wife of Charles W. Kritz and the late Edward Waldorf and the late Harold Harrington; dear mother of Barbara A. (late Lawrence) Loretta; Charles W. (Diane) Kritz of Rowley, MA; William (Barbara) Waldorf of Lowell, MI; and the late James Kritz; grandmother of 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sister of James (Helen) Balten and the late Dorothy Bordonaro, the late Viola Truglio and the late Mary Kolenko; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will be present to receive friends Tuesday, June 6, 2006 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Service, 8440 Main St. where funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 7th at 10 a.m. Ann was a life member and chaplain of Grand Island VFW Post #9249 Ladies Auxiliary and a member of The Grand Island Moose Club.


    Thomas Edward "TJ" Gawor, 28, of Holiday, Florida, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006 at Community Hospital of New Port Richey, Florida. TJ was born in Buffalo, and lived on Grand Island. He moved to Holiday nine years ago, and was employed by Evans MTC Contracting. He was a member of Calvary Chapel Worship Center of New Port Richey. TJ is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn; his son, Damian Hudson; his mother and stepfather, Deborah and John Graff of Grand Island; his father and stepmother, Paul and GiGi Evans of New Port Richey; three brothers, Paul Evans of Holiday, and Brandon and Dylan Graff, both of Grand Island; two sisters, Diane Graff of Buffalo and Brittany Graff of Grand Island; his paternal grandparents, Norm and Sharon Evans of Holiday; his maternal grandparents, Gloria and Joe West of South Carolina; and his step-grandparents, Richard and Arlene Graff. Funeral arrangements were made by Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services of New Port Richey.

   A service for William M. Kennedy, who helped lead Erie County government into the computer age, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006 in D. Lawrence Ginnane Funeral Home, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton. The Grand Island resident died of lung cancer Friday, June 2, 2006 in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga. He was 75. Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Amherst Central High School in 1948 and served in the New York Air National Guard and the Army. Mr. Kennedy began his career in data processing in 1949 as a tabulating machine operator at Colorado Fuel & Iron Corp. in the Town of Tonawanda, where he worked until 1963. Starting in the late 1950s, Mr. Kennedy learned to run increasingly sophisticated kinds of information processing equipment, including Remington Univac 60 and Sperry 9300 systems. He received training in project management at Rochester Institute of Technology in 1979 and technical consultant training at Computer Task Group in 1982. He joined county government in 1964 as a system analyst in its Exchange Street data processing offices and over the next 30 years held a number of administrative positions, including assistant director and supervisor of data processing, system coordinator, associated technical consultant and senior programmer analyst. From 1982 to 1986, Mr. Kennedy trained workers in 30 departments to use personal computers. Before retiring in 1994, he oversaw the design, implementation and maintenance of the county's criminal-justice data processing system. A golfer, bowler and fisherman, he was a member of River Oaks Country Club. His first wife, Rita, died in 1963. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, the former Gwen Sarson; two sons, Rick (Christine) of Kenmore and Dean (Cyndie) Golde of Grand Island; a daughter, JoAnn Kennedy of Houston, TX; a brother, Richard (late Arlene) Kennedy of Kenmore; and five grandchildren. Predeceased by a sister, the late Loraine Wear, and a brother, Bruce Kennedy. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Wednesday, June 7, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. when funeral service will commence. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. Memorials to Hospice Foundation Buffalo are preferred.

    A Mass of Christian Burial for Diane Mae Wasson of Grand Island, a gourmet cook known for her desserts, will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga. Mrs. Wasson, who was born Diane Mae Farrell in Buffalo, died Thursday in Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She was 58. She was a graduate of Kenmore East High School. An accomplished gourmet cook, Mrs. Wasson provided desserts for the former White House restaurant in Williamsville during the 1990s. She also enjoyed interior decorating. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth W.; two daughters, Kristin (Martin) Crosson of East Aurora and Beth Anne (David) Donnelly of Fairport; a son, Gregory (Vicki) of Clarence; her father, Walter Farrell of the Town of Tonawanda; a brother, Roy Farrell of Atlanta; and six grandchildren - Haylee and Samuel Wasson, Makenna, Maggie and Martie Jean Crosson and Olivia Donnelly. Mrs. Wasson was the daughter of Walter and and the late Bernice Farrell, and the sister of Roy Farrell. . Friends may call Saturday 7-9, Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave. at Tremont, Kenmore. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials contributions in Diane's memory may be may to the Roswell Park Alliance.

    Richard Seaman Criss of Grand Island, a journeyman pressman and veteran of the Vietnam War, requested that his body be donated to the University at Buffalo Medical School. No services are planned at this time for the 56-year-old native of Canandaigua who died Sunday, May 28, 2006 in DeGraff Hospital, North Tonawanda, after a long illness. Mr. Criss, a graduate of Kenmore West High School, served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973 and was an airplane mechanic in Vietnam. He served his apprenticeship and became a journeyman pressman at The Buffalo Evening News and later worked for other publications and printing establishments, including the Tonawanda News, Courier Express and Buffalo Newspress. Mr. Criss, a Grand Island resident for 33 years, enjoyed playing golf, hunting and attending Buffalo Bandits lacrosse games. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, the former Alphia L. Prosser; a daughter, Alphia C. Gangemi of Hamburg; two brothers, Ron and Les, both of Tacoma, Wash.; and two grandchildren.

    Janet C. Osborn, 97, of Grand Island, N. Y. died Wednesday, May 31, 2006 after a brief illness. Mrs. Osborn was born March 31, 1909 in Addison, New York, the daughter of Charles and Grace (Strng) Crane. She moved to this area in the 1940s. She was a graduate of Addison High School and Wells College. She was a long time member of Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church and a member of the Niagara Falls College Club, the Grand Island Historical Society and the Golden Age Center of Grand Island. She was very involved in community service. she was the wife of the late E. Russell Osborn who died in December 1995. She is survived by two daughters, Alice Osborn (Richard V.) Bronk of Charleston, SC and Helen Osborn (Richard A.) Kruppa of Exeter, NH; four grandchildren, Jonas Bronk, Andrew Kruppa, Anneliese (Sergio) Sensini and Anna Bronk (Gregory) Lutz; and three great grandchildren, Julia and Luca Sensini and Morgan Bronk Lutz. There will be no prior visition. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. in Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church, 166 - 59th Street with Rev. Dr. Jeffery Grove officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Albany Rural Cemetery, Albany, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Bacon Memorial Presbyterian Church, 166 - 59th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Arrangements by the Lane Funeral Home, Inc.

    Stephan R. Kovacs, 77, of Telechiu, Romania, Wednesday, May 24, 2006. Born January 23, 1929 in Telechiu, Mr. Kovacs was the son of Istvan and Erzsebet Kovacs. He fled communism after WWII by escaping through Yugoslavia, making his way to Trieste, Italy where he joined the US military. Mr. Kovacs served five years in the Army, fighting with the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions in Bad Toltz, Germany. Mr. Kovacs moved to Grand Island after fulfilling his military service. He was a plumber for 20 years before moving to Lockport and working for Harrison Radiator as a pipe fitter. He retired from the GM plant before moving back to Telechiu where he established a fruit tree farm and greenhouse. While in the states, he served as chief elder at the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church and as president of the West Side Hungarian American Social Club. Mr. Kovacs is survived by his former wife, Hermine Kovacs of Grand Island. He was the father of Elizabeth (Ruben) Kovacs-Gurevich of Lewiston, Helena Kovacs Brierton, Stephen (Cindy) Kovacs Jr. and Frank (Kathy) Kovacs, all of Grand Island; and Levente Kovacs and Katalin Kovacs of Telechiu. Also survived by grandchildren Jason Brierton of Miami, FL and Daniel Brierton, Emilie Kovacs, Alex Kovacs and Katie Kovacs, all of Grand Island. He was the brother of Ferenc Kovacs of Telechiu. The funeral was held in Romania.

    Joanne R. Croad, a retired teacher's aide, died Friday, May 26, 2006 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. She was 65. A lifelong Buffalo area resident, the former Joanne Frandina worked as a teacher's aide for Buffalo Public Schools for 24 years, which included many years at the science magnet school at the Buffalo Zoo. A Grand island resident, she retired in June 2000. Mrs. Croad served as bereavement committee chairwoman for St. Stephen Catholic Church, Grand Island. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Richard of Grand Island; a daughter, Laurie Wegrzyn of Kenmore; a son, James of West Seneca; a sister, Mary Leone of Town of Tonawanda; four brothers, Philip Frandina of Buffalo, Vincent Frandina of Buffalo, Anthony Frandina of Derby and Joseph Frandina of Williamsville; and two grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Stephen Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Marilla Cemetery.

    Norman H. Linde of Akron, a shoe salesman, died Tuesday, May 23, 2006 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute from injuries suffered in a fall. He was 76. Mr. Linde, known as "Nick," was born in Binghamton and raised in Wheeling, W.Va., where he went to school. He moved to Grand Island in 1957 and later lived in Cheektowaga and Clarence. He had been living in Akron for the past five years. Mr. Linde worked 25 years as a traveling salesman for Thom McAn's safety shoe division. He gave up that job in 1980 and owned Swan Street Station, a bar and restaurant in downtown Buffalo, for three years. Survivors include three daughters, Barbara Noon, Dana Craven and Margaret, all of Clarence; 23 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Private services will be Saturday.

   Gordon S. Hall, 78, of Peoria, AZ. Formerly of Niagara Falls and Grand Island on May 22, 2006 in Arizona. Husband of the late Ethel Hall; dear brother of Kenneth (Arlene) Hall; step-sister of Catherine A. (James D.) Hammond; also survived several nieces and nephews; dear friend of Ann Short; brother of the late Marion Pleuckhahn. Gordon was a WWII U.S. Navy Veteran and retired from the New York Telephone. Friends received Thursday 6-9 PM at the BRUNNER FUNERAL HOME, 156 Robinson St., North Tonawanda. Interment services will be held Friday morning at 10:00 AM at Acacia Park Cemetery.


    Helen M. Groff, May 17, 2006, age 101, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo. Wife of the late Homer J. Groff Sr.; mother of Patricia (George) Stephan, Homer J. Groff Jr. and the late Franklin; grandmother of Wendy Truesdale, Christopher, Valerie, Jeffery and the late Barbara Sue; great-grandmother of Paul and Franklin Truesdale. Friends may call Friday, May 19, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 20th at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 96 Jewett Pkwy., Buffalo. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Company. Click "100th Birthday" for feature story.

    John Wheeler, 90, former longtime Grand Island, NY resident, died Monday, May 15, 2006 in St. Francis Geriatric Center, Buffalo. Born December 26, 1915 in San Jose, California, he was the son of Herbert and Edith (Shaw) Wheeler and youngest of four children. He spent his childhood in New Jersey and was interested in planes and the aircraft industry at an early age. His high school principal helped to arrange his class work so he could be released early to spend his afternoons at the airfield. He was also interested in the mechanics of fligh. John graduated from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in 1938 and was first employed with Martin Aircraft in Baltimore. A year later he moved to Buffalo and took a job with Bell Aircraft where he worked as an aeronautical engineer until his retirement in 1961. He was very active in the Grand Island Kiwanis Club from its inception and served as Lt. Governor for New York. He was also a participant and officer of the NYS Iris Society, and served nearly three decades on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Grand Island. He was most recently involved in the birth and development of the Niagara Aerospace Museum. At Bell he worked with a team that designed the P39 Airocobra and the P63 King Cobra, airplanes used in WWII. After the war he and his team designed the landing gear of the Bell X1 that was piloted by Chuck Yeager and was the first plane to break the sound barrier. He was predeceased in 1992 by his wife, Blanch Elizabeth "Betty" Sammis Wheeler, who he married in 1939. He is survived by his three children, Linda Wheeler of New York City, Lee Wheeler of Ipswich, MA and Lois Kinsey of Grand Junction, CO, and seven grandchildren. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Lane Funeral Home, Inc.

    Robert J. Coady of Grand Island, Friday, May 12, 2006. A Memorial Service is being held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island, NY. All are welcome.

    Howard R. Killian, an installer and repairman for New York Telephone Co. for 37 years, died Wednesday, May 10, 2006 in his Niagara Falls home after a battle with leukemia. He was 72. Born on Grand Island, Mr. Killian attended Charlotte Sidway School and was a graduate of Tonawanda High School. He was a Korean War-era veteran of the Army and served until 1961. Mr. Killian retired from the phone company in 1990. Mr. Killian was well-known for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations he and his wife held at their home, drawing as many as 150 people for corned beef sandwiches, Irish stew and soda bread. He decorated their home with leprechaun wood carvings he had made. On the amateur sports field, Mr. Killian played in hockey leagues in Stamford, Ont., and Niagara Falls, Ont. He was a 37-year member of the LaSalle Sportsman's Club, a member of the Turkey Federation, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and an honorary member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Niagara Falls chapter. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, the former Judith A. Beatty of Niagara Falls; a stepson, Jim Livermore of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter, Debra Coram of Niagara Falls; his mother, Myrtle, of Lockport; a sister, Nan E. Nesbitt of Batavia; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Riverside Presbyterian Church, 815 84th St., Niagara Falls. Mr. Killian donated his body to the University at Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program.

    Douglas H. Schrutt , 53, of Reddington Beach, FL formerly of Buffalo. Died suddenly at his beach home on Tuesday, April 18, 2006. Son of Joan O'Meara; brother of Debbie Jablonski, Joan Pingitore, Rebeckah Weber, Joshua Schrutt, and the late Beaver Schrutt; uncle of Ben Bove. Mr. Schrutt was a very successful real estate magnate in Florida and owner of Douglas Motor Car in New York. His interests were also boating and classic car collecting. He was beloved by all who knew him. A memorial service in his memory will be held on Monday, May 1, at 4pm at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, 8445 Greiner Rd, Clarence, NY. Friends may visit at this time. For inquiries, please call 1-877-SCHRUTT.

   Richard C. Allen, of Grand Island. He went home Wednesday, April 26, 2006. Husband of Patricia (Salisbury) Allen; father of Sheila (Matt Kielich) Merrill, Colleen Allen and Patricia (Michael) Mongan; grandfather of Christina (Christopher) Nelligan, Jonathan Dudley, Kelly Mongan and Sheila Forbes; great-grandfather of Cadence Nelligan; son of the late Edward and Marion Allen. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, where a reception will be held Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

   Viola L. “Vi” (Schreiber) Fenlon, 96, of Grand Island, NY, Monday, April 24, 2006 in St. Francis Geriatric Center after a long illness; beloved wife of the late William J. Sr.; dear mother of Carol (late Donald) Gress and Sharon L. (James H.) Watz of Grand Island, NY; Roger J. (Margaret 'Mickey' Casey) Fenlon of Belmont, N.C.; and the late William (survived by Linda) Fenlon; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation at the JAMES E. GRACE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 335 Ontario St., from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006; and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM, where services will be held Friday, April 28th at 9:00 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 57 East St. (East at Amherst) Buffalo at 9:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Francis Health and Geriatrics Center, 34 Benwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214. The former Viola Schreiber was born in Sergeant, Pa., and graduated from Kane High School in 1928. After moving to Buffalo, she graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business Institute in 1930. A stenographer and typist, she worked as a secretary for Wonder Bread bakery, Wilson Leather and then Sylvania Electric, from which she retired in 1962. She and her family moved from Riverside to Grand Island in 1974. Mrs. Fenlon enjoyed crocheting and knitting, reading and music. She was a perfectionist when it came to spelling and math. Her husband, William J., died in 1986.

   Edith (Zippe) Sutor, of Grand Island, a retired registered nurse, died of melanoma Thursday, April 20, 2006 in Millard Fillmore Hospital. She was 74. Mrs. Sutor, who was born in Clayton, Del., grew up on a farm. She graduated from Delaware Hospital Nursing School in Wilmington in 1953. She worked at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital from 1954 to 1956 and at Millard Fillmore Hospital from 1970 until her retirement in 2000. Mrs. Sutor, who assisted art classes at Sidway Elementary School on Grand Island as a volunteer, was a Grand Island resident for 52 years. She was a world traveler and had made two trips to China. One of the trips was with a nurses group. She enjoyed classical music, cooking, gardening and reading. She was an active golf, tennis and bridge player. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Walter L.; two sons, David of Albany and Stephen of Culver City, Calif.; and a brother, Edwin (Nancy) Zippe of Wilmington. Friends may call Saturday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral service private. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.


    Jean Marie Dragonette, 20, April 16, 2006; of Grand Island; eternal daughter of Anthony and Kimberly Dragonette; loving sister of Ashley and Allison Dragonette; beloved grand-daughter of Michael and Susan Sheehan and the late Maria Incardona and Antonio Dragonette; also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A memorial mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.

    William John Dunshie, 63, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 after fighting many battles with cancer. He spent his childhood with his family on Grand Island, NY and attended grade school on the Island and high school in Tonawanda. Bill relocated to Arizona in 1963 and worked as an auto paint and body technician. His hobbies included fishing, and watering skiing. Bill's love for the Island that he grew up on never waned and in February 2006, he wrote to Isledegrande.com asking if there might be one more Charlotte Sidway School reunion in the planning stages. Bill was the eldest son of the late Edwin and Gladys Dunshie. He is survived by his children Terry Dunshie of Mesa, Arizona; Shannon Ryon of Phoenix; Neal Dunshie of Eugene, Oregon; and Lyndsay Dunshie and Candice Dunshie of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by his brothers Edwin of Mesa, Arizona; Peter of Gilbert, Arizona; Michael of Kingman, Arizona; and James of Peoria, Arizona; and by his sister, Corralyn of Kingman, Arizona. Additional survivors include his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. A family and friends memorial will be held Sunday, April 23, 2006 at the home of Pete Dunshie. Donations may be made in Bill's name to the American Cancer Society, 2929 E. Thomas Road. Phoenix, Az 85016.

   Bradford L. Winstel of Grand Island, a marine shop employee, died unexpectedly Friday, April 14, 2006 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He was 53. Born in New York City, Mr. Winstel grew up in California, Buffalo and Skaneateles, and graduated from Bishop Neumann High School. He had lived on Grand Island since 1978 and worked at various times at Attea Brothers, the Silo, Rosa's appliance stores and Sheridan Honda. For the past 10 years, Mr. Winstel worked at Anchor Marine on Grand Island. He enjoyed playing guitar, collecting guns and reading, and supported his children in all of their sports and activities. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, the former Carol R. Donaldson; four sons, Justin (Mary), Christopher and Kyle, all of Grand Island, and Alexander (Julia) of Houston; a daughter, Courtney Winstel of San Diego; his father, Robert of Agoura Hills, Calif.; three sisters, Barbara (Bill) Bond of Syracuse, Deborah (Michael) Ceser of Clarence and Tracy (Joel) Thomas of Appleton; and two grandchildren, Kiersten and Julian Winstel. He was the son of the late Jayne Winstel; son-in-law of Margaret and the late Thomas Donaldson; brother-in-law of Jean, Elspeth and Iain (Moira) Donaldson. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2006 in St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the American Heart Association.

   John Trianda, April 10, 2006, of Grand Island. Husband of the late Betty Jane Trianda; father of Doris E. (Frank R.) Kustra and Edith T. (Michael) Spinner; grandfather of Francesca, Frank Jr., Savanna and Victoria Kustra, John and Sara Spinner; brother of the late Phillip Trianda. Friends may call Thursday, April 13, 2006 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Friday at a time to be announced. Mr. Trianda was an employee at Nussbaumer & Clarke, was a member of the Grand Island Planning Board and was a Republican Committeeman on Grand Island.

   James J. Gaiser, 88, a retired custodian, died Monday, April 10, 2006 in Elderwood Health Care at Riverwood, Grand Island. The longtime Grand Island resident was born in Buffalo. Mr. Gaiser worked at Grand Island High School. He retired in 1985 after 28 years of service to the district. He was a former member of the Grand Island Auxiliary Police and was a school bus driver. He had been a member of the Grand Island Fire Company since 1954 and also was a member of Grand Island Fire Police. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, he patrolled Grand Island. He was the husband of the late Patricia E. Gaiser; father of Kathleen (Robert) Hickman of Tavares, Florida; James J. II (Eleanor) of the Town of Tonawanda; Diane (Richard) Gurbacki of Grand Island; Joseph of Phoenix; and John (Peggy) Gaiser of Kenmore. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was the brother of Florence (Al) Hosking of Florida; Jacob (Lil) Gaiser of Lancaster, and the late Mary Schleicher, Edward, Robert, Francis and Joseph Gaiser. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. St. Stephen Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Co.

   Mary Angela Hastrich, a Grand Island resident active in theater in her community for many years, died Thursday, April 6, 2006 after a long illness. She was 73. A native of Olean, she graduated from Olean High School. In 1952, she married Richard O. Robinson, and they moved to Grand Island a year later. They were married for 20 years. In 1974, on Grand Island, she married Walter J. Hastrich. Mrs. Hastrich was active in community, school and theater groups on the island, having appeared in a number of starring and supporting roles with the Island Theater Group. She worked as a claims adjuster for Maryland Casualty Co. in Buffalo for several years in the 1980s. Mrs. Hastrich also performed clerical work for two eye surgery practices: Dr. Daniel P. Schaefer on Main Street and then Atwal Eye Care on Harlem Road in Cheektowaga. She retired in the early 1990s. Angela was the mother of Kathleen Robinson of Santa Cruz, California; Howard (Randi) Robinson of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Paula (Donald) Pytlik of Grand Island; step-mother of Duane (Janet) Hastrich of New Port Richey, Florida; Richard (Mary Frances) Hastrich of Camp Verde, Arizona; and Dean Marie Albertson of La Porte, Texas; also survived by seven grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren; sister of Paul (Lorna) Thornbury of Olean. Memorial Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2006 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Erie County SPCA.

   Edmund Fibich Sr., March 27, 2006 of Grand Island, husband of Blanche J. Fibich; father of Sylvia (Tom Yulsman) Fibich of Boulder, CO, Edmund (Tanya) Fibich Jr. of Tonawanda and the late Edwina (survived by husband Jan) Smudski; grandfather of Timothy and Karl Smudski, Samuel and Anna Yulsman; brother of the late Alexander, Alfons and John Fibich. Funeral services private. Mr. Fibich was past commander of DAV Chapter 168.

    Daniel N. Dusenbury, April 6, 2006; of Grand Island, NY; beloved son of David and Carol Dusenbury; cherished brother of David (Ginger) Dusenbury and Carrie (Charles) Frey; grandson of Norman and Willa Dusenbury and the late Ann and George Senn; nephew of Joshua Sturtz; step-uncle of Jennifer and Samantha Rech; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Monday, April 10, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 p.m. at Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Heritage Christian Services Foundation, 349 West Commercial St. 2795, East Rochester, NY 14445.

    Frank M. Lavorato, 84 of Grand Island, NY; April 5, 2006; beloved husband of Josephine (Zanga) Lavorato of Grand Island, NY; devoted father of JoAnna Williams (Steve), Phoenix, AZ; brother of Catherine Cappara, Kenmore, NU, Alice Ambrose, Buffalo, NY, Nicklas Lavorato, Newfane, NY, James Lavorato, Akron, OH; dear friend of Victor and Carol Waney, Town of Niagara. No prior visitation. Memorial Mass from St. Stephens R.C. Church, Grand Island, NY will be held at a later date. Arrangements by ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME INC., Niagara Falls, NY.

    William D. Mulvena, 83, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 5, 2006 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness. A World War II Navy veteran and a member of B.P.O.E. #346 in Niagara Falls, he formerly worked as a sheet metal fabricator at C. E. Croisdale in Niagara Falls. Beloved husband of Marcy (Simcox) Mulvena; devoted father of Daniel (Susan) Mulvena and Margaret Ann (David) Haller; grandfather of Michael and Michelle Mulvena, Denise Caudill, Jeannie Haller and the late David M. Halller Jr.; great-grandfather of Michael Thomas and Emily Mulvena, Alexandrea and the late Cameron Caudill; brother of Daniel (Marie Sue) Mulvena; and the late Elsie (late William) Flanagan and Ann (late Jack) Nash; loving son of the late Daniel and Catherine Mulvena; Friends may call Saturday, April 8, 2006 from 2-6 p.m. at the KAISE FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where prayer services will be held Saturday at 5:45 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice.

    Sophie (Wojtowicz) Gilbert, 92, a Grand Island homemaker formerly of Buffalo, died Saturday, April 1, 2006 in ElderWood at Riverwood, Grand Island. She was 92. Born Sophie Wojtowicz in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Nardin Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree at D'Youville College. Active in the community, Mrs. Gilbert was honored as a Volunteer of the Year by an Amherst senior citizens organization. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and participated in the Senior Olympics, winning a medal in horseshoes. Mrs. Gilbert was a longtime member of Faith United Presbyterian Church, Kenmore, where she was a deacon and sang in the choir. Survivors include a son, Randy Gilbert of Florida; a daughter, Audrey (John) DeMarco of Grand Island; three grandchildren, Michael, Jacqueline and Steve (Diana); and three great-grandchildren, Michael, Joseph and Samantha. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8th in Faith United Presbyterian Church, 3150 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. Friends invited. Arrangements by Frank Rubino Mortuary.

   Rita Rosene, 74, April 3, 2006 of Grand Island died in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga after a brief illness. Rita, born July 24, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, was a longtime Island resident. Born Rita Shableski in Chicago, she grew up there and lived briefly in Canada before settling in Grand Island 43 years ago. A homemaker, she was an avid crafter and golfer and was a member of the Niagara Falls Country Club. She also enjoyed quilting, playing cards and was an accomplished bridge player. She was married to Robert W. Rosene, who died in 1998. She was the mother of Dale C. (Judy) Rosene of Bourbonnaise, IL; Leslie A. (Ed) Koral of Amherst; David R. (Karen) Rosene of Tampa, FL; and the late Barbara L. (survived by husband Jim) Safee; also survived by seven grandchildren; sister of Donald (Bonnie) Shableski of Pensacola, FL. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Child Care Fund of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd. Grand Island where memorial services will be held Friday, April 7, 2006 at 3 p.m.

   Louis LaPlaca Sr., of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest March 29, 2006, beloved husband of Amanda; devoted father of Carl S. (Antonietta) LaPlaca and the late Louis LaPlaca Jr.; cherished grandfather of Antonio, Michael, Amanda and Nicholas; loving son of the late Carl F. and Rose (nee Annunziato) LaPlaca; dear brother of the late Sarah Moore; also survived by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit The LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan Dr. on Friday, March 31st from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Rd. Tonawanda on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. Please assemble at church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Mr. LaPlaca served in the US Army.

   Melva Slish, 80, an accomplished seamstress and active church volunteer, died Saturday in Riverwood Health Care after struggling with Alzheimer's disease. She was 80. Mrs. Slish was a longtime Grand Island resident and a member of the Woman's Council of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, where she sang in the folk group and church choir. She was born Melva Davis in Niagara Falls. She sewed for many years out of her home and was known for making dance costumes for local dance schools. She enjoyed bowling, cross-country skiing and gardening. Her husband of 53 years, Frank, died in 2005.
   She is survived by her daughters, Jeri (Robert) Marshall of the Town of Niagara and Terese (Dwaine) Nolte of Pampa, Texas. Also survived by six grandchildren: Michael White, David (Stacey) White, Bobbi-Lynn Marshall, all of Niagara Falls; and Jewel, Garland and Rosalie Ward of Pampa. She was the great grandmother of Sarah, Martin and Justin. She is survived by one sister, Geraldine (John) Stark of Fairview, Tenn. and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, three brothers; Herbert (late Velma), Richard (late Evelyn "Toby") and Warren (Olive); one sister, Dorothy (late E. Lambert) Johnson and one great granddaughter, Amanda Smith.
   Mrs. Slish donated her body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2006 at St. Stephen's R.C. Church, Baseline Road. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Stephen's R.C. Church, Grand Island.


George Arthur Staley, 78, formerly of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 in Thomson Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY. Born on February 11, 1928 in Buffalo, NY, he lived on Staley Road, Grand Island, N.Y. from birth until early 1964 and when he moved to Florida. He was the son of the late Cecil Fredrick and Bessie Marshall Staley. He was a carpenter and Navy veteran. Survivors include his son, Glen Staley of Lawrenceburg; four daughters, Peggy Hall of California, Darlene Price of Florida, and Helen Grooms and Besslie Tomlin, both of South Carolina; two brothers, Fredrick Warren Staley of Florida, and Charles Staley of Buffalo, N.Y.; a sister, Betty Staley Pazamickas; and nine grandchildren. No services or visitation are planned. Mr. Staley's body was cremated. Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home in Versailles was in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be left at www.blackburnandward.com.


Florence D. Duignan March 25, 2006, of Grand Island, wife of the late Bernard J. Duignan; mother of Kathleen (Gary) McKinny, Eileen (Frank) DeChalais, Elizabeth Coia, Linda Schneckenburger, Susanne (Raymond) Klein and the late Mary Onesi; also survived by 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sister of Rose (late Joseph) Schwartz and the late Patricia Gaiser. Friends may call Monday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, 14072. (For feature story, click "Duignan Family, September 2005")

Allan D. Wholahan, March 24, 2006 after a long illness. Of Grand Island. Husband of 59 years of Jean Wholahan; father of Clifford of Blaine, MN; John (Carol) of LaHonda, CA; and Paul Wholahan of Grand Island; grandfather of James Wholahan of San Diego, CA; and Emma (James) Smith of Louisville, KY; also survived by one great-grandson; brother of the late Dorothy Blake. If desired, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 191, 46 Broad St., Tonawanda 14150 or to Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island 14072, where memorial services will be held Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Ronald N. Spong, 72, of Grand Island, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2006. He was the beloved husband of Marie Spong; father of April (Ron) Wyatt of Sterling, Virginia; Perry (Kathy) Schultz of Wheatfield; Scott (Deanna) Schultz of North Tonawanda; Chuck (Kim) Spong of Colorado Springs; Rob (Debby) Spong of Desert Hot Springs, CA; Debbie (David) Mayfield of Highland Ranch, Colorado; and Shellie Spong of Casper, Wyoming; stepfather of Michael (Sheryl) Deneke of North Tonawanda; also survived by 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; son of Ethel and the late Harold Spong; brother of James (Jean) of Clarence; Brooks (Linda) of West Seneca; and Gary (Chris) Spong of Getzville. Mr. Spong worked at Shanor Electric in Buffalo in the early 1960s and returned there in 1986. He was a sales manager before semi-retiring. He also worked as a deputy sheriff in the El Paso County Sheriff's Department in Colorado Springs, Colorado before retiring from there in 1986. While serving the public, Spong worked as training officer and developed several community programs. He was very active in the Grand Island Moose Lodge, No. 180 and served as an officer until a recent illness.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 1 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The American Cancer Society. Interment in Union Cemetery, Elma, NY.

Ralph B. Barker, 93, of Grand Island, NY passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2006. Son of the late Joshua and Grace (Kennedy) Barker, he was the father of Torby W. (Karen) of Tonawanda and Gregory (Liz) of Grand Island. He was the grandfather of Eric, Craig, Kelly and Anne "Honey Bun" Barker and several great grandchildren. Predeceased by a brother Ivan (Sue), and sisters Edith (Arthur) Robson and Margaret (Joseph Hughes. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Friday, March 24th at the Kaiser Funeral Home, Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Funeral services will be private. Memorials may be made to Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association, 76 Grove Street, Tonawanda, NY 14150.
   A Grand Island resident since 1969, Ralph attended local Niagara Falls area schools and was president of the Trott Vocational graduating class of 1931. He started as an apprentice electrician in 1934 at the former Steele Electric and became foreman of the electric motor repair shop in 1942. He was a partner in the Niagara Falls Realty Corporation.
   The founder of Barker Electric Motor Service in 1949 at 1719 Pierce Avenue, he was an instrumental part in the expansion of the company to the present Packard Road location. He was president of the company until his retirement in 1977.
   As an active powerboat racer for over forty years, he was the leader behind the Tor-Gre racing team from 1954-1981. The team won many local and national events including the E-Racing runabout eastern and national championships and the Canadian competition and kilo records in the 145 hydroplane class. In the 2.5 liter hydroplane class with his boat, "Honey Bun" he won the Quebec Championship in 1993 and in 1996, won the Canadian high point championship. In 1999 Ralph was inducted into the Canadian Boating Hall of Fame. Besides building many racing boats throughout his racing career, he restored antique cars and Chris-Craft runabouts.
   He was active in the Niagara Falls Kiwanis Club, LaSalle Yacht Club, Niagara River Lodge Masons, Hyde Park Presbyterian Boy Scouts, lifetime member and past commodore of the B&T Power Boat Association, lifetime member of the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association, and charter member of the Niagara Chapter of Electrical Apparatus Service Association.


Mary Ann Marinello of Grand Island died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in Elderwood Health Care at Riverwood, Grand Island. She was 92. Born in Jamaica, Queens, the former Mary Ann Ryc came to Niagara Falls with her family as a child and attended Niagara Falls schools. A homemaker, she also worked as a waitress. She moved to Grand Island in 1970. Her husband of 46 years, John, died in 1976. Surviving are two sons, James J. of Lockport and John V. of Grand Island; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. today (March 24, 2006) in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston.

Ann F. (Meredith) Plucinski, March 21, 2006 of Grand Island; wife of Edward R. Plucinski; sister of Mary (Earl) Nugent, George (Lorraine) Meredith, Francis Meredith, Eileen Thomas, Jeanette (Russell) DiLorenzo, Catherine (Donald) Bielefeld, Charlotte (John) Niziol, Jack Meredith, Maureen (Frank) Modaffari, Patricia (Paul) Stankiewicz and Janice (Robert) Turnbull; daughter of the late Francis and Ann Meredith; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, March 22, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, March 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at The KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church.


December 2004 Photo
Ruth Evelyn (Slacer) Muck, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse and retired as a Buffalo State College professor, died Friday, March 17, 2006 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. She was 95. Dr. Muck, who earned a doctoral degree in education from the University at Buffalo in 1966, taught elementary education at Buffalo State, retiring in 1976. Born Ruth Slacer in Buffalo, she was a teacher during the 1930s in the old Pomeroy School, a red-brick, one-room schoolhouse in the Town of Lockport. She lived in a house across the street from the school and taught at the school from 1931 to 1942. She taught all eight grades in the one room. She played the piano and staged concerts and plays. Her students performed in front of their families. "The piano was an important piece of equipment," Dr. Muck recalled during a 2003 interview with The Buffalo News about the schoolhouse. Former pupils praised her as "a marvelous teacher and a most talented woman" who was "ahead of her time and introduced us to things we hadn't even dreamed of." Later in life, Dr. Muck led guided tours of the renovated schoolhouse. A Grand Island resident for more than 50 years, she was an active member at Trinity United Methodist Church and founded a children's clothing exchange at the church. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society of women educators. Dr. Muck is survived by her husband of 77 years, Gordon E., and a daughter, Linda (Muck) McGuire of Grand Island. She was the aunt of Roberta (Michael) Cap, Thomas (Beth) Cunningham Jr. and other nieces and nephews; and the daughter of the late Robert and Harriet "Hatti" Slacer. She was the sister of Jean (Thomas) Cunningham and the late Robert and Phillip Slacer and Edith Pentz. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island where a memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2006. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Jane Louise (Seyfarth) Elias, March 17, 2006, of Grand Island, wife of the late William R. Elias; mother of W. Richard (Kathryn) Elias of Medina, OH and Leslie E. (Michael) Madigan of Grand Island; grandmother of Kristen M. Elias, William K. and M. Matthew Madigan. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The S.P.C.A. 'les bon temps rouler'.

Charles H. Goris of Grand Island, a salesman active in church activities, died Thursday, March 16, 2006 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Town of Tonawanda, after a brief illness. He was 75. Born in Buffalo, he graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and served as a lieutenant in the Army Reserve from 1951 to 1960. In 1952, he graduated from Canisius College, where he was a member of the Di Gamma Society. Mr. Goris worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad and the Canadian National Railroad while in high school and college. He moved to Grand Island in 1965. He worked for 28 years at GTE Sylvania in Buffalo and Panasonic in Secaucus, N.J., in sales and marketing until retiring in the late 1990s. He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church on Grand Island, serving in religious education, as president of the liturgy committee, as a head usher and Eucharistic minister. A scuba diver, he also coached Little League baseball and girls softball. Mr. Goris is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Jane Biggie; four daughters, Lynne (George) Heim of Pendleton, Valerie (Randy) Downey of Cape Coral, Fla., and Cheryl (Keith) Kloesz and Jacqueline (Patrick) Foote, both of Grand Island; four sons, David (Sally), Michael (Mary) and Jeffrey (Tina), all of Grand Island, and Daniel (Kim) of Lakeville, Minn.; brother of Frederick (Nancy) of Angola; Daniel (Judy) of Erieville; Judith (Werner) Schmidtfrerick of Lakewood; Ellen (John) Pellegrino of Hurst, Texas; Barbara (Alex) Douds; and the late James (survived by wife Alice) Goris. The son of the late Herman and Eleanor Goris, Mr. Goris was also the grandfather of Eric, Kim, Melissa, Kevin, Stephanie, Jennifer, Kelly, Robert, Amanda, Laura, Danielle, Michaela, Heather, Kelsey, Trevor, Matthew, Morgan, Jeffrey and the late Michael David. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to St. Stephen's Church Building Fund. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery.

Laurane (Momberger) Mohring, 82, of Grand Island, N.Y., March 12, 2006 in DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda after a brief illness. Wife of of 59 years of Daniel F. Mohring of Grand Island; mother of Dayl (Ralph) Nusstein of Sardinia, Lynn (Mike) Yensan of Grand Island and Denise (Jim) Claps of Niagara Falls; sister of Richard (Marilyn) Momberger of Crystal Beach, Ontario, Edwin (Marie) Momberger of Houston and the late Oscar (Alma) Momberger; grandmother of Jesse, Kimberly, Justin, Brandan and Danielle. Friends may call Thursday, March 16, 2006 from 9-11 a.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. The former Laurane Momberger, a native of Crystal Beach, Ontario, moved to the area as a high school student and later worked at Wayside Furniture on Grand Island.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Florence R. Walentynowicz, of Grand Island, will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2006 in St. Stephen Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Prayers will be said at 9 a.m. in C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home, 911 Englewood Ave., Town of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Mrs. Walentynowicz died Saturday, March 11, 2006 in Father Baker Manor, Orchard Park, after a long illness. She was 70. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ & SON FUNERAL HOME INC., 911 Englewood Ave., Monday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society. Born Florence Dzialak in Buffalo, she graduated from Mount St. Mary's High School and the University of Buffalo. She taught business courses at UB during the late 1960s and early 1970s, then moved to Bethesda, Md., for several years and taught there as well before returning to Western New York. Mrs. Walentynowicz was a member of St. Stephen Church. She also was a member of the Buffalo and Amherst Hills tennis clubs and River Oaks Country Club. She was the beloved wife of the late Leonard F. Walentynowicz who died in 2005; dear sister of Theresa Bernard of Delevan; loving aunt of Suzann (James) Edwards, David (Sheri) Bernard, Doreen (Jerry) Schurr and Ann (Tim) Thompson and great-nieces and nephews; cousin of Dorothy (Ronald) Remollino; sister-in-law of Edward (Virginia) Walentynowicz, Lorraine (late Maryan) Budzilo and Carol (Raymond) Sierzchula.

Roy M. Helf Jr., 77 of Williamsville, former Island resident, co-owner of local automobile dealerships, died Sunday, March 5, 2006 of complications from surgery in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Amherst. He was 77. Known as "Bus," Mr. Helf was born in the City of Tonawanda and graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1946. During the Korean War, he served in Japan with the Air Force. For more than 50 years, Mr. Helf worked in automobile sales and service. At the time of his death, he co-owned Keyser Cadillac in Amherst and Keyser Buick in the City of Tonawanda. He also had lived in Grand Island, City of Tonawanda and Amherst. Mr. Helf was a member of First Presbyterian Church in the City of Tonawanda, the Buffalo Launch Club and Tonawandas Post 264, American Legion. He also served as president of the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association Wholesale Distributors. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, the former Dorothy A. Doebler of Williamsville; a daughter, Linda A. (Steven) Levine of Redhook; a son, Randy M. (Lisa) of Grand Island; a sister, Mary Louise (late Dr. Elwyn) Warner of the City of Tonawanda; and five grandchildren, Stacey, and Matthew Helf, and Sam, Eddy and Grace Levine. He was the son of the late Roy M. Sr. and Irene (Hempel) Helf. Friends may call Wednesday only from 6-9 PM at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad Sts) in the City of Tonawanda. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in First Presbyterian Church, 149 Broad St., City of Tonawanda. Burial will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. Memorials may be made to the Kidney Fund or the the American Cancer Society.

James L. Olmstead, 89, Friday, March 3, 2006 in Williamsville View Nursing Home home after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. A resident of Amherst, he was the beloved husband of E. Jean (Gipp); dear father of James M. (Elizabeth) of Grand Island, N.Y.; Thomas S. (Barbara) of Seattle; and Eloise J. Hawkes of Raleigh, N.C.; grandmother of Sheila Daminski (Gerald), John Summers (Mary Beth), Thomas Olmstead (Christy), Matthew Olmstead (Krissi), Sarah Hardman (Nicholas), Derek Hawkes (Melanie Proctor), Alison Hawkes (Tony Bak) and Kyle Hawkes; also survived by 12 great-grandchildren; brother of Dorothy Nassar of North Hollywood, Calif.; Margaret Jones of Fullerton, Calif.; predeceased by four brothers and one sister; special friend of Tony and Anne Davies. No prior visitation. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Sunday, March 5, 2006 at 2 p.m at The DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Burial will be in Forest Lawn. On-line tributes may be sent to www.mem.com. Mr. Olmstead was born in Bovina Center and attended Hartwick College for three years, then received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Buffalo. He also earned a master's in business administration from UB. He worked for 41 years at Hooker Chemical Corp. in Niagara Falls. He began his career as a research chemist and retired in 1981 as manager of the market research department of the industrial chemical division. He was the co-inventor of two patented processes assigned to Hooker in 1959, one dealing with fire-retardant Hetron polyester resins and the other covering a process for the recovery and manufacture of chlorine-containing carboxylic anhydrides. He was listed in the 1975 Who's Who in Finance and Industry. He also received recognition for contributing to the Manhattan Project. Mr. Olmstead moved to Greensboro, N.C., after his retirement but moved to Grand Island in 2002 and then to Amberleigh in Amherst in 2004. He was a member of the First Friends Quaker Meeting in Greensboro. He also was a member of Kiwanis International. He was a master gardener in North Carolina and enjoyed golf.


Pfc. Benjamin C. Schuster, USA, 21, of Grand Island, NY, was killed Saturday, February 25, 2006 while serving with Company C, 876th Engineers B, 2nd Marine Division, AR, in Ramadie, Iraq. He was born on November 8, 1984, in Hudson, NY, the son of Phyllis Schuster of Williamsville, NY and Rick (Fran) Davis of Grand Island, NY. He moved to Amherst, NY, as a child where he attended local schools and later moved to Grand Island, where he attended the Grand Island High School. He was employed as a cable technician for White Mountain Cable, Buffalo, NY, prior to leaving for Iraq. He was the brother of Andrew (Shandelle) Davis of Williamsville; Nathan Kampas and Alex Kampas, both of North Carolina; Chelsea Simanovich of North Carolina; Krista (Mark) Ziegler of Sanborn, NY; and Elaine (Jeffery) Laskowski of Tonawanda. He was the grandson of Mary Leggio of Buffalo and Michael Amatuzio of Wheatfield; also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will be present at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Sanborn, (731-9350), 5893 Hoover Road, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, 2006. Full Military Honors and funeral services will be held Monday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Ward Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard, with Rev. Paul Doellinger officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Jammie's of GI's, Cheryl Letsch, founder, 65 Harriott Street, Tonawanda, NY 14150.


Charles R. Cole, 74, of Grand Island, died suddenly March 1, 2006 in North Carolina with family and friends at his bedside. Born in the City of Tonawanda, he attended Tonawanda High School, served in the Army in Korea during the Korean War, and was retired from Spaulding Fiber after 43 years. He was currently employed as a custodian at Trinity United Methodist Church. His life was devoted to his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, the former Anita Ricketts; four children: David (Adele) of Grand Island, NY; Cindy (Steven) Gardell of Boston, Massachusetts; Linda (Phillip) Jerzak of Raleigh, NC; and Daniel (Georgia) of Smithfield, NC; and one sister, Bernice A. Cole of Tonawanda, NY. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Michael, Deanna, and David C. Cole; Elizabeth and Eric Gardell; Christopher and Katelyn Jerzak; and Emily, Chandler and Elana Cole. Friends may call Monday, March 6th and Tuesday, March 7, 2006 from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. at Kaiser Funeral Home, Grand Island, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8th at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society of WNY, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Julia I. (Kayter) Besch, February 27, 2006. Formerly of Grand Island. Wife of the late John Besch; mother of John (Kathy) Besch, Barbara (Larry) Hadaway and Muriel Anderson; grandmother of Michele Garrison and Bill Davey; also survived by four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Friday, March 3, 2006 at 10 a.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY.

Constance M. “Connie” (Manuse) Teresi, 53, of the Town of Tonawanda, NY, former Grand Island resident, entered into rest Friday, February 17, 2006 after suffering from pancreatic cancer in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga. Born Constance Manuse in Niagara Falls on August 8, 1952, she attended Grand Island schools and graduated from Madonna High School in Niagara Falls. She also attended Niagara County Community College for two years. She was the beloved wife of Salvatore J. Teresi, Sr.; devoted mother of Kimberly M. (Troy) Dunn of Lockport, Rachelle A. of the Town of Tonawanda and Salvatore J. Teresi, Jr. of South Buffalo; cherished grandmother of T.J., Chelsea, Gianna and Salvatore III; loving daughter of Anne M. (nee Giambattista) Manuse of Grand Island and the late Joseph J. Manuse; dear sister of Joanne M. (Henry) Cinti of East Amherst, Marilyn J. Claydon of Bloomington, Ill. and the late Virginia Ann Manuse; also survived by relatives and many friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Dr. on Sunday, February 19 from 7-9 p.m. and Monday, February 20, 2006 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Stephens Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island on Tuesday morning, February 21 at 10 o'clock. (Please assemble at Church.) Interment St. Stephen's Cemetery. Mrs. Teresi worked in human resources for Cannon Design for 16 years before becoming a traffic controller at Sihi Pumps on Grand Island, where she worked for the last 10 years. She was a member of the Nickel City Roadrunners and a former officer and longtime member of the Buffalo Erie Marathon Association and helped organize the Buffalo Marathon. She also was an active volunteer for many other causes. She enjoyed watercolor painting, traveling and participating in craft shows.

Josephine M. (Gagliano) Grisanti, formerly of Grand Island, NY, February 16, 2006; beloved wife of the late Salvatore 'Larry' Grisanti; dear mother of Lawrence (Mary O'Shei) Grisanti and Michael (Brenda Webster) Grisanti; grandmother of Jacqueline, Michael and William Grisanti, Cara and Bobbilynn Webster; great-grandmother of Angelina Grisanti; sister of Nancy (Don) Nachtrieb, Mary Trinci and Kathleen Zediker; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the GRECO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2909 Elmwood Ave., (near Sheridan Dr.), where funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude's Childrens' Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 appreciated.

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   Kathryn E. "Betty" O'Dea-Carr died Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at the age of 85. She was born February 14, 1920 in Buffalo, NY. She and her husband, the late Edward D. O'Dea lived on the Island for 35+ years. She not only made a home for her husband and children but was an active member of St. Stephen's Parish and the larger community. Many will remember her as a catechism teacher, Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, China painter, crafter, ceramist, hostess, avid worker wherever she was needed. She will be greatly missed by her children by birth and marriage: Martin of Phoenix; James and Christine of Grand Island and Rotunda West, FL; Michael and Carol of Carmel, Ind.; Patrick of Englewood Fl.; Mary Jo and Pete Beyer of Englewood, Fl.; and Kathy and Kurt Donath of LaFayette, NY. Marrying former G.I. resident Francis Carr at the age of 77, she also added Carol and Tom Fox of Hickory, N.C. and Debra and Chuck Rice of Grand Island to her family. Her 23 grandchildren and six step grandchildren will remember her with great love and affection as a gutsy lady who knew how to serve others and have fun. Living to know 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild pleased her to no end.
   She resided in Englewood and Venice Florida for the last 25 years; all who knew her were impressed by her love and generous spirit. Funeral Services were held in Englewood on February 11, 2006. Burial will be held at St. Stephen's Church on July 1, 2006 with a memorial service to follow.

A memorial service for Graham Harris, a former Grand Island and Buffalo, NY resident and retired director of sales and marketing for the Massachusetts Port Authority, was held January 12, 2006 in Sebring, Florida. Mr. Harris, a native of Bath, England, died January 7, 2006 at his home in Sebring after a long illness. He was 78. He served briefly in the British Royal Air Force before moving to Canada, where he lived for 11 years before coming to the United States. He received a degree in marketing from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Harris worked for several airlines, including Braniff, Eastern and PanAmerican, in Buffalo, NY. He moved to Grand Island, NY in 1959 with his late wife, Lila (Lee) Howe Harris who died in 1989, and lived in the area until 1997. Mr. Harris flew between Buffalo and Boston daily while working for the Port Authority from 1970 until retiring in 1984. He also flew 11 trips on the Concorde jet between the United States and London. Mr. Harris was a member of the Buffalo SKAL Club, Buffalo Octagon Association and Buffalo Interline Club. He had been an avid golfer and bicyclist and was past president of the Buffalo/Niagara SKAL Club, an international travel organization. Survivors include his wife, the former Devra E. Clint; two daughters, Dawn R. Harris of Buffalo and Kim M. Staub of Grand Island; a sister, Marian Trickey of Chippenham, England; and two grandchildren.

Phyllis “Max” Schmidt, a Grand Island resident for 50 years, passed away on February 6, 2006 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston. She was the sister of Audrey (the late Dr. Glenn) Downey of Fort Meyers, Florida and the late Ronald and Midge Schmidt; aunt of Bonnie (Gerald) Rowe Peet of Grand Island, Vickie (Al) Tuttle of Rochester and many other nieces and nephews. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church where memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2006. Interment was in White Chapel Memorial Park, Amherst. Phyllis was an avid bowler and played volleyball and softball with the Grand Island Recreation Department for many years. She also enjoyed golfing and swimming. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

Norma M. Somer, 86, a former real estate agent, died Tuesday, February 8, 2006 in Sisters Hospital after a short illness. Born Norma Maxwell in Buffalo, she graduated from West Seneca High School. She was a longtime resident of Grand Island before moving to Lake Worth, Florida in 1989. She moved to the Weinberg Campus, Getzville, in 2003. Mrs. Somer operated Norma M. Somer Real Estate on Grand Island for 20 years, retiring in 1998. She was a longtime member and former president of the Grand Island Republican Committee. Her husband, Michael N., died in 1988. Norma was the mother of Christine M. Weaver and Michael N. Somer both of Grand Island and the late Suzanne S. Dawson; grandmother of Jennifer and Michael Weaver, Nicholas and Matthew Dawson; predeceased by three sisters and one brother, friends may call Friday, February 10, 2006 only, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, flowers gratefully declined, memorials may be made to St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.

Patricia R. (Pullano) Godzisz,, 79, February 5, 2006 of Grand Island, after a lengthy and debilitating battle with rheumatoid arthritis and related complications. Wife of the late Joseph Godzisz; mother of Steven (Katrina) of Elkhart, IN and Maria Godzisz of Lexington, NC; grandmother of Jeffrey, Mallory, Meaghan and Matthew Godzisz; sister of the late Anthony Pullano and Juliet Zack; sister-in-law of Arlene Pullano Smiedala. She was the daughter of Antonio Pullano and Mary (Whelan) Pullano. Friends may call Wednesday, February 8, 2006 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 9th at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Arthritis Foundation of WNY or a charity of your choice. A native of Niagara Falls and a 1944 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Pat was formerly employed as a secretary at the former Bell Aircraft Company. She was an avid bridge player, and before illness crippled her hands, she was an accomplished skier, water skiing as a member of the Neptune Ski Club and still able to winter ski at the age of 60. Pat was very dedicated to her family and that was her greatest joy.

Virginia Irene Bobo, February 2, 2006. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 8 at the H. ALFRED LEWIS MORTUARY, INC., 968 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo where a funeral service will follow at 12 noon. Flowers gratefully declined. Interment will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY. Donations may be sent to Literacy Volunteers, 1313 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14209.
   Virginia, a descendent of the Williams family who settled on Grand Island, N.Y. in the mid 1800s, was born January 1,1933 in Buffalo, New York to the late Virginius (Virgil) J. Allen and the late Irene M. (Williams) Allen. She attended Buffalo schools, earned a degree in Library Science from Villa Maria College and worked for the Buffalo Board of Education.
   She was predeceased by her husband, Cullen Hughtea Bobo, and brothers, George V. and Richard Allen. She is survived by her children, Cullen L. Bobo and Karen M. (Walter) Burns of Orlando, Florida; Jacqueline I. Bobo, Allen S. Bobo of Rochester, NY; and stepdaughter, Christine N. (Bobo) Thrun of Murrieta, California. Virginia is also survived by her brother, Donald J. Allen of Alpharetta, Georgia; a sister-in-law Ethel L. Bobo; 13 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
   Virginia, in poor health, had been living on the Fix Road property of her descendants during the year preceding her death.

Edward J. Lang, a retired chemist, died Tuesday, January 31, 2006 in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Cheektowaga after a two-year battle with malignant mesothelioma. He was 89. The Buffalo native had lived on Grand Island for 58 years. He graduated from Bennett High School and earned bachelor of science and master's degrees in organic chemistry from Canisius College. As a civilian employee of the Air Force, he taught crew chiefs and engineering officials at Yale University during World War II. After the war, he worked as a research scientist for Niagara Alkaline, which was later bought by Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp. He was honored with a "Project of the Month Award" in 1975 and received multiple division manager awards. Mr. Lang enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in operating tractors and chain saws on the 42-acre property where he personally built his house in 1960. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, the former Ilona H. Tarjanyi; and a daughter, Catherine A. (James E.) Driscoll of Grand Island. Also survived by grandchildren, Donald P. O'Connor of Buffalo and Timothy Sean O'Connor of Pocono Park, PA; and three great-grandchildren. The son of the late John and Teresa Lang; brother of the late Robert A. Lang. , he is also the father of the late Ilona B. O'Connor and Theresa E. Lang. Friends may call Thursday, February 2, only 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2006 in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Helen Endres, a retired Kenmore Mercy Hospital administrator, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006 of pneumonia in McAuley Residence, Town of Tonawanda. She was 90. Born Helen Kopec in Buffalo, she graduated from Riverside High School. She later lived in Amherst and on Grand Island. Mrs. Enders retired from Kenmore Mercy in the mid-1970s. Her husband, Frank R., died in 1979. Surviving are a son, Eugene of the Villages, Florida; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2006 in St. Stephen Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

John R. Rogers, an artist and art educator, died unexpectedly Monday, January 23, 2006 in his Grand Island home. He was 72. The Buffalo native graduated from Kenmore High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in art education from Buffalo State College and a master's of fine arts from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mr. Rogers served in the Army in the mid-1950s, stationed in El Paso, Texas. He was an associate professor of art education at Buffalo State College and chairman of the Art Education Department for several years, retiring in 1991. Mr. Rogers was former president of the New York State Art Teachers Association and editor for several years of its professional journal. The association named him Art Educator of the Year in 1988. He also consulted with numerous agencies, including the state Education Department. An avid gardener, Mr. Rogers was a member of the WNY Iris Society of Buffalo and the Erie County Botanical Society, where he served as president of the WNY Chapter of the American Ivy Society. He was a judge in the Buffalo in Bloom competition. Mr. Rogers had been a guest demonstrator for the Carborundum Museum of Ceramics, was a member of the Grand Island Architectural Review Board and the WNY Institute for the Arts in Education's council. He was a former director of Carnegie Art Center, North Tonawanda, served on the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society's board and exhibited his paints with that group and at the Members Gallery of Albright-Knox Art Gallery. His wife of 46 years, the former Dolores E. Socci, died in 2002. Survivors include a daughter, Kaye O'Leary of Edina, Minn.; a son, Alan of Bear, Del.; and six grandchildren. A reception will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.

Louise Truitt, January 24, 2006 of Grand Island, NY; wife of Charles W. Truitt; mother of Charles W., Jr., Regina and Donald (Sue) Truitt; also survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

Dennis F. Wilk, January 19, 2006 of Grand Island. A memorial Mass for Dennis F. Wilk, executive vice president of Ronco Communications, will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island. Mr. Wilk died last Thursday in his Grand Island home following a six-week battle with cholangeocarcinoma. He was 53. Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Kenmore West High School, Erie Community College and the University at Buffalo, where he earned the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Mr. Wilk worked for the Wurlitzer Co. of Chicago as a field engineer until the company closed its manufacturing and operations. He was a strategic account manager for Siemens Energy and Automation for 18 years, frequently traveling to Atlanta, Toronto and Germany. Most recently, Mr. Wilk was executive vice president of sales and marketing for Ronco Communications. His hobbies included classic car restoration and playing electric guitar with many of his friends in various garage bands. He started playing when he was a teenager, and played in a band through November. His family and friends remembered him as a man who always stood up for his principles. Survivors include his wife, the former Julie Anne Hughes; three sons, Michael, Stephen and Adam, all of Grand Island; and two brothers, James (Lisa) and David (fiancee Cindy) Wilk, both of San Diego. He was the son of the late Joseph and Alfreda Wilk; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, January 27, 2006 only 3-6 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.

Former Grand Island resident Roy Hawkes, who ran a Grand Island employment agency, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in Bishops Glen nursing facility, Holly Hill, Florida, after a brief illness. He was 91. Mr. Hawkes, of Holly Hill, was born in Buffalo. He grew up in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He retired as director of purchases for Harper Electric Furnace Co. in Buffalo. Afterward, he operated Hawkes Prestige Employment Agency for 10 years on Grand Island, retiring in the late 1980s. He left the area around 1989 for Florida. Mr. Hawkes was a member of the Island Theater Group, Grand Island Lions Club, the Purchasing Association of Western New York and the Masonic Lodge of Niagara Falls. As he neared death, he often told family that he wanted to be remembered by the quote, "Shed a tear, then, with fun, joy and laughter, our past revere." Survivors include a daughter, Karen Kirk of Rhinebeck; two sons, Doug of Flagler Beach, Florida, and Craig of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services are private.

John Stickl , January 19, 2006, of Grand Island; husband of Kathi (Eichel) Stickl; father of Kathi (Helmut) Stinner, Martha (Nikolaus) Jaeger Gottschling and John W. (Kem) Stickl; grandfather of Steven Stinner, Lisa Wozniak, Paulette Wolski, Michael and Stephen Gottschling, Johnny, Jaimie, Jessica and Jordan Stickl; also survived by six great-grandchildren; brother of Kathy Doerner and the late Peter (survived by wife Elisabeth) and Adam Stickl. Friends may call Monday, January 23, 2006 only 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Bethany Mission, c/o Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072 where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM.


Shirley G. Schultz of Grand Island, a horse trainer and the first president of the Grand Island Parent-Teacher Association, died Saturday at home after a long illness. She was 82. Born Shirley Rohde in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Riverside High School and spent most of her life on Grand Island. Mrs. Schultz worked for many years as the business manager of the family business, Schultz Appliance Service. Her involvement in the start of the Grand Island PTA earned her a life membership. Along with her family, she owned and operated White Oak Farm on Grand Island, where she raised, trained and showed Arabian horses. Her horses earned three national Top 10 rankings and numerous regional championships. A member of the Women's Republican Club and the Grand Island Republican Party, Mrs. Schultz also was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, the Bridgehoppers and the Niagara-Genesee Airstream Group. Her husband, Paul F., died in 1992. She is survived by four daughters, Sally (Norman) Brandon of Clinton, Tenn., Suzanne (James) MacKay of Amsterdam and Rebecca (Keith) Everett and Mary Beth (Jeffrey) Smith, both of Grand Island; two sons, William (Tracy) Schultz and Paul (Lynda) Schultz II, both of Grand Island; and numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Friends may call Tuesday, January 17, 2006 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Bible Fellowship Center, 1136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where the family will be present Wednesday, January 18 from 10-11 a.m. followed by Funeral Services at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery, Grand Island.

Polly Spivey, January 14, 2006, former Grand Island resident, of Apopka, Florida. Death notice and memorial service to be announced as they become available.

Former Grand Island resident Sandra E. Arsenault of Mount Plymouth, Florida, died Thursday, January 12, 2006 in Avante at Mount Dora nursing home, Mount Dora, Florida, after a long illness. She was 65. Born Sandra Cyphert in Clarion, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Western New York. She was a graduate of LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls. Mrs. Arsenault lived on Grand Island from 1979 to 1999, when she moved to Mount Plymouth. She was a retired retail sales manager. She ran a Mesmer Dairy on Grand Island and then served as assistant manager at Convenient Food Mart stores in Amherst. Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Gerald; a son, Scott of Sanford, Fla.; and a brother, Edward Cyphert of Ransomville. Services were held Saturday, January 14, 2006 in Florida. She was buried Tuesday, January 17th in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

Geraldine M. Pyzynski, January 17, 2006, of Grand Island; wife of Frank Pyzynski; mother of Debora, Mark and Michael Pyzynski; also survived by three sisters; daughter of the late John and Ann Witt; daughter-in-law of the late Ann and Frank Pyzynski Sr.; sister-in-law of Dave (Chris) Pyzynski. Friends may call Thursday only 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday, January 20, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to The Dialysis Center, 3801 Taylor Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127 Attn: Madelyn Hoffman.

Raymond J. Tutton , a retired professional chef, died January 6, 2006 in a Brandon, Florida hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 60. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Tutton was a graduate of Emerson Vocational High School and Culinary Arts Institute of Connecticut. He was a teacher for Orleans-Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services and was the head chef of Richard Ray's restaurant. Mr. Tutton served as president of the Professional Chefs Association of Western New York and was named the organization's former "Chef of the Year." He had lived in Buffalo and Grand Island before moving to Florida in 1996. Survivors include his longtime companion, Richard Czerwik of Riverview, Florida; two sisters, Patricia Kaczor of Lancaster and Susan Loynes of Clarence; and a brother, Kenneth of Durango, Colorado. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Jean D. Lansberry, January 11, 2006. Mrs. Lansberry, a resident of Grand Island for 50 years, was born in Cathas, PA and formerly worked at Acme Markets on Grand Island. Wife of Harold O. Lansberry; mother of Pamelia (Benedict) Moraca, Brad (Catherine) Lansberry and the late Barry Lansberry; grandmother of Jennifer (Christopher) Newby, Bradley J. Lansberry and Brandon Moraca; sister of Bernard (Ellie) Koval and the late Hester Gropper, Andrew, Leonard and Jerry Koval. Friends may call Thursday, January 12, 2006 7-9 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 14 at 10 a.m. at Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arthur C. Ellsworth, 77, on Saturday, January 7, 2006, of Grand Island; husband of the late Lauraine P. (Miller) Ellsworth; father of Laura (Dr. Alfred) DiStefano of Ft. Worth, TX, Nancy (late George) Perkovich, Vicki (Dale) Yoder of Grand Prairie, TX, Craig of Grand Prairie, TX and Scott Ellsworth; also survived by nine grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; grandfather of the late Matthew DiStefano; brother of Marg (Peter) Burns of Ottawa, Howie (Marg) of Vancouver and Fred (Kathy) Ellsworth of Toronto. Friends may call Thursday, January 12, 2006 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island where funeral services will be held Friday, January 13th at 11 a.m. Memorials to the Grand Island Fire Company, 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Mr. Ellsworth was a retired teacher at the Ken-Ton School System and was a member of the Grand Island Fire Company, and the Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge 1138 F&AM under whose direction Masonic Services will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Robert J. MacKenzie, former Grand Island, NY resident, went to the Lord and eternal peace on January 5, 2006 at the age of 78 years. He was born in Barre, VT on October 18, 1927, son of Alexander MacKenzie and Bessie Griffin. Devoted husband, father and grandfather. We do not mourn, we celebrate his new life with the Lord. The dear Lord has custody of one of the most brave, gracious, caring and loving persons he ever created. We know he is pleased to have him home. He will live with us who remain in this life; his wife of 48 years, Sylvia (Blanchet) of Penfield; his daughter, Jacqueline and her husband, Theodore Hahin of West Seneca, NY; his son, Timothy A. MacKenzie of Buffalo, NY and his daughter, Alison and her husband, John Weisbeck of Penfield; his grandchildren, MacKenzie and Kirsten Weisbeck, and Megan Hahin; his sister, Catherine Perreault of Barre, VT. He was predeceased by his sister, Eunice MacKenzie. He also leaves many relatives, nieces and nephews along with many dear friends who loved him dearly. All are invited to St. Jerome's Church in East Rochester where a Memorial Mass for Robert will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 11 a.m. (no prior calling). The family will hold a private burial service in Vermont at a later date. In accordance with his wishes, contributions may be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 704, Rochester, NY 14624 or St. Jerome's Church, 207 So. Garfield St., East Rochester, NY 14445. Arrangements by Harloff Funeral Home, East Rochester, New York 585-586-5948.

Ralph J. Rathman, formerly of Grand Island, of Wheatfield, January 6, 2006, beloved husband of Judith VanSice Rathman; dear father of John 'Jay' of Las Vegas, NV, Darlene (George) Knab of Cornelius, NC, Julie (Adam) Barrett; grandpa of Madelyn Knab; son-in-law of Margaret VanSice; brother of Roger (Phyllis), Kathleen (Joe) Armone, Karen (James) Stone, Karol Boyd, John (Donna) Rathman of Rancho Sana Margarita, CA; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2006. All are invited to a Funeral Service at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 7416 Campbell Blvd. at Tonawanda Creek Rd., North Tonawanda, Tuesday January 10, 2006 at 1 p.m. Please assemble at church. Memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses Assn. or The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc. are preferred.