DEATHS - 2008

Previous Death Notices

Previous Death Notices

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    Peter Helbock , January 2008.

    Salvatore G. Capizzi, a former Allegany County district attorney, died Feb. 23 in Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was 92. Born in Wood, Pa., Mr. Capizzi attended Dickenson College in Carlisle, Pa., and Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo. He also attended both the University of Buffalo and Brooklyn law schools. During World War II, Mr. Capizzi served in the Army and fought in the African Theater. He began his law practice in Buffalo and lived on Grand Island, where he served as the town attorney and was president of the volunteer fire department. Mr. Capizzi was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Rotary Club for over 35 years. Mr. Capizzi moved his law practice to Fillmore in Allegany County in 1969. He often allowed his clients to barter for his services instead of paying cash. The last years of his legal career were spent as both an assistant district attorney and then district attorney for Allegany County. Mr. Capizzi became a gentleman farmer, who also enjoyed deer hunting until he turned 85. He enjoyed big band music and dancing with his wife at the Portageville Hotel. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, the former Jean E. Bassett; a son, Leonard L.; a sister, Teresa Gai; an adopted son, Russell; and an adopted daughter, Joyce Madonia. A memorial service is planned for a future date.

    Catherine (nee Bentivegna) Cipolla, 92 of Grand Island, NY on February 28, 2008. Wife of the late Joseph E. Cipolla; mother of Grace (Gene) Rulli of Niagara Falls, Michael (Barbara) Cipolla of Grand Island; grandmother of David (Christine) Rulli, Janine (Clark) Patrick, Lisa (Kevin) Kohnke, Kevin Cipolla, Brian Cipolla and late Vincent Rulli; also twelve great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins. Visitation Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 1-3 and 6-8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd., Niagara Falls where services begin Monday, March 3rd at 9:00 AM and at 10 AM in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd, Grand Island. Interment in St. Stephen's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to American Heart Association.


Click photo for larger view of Mrs. Thomas and her grandchildren.
   Bonnie L. Thomas, 62 of Kissimmee died in her home on February 15th, 2008. She was born on October 22nd, 1945 in Niagara Falls, New York to the late Joseph and Lois Vincent. Survived by husband, Gary Rothenberg of Kissimmee; son, Robb and wife Nylia Erickson of Orlando; daughter, Jodi Thomas of Winter Park; brother Bobby (Crow) and wife Loueen Vincent of Grand Island, NY; sister Connie Capatosto of Orlando; and two grand-daughters, Marina Erickson and Xoe Leach who were the loves of her life. She was preceded in death by brothers, Harry Vincent of Grand Island, NY; and Jimm Vincent of Orange Park, FL. A Memorial Reception will be held at Disney's Contemporary Resort on Saturday, February 23rd, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Fantasia III Room. The Family hopes to welcome all who loved her to Saturday's memorial, and is sincerely appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Bonnie's memory to The American Diabetes Association.


Leon D. Carr, with his girlfriend, Sarah Gurbacki
    Leon David Carr, February 19, 2008 of Grand Island; son of Susan (Bob Yetter) VanRooy and Gary J. (Mary W.) Carr; brother of Erin F. and Emily A. Carr; grandson of Robert F. and JoAnne P. Carr, John and Ann VanRooy; dear friend of Sarah Gurbacki; uncle of Cheyenne and Brett Carr; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 7-9 PM at Trinity UM Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 23 at 11 AM. Burial Ceremony will be held Friday, February 22 at 2 PM at Steamburg Cemetery, Steamburg, NY (for info and directions, "www.myspace.com/inmemoryofleoncarr" or inmemoryofleoncarr@gmail.com or call 909-1728).
    Leon D. Carr, 29, a chef at the Village Inn restaurant on Grand Island, passed away Tuesday (February 19, 2008) after a snowboarding accident in Ellicottville. He was much beloved by family, his many friends and the staff at the restaurant on Ferry Road, where he worked with his uncle, Michael Carr, the owner. Leon was born on July 28, 1978, in Arlington, Texas, at home. He is the son of Gary J. Carr (and Mary W.) of South Wales and Susan VanRooy of British Columbia, Canada. He was known by customers and staff not only for his creative and delicious soups and his beautiful preparation and presentation of entrees, but also for his gentle and upbeat disposition. “He never held a grudge,” said co-worker Sherri Robinson-Cooney. “He was very easy going. He was the best. ... He’s really going to be missed.” Carr had worked full time at the restaurant for about five years. Before that, he had done landscaping and had worked as a union tile setter. He graduated from Grand Island High School and earned an associate’s degree with honors at Erie Community College. Starting Monday morning, when word of the accident reached family and friends, the ICU waiting room was crowded with more than 50 people at a time, waiting to hear word on his condition and keeping vigil with his family. Carr’s friends — many in their 20s and many who had worked with him at the restaurant — shared stories and said prayers. His father, Gary Carr of South Wales, said many people came up to the family and said they were his oldest and best friends, a testament to his ability to touch people’s lives in a powerful way. Leon’s friend Chaz Bulera, also of Grand Island, agreed that Carr’s character drew people to him. “I just think that the things we’ll remember the most about Leon is about how much he cared for people and what he taught us about really being ourselves … really understanding what people have to offer. He just innately understood something like that,” “He was very lovable big, huge teddy bear, Bulera said. “He would do anything for you.” He said Carr had a remarkable positive quality. “It changed cynicism in people ... it made people who were happy even happier.” Leon loved spending time, year round, at his grandparents’ cabin in the Southern Tier. He loved the outdoors and was a fine woodsman. He was an expert skier and snowboarder, often organizing groups of friends to go to Holiday Valley. He also could often be seen biking or jogging on the Island. He loved the Sabres and the Bills, and recently enjoyed the Ice Bowl with his girlfriend, Sarah Gurbacki, also a Grand Island High School graduate. While there, she said he made a friend of a Penguins fan who was ready to fight for his team – literally. “Within seconds, he talked to him and they were hugging each other,” Gurbacki said. Carr had recently moved in to help his grandparents, Bob and Joanne Carr, of Grand Island, with their health problems. Growing up close to them, he had learned a lot of cooking tips from his grandmother, an excellent cook who was the original baker for the Village Inn, and a knowledge of the woods and of hunting from his “Grandpa Bob.” He also enjoyed his grandfather’s pancakes and would stop almost every morning to share breakfast with the two of them. His family said that in keeping with his generous spirit, his organs have been donated. Besides his parents, his stepmother, Mary W. Carr, his paternal grandparents, and his dear friend, Sarah, he is survived his brother, Erin F. (Amanda) Carr of the U.S. Marine Corps in California; a sister, Emily R. Carr of South Wales; his maternal grandparents, John and Ann VanRooy; his niece, Cheyenne, and nephew, Brett Carr, both of California; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Steamburg Cemetery, where graveside services will include prayers said in the Baha’i faith. For information and directions to Steamburg, visit the Web site myspace.com/inmemoryofleoncarr or inmemoryof leoncarr@gmail.com, or call 909-1728. A Talking Circle and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

    Nannette (Easton) "Nancy" Schmauss, February 19, 2008 of Grand Island; mother of Tami (Robert) Gormady and Gary Schmauss Jr.; grandmother of Jade and Ryan Gormady; sister of James (Carolyn) Easton, Ronald (Kathy) Easton and Debra Easton-Dawson; daughter of the late LaVerne and Margaret Easton; granddaughter of the late Frank and Dorothy Mather, Sam and Florence Easton. Private family services to be announced.

    Thomas L. Woods, Woodbourne, formerly of Grand Island and Niagara Falls, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at home. He was 76. The son of the late Edward and Catherine Higgins Woods, he was born on September 16, 1931 in Ithaca, New York. Tom was a chemical engineering honors graduate of Clarkson University; President of Industrial Welding Corp. and GIFCO and proudly served as president of the Niagara Club. He was the beloved husband of the late Theresa Casey Woods. He was a loving father to sons Christian, Keith, Kevin, Terrance and Daniel; a dear brother to Mary K. and the late Edward and Donald and brother-in-law, Sandy; fond brother-in-law to Ann and uncle to Barbara, Tina, and Margaret Kitt. "Tom, you will be missed for your humor and shenanigans. Buddy barks his good-bye." Visitation will be held this evening, Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Route 42, Woodbourne, NY. A burial of ashes will be held privately at the Calvary Cemetery in Ithaca, New York. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Tom's name to the American Cancer Society, 159 Green Street, Kingston, New York 12401 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the supervision of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further info, please visit our website at www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com or call 845-434-7363

    Deane (Arner) Long, D.C., 89, February 17, 2008 of Grand Island; wife of 67 years to the late Dr. Samuel D. Long, D.C.; mother of Lisa (Francis) Knowlton; also survived by one sister, one brother, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Thursday, February 21 from 4-7 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

    Edward M. Miller, February 15, 2008 of Lockport, formerly of Grand Island. Beloved husband of Debbie (Dinsmore) Miller; devoted father of Michele (Philip) Johengen, Kristin (Johnny Ben), Peter and Nicole Miller; loving grandfather of Jakob Johengen; son of the late Howard and Eileen Miller; loving brother of Kathleen (Charles) Ambrose, Barbara (Jeffrey) Townsend, James (Linda) Miller, Sharon Miller and Janice (Jeffrey) Hamm; also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Monday 7-9 PM and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross.

    Elizabeth (Haese) Werth, of Grand Island, NY passed away February 9, 2008. Wife of the late John W. Werth; mother of Lawrence (Judy) Werth, Margaret Tichy; and the late George Charles Werth; ; grandmother of Teresa Stimpson, Lawrence Werth, Jr., Scott Werth, Aurora Onorato, Kirk Daley, Kenneth, Gregory and Jennifer Netto; also survived by 12 great-grandchildren; daughter of the late Elizabeth and William O. Haese, Sr.; sister of the late William O. Haese, Jr.; sister-in-law of Donald (Lorraine) Werth; aunt of Joselyn Szfranski, Rebecca, Albert and William Keopke. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, February 17 at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Grand Island, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, February. Mrs. Werth was a founding member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, a teacher at the Grand Island Middle School for 25 years and volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital and Artpark.

    Hans F. Kipping M.D., suddenly February 1, 2008, a former Grand Island, NY resident, of Williamsville, NY. Husband of the late Rosemary Kipping (New); father of Susan Kipping-Attea, John (Nancy) and David Kipping; grandfather of Martin C., Randy G., Kevin A. and Michael J. Attea, Travis, Edward, Elizabeth, Christian and Kasey Kipping. The family will be present to receive friends Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5541 Main St. (at Cayuga Rd.), Williamsville. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 10 O'Clock in Williamsville United Methodist Church (5681 Main St., Williamsville). Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Dr. Hans F. Kipping Memorial, University of Buffalo Foundation, PO Box 1232, Buffalo, NY 14240 (School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences) to benefit the department of Dermatology.    See complete Buffalo News Obituary

    Helen Staley, February 11, 2008 of Grand Island, daughter of the late Martha and John Staley; beloved mother of Greg (Joyce) Yensan and the late Terry Lee (survived by wife Susan) Yensan Sr.; sister of Sally Anne (Robert) Dworak and the late Marion Rarick, Mildred Ehrhardt, Leona Brackett, Eileen Schapel, Virginia Hall, Robert and John Staley; grandmother of Terry Lee (Penny) Yensan, Tracy (Scott) Pufpaff, John (Kathy), Jason (Lisa), Jennifer and Kristina Yensan; great-grandmother of Amanda Albertsson, Sean and Steven Pufpaff, Elizabeth, Caitlyn and Taylor Yensan. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

    Mary (Graham) Zender Dumas, passed away February 11, 2008, while visiting family in Syracuse, NY; of Grand Island, born in Buffalo in 1920, graduated from Holy Angels High School and magna cum laude from Buffalo State. She was a teacher and administrator for over 30 years in the Kenmore School District. She married Joseph Zender, who died in 1983. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Leslie Dumas, her stepchildren Suzanne (Paul) Parrott, Andre (Renea) Dumas and Denise (Jerry) Cianfriglia, and six grandchildren, Randall Parrott, Renee Carolin, Robin Groninga, Jason Krohl, Tiffany Dumas and Ashley Cianfriglia; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Groninga, Alex Carolin and Ryleigh Isbell, and beloved nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday only, 4-7 PM, at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She loved playing bridge, boating, golfing, traveling and playing with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her wit and ability to make people smile.


Click photo for larger view that includes Mrs. Godfrey's husband, Ernest.
   Edith W. Godfrey, 92, Inverness, Florida, died Thursday, January 3, 2008 at Highland Terrace, Hernando, under the care of Hospice of Citrus County. The former Grand Island, New York resident was born November 17, 1915, in Fallstone, PA to Earl and Nellie Wright. She came to the Inverness, FL area in 1990 from Deerfield Beach. She was the owner and operator, along with her late husband of Bell's IGA Supermarket on Grand Isand and then another IGA store in Lewiston, NY for many years. Her interest in the grocery business staarted when as a child her maternal grandfather built her a little grocery store. From 1958-1968 she was employed as a laboratory technician for Roswell Park Center Hospital in Buffalo, NY. While living in Buffalo, she was a member of the Zonta Club. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness for the past 10 years and active in The Elizabeth Circle. She enjoyed playing bridge and golf. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Ernest Godfrey, Sept. 30, 2007; one grandson, Kevin Wiesinger, and one great grandson, Benjamin Wiesinger. Surviors include two daughters, Carole Wiesinger and husband, Richard of Saranac Lake, NY; and Constance "Connie" Millikan and husband, David, of Inverness; brother, James Godfrey and wife, Sally, of California; sister, Laura Krull and husband, George, of Sun City; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.


Click photo for larger view that includes Mr. Godfrey's wife, Edith.
   Ernest John Godfrey, 95, Inverness, Florida, died Sunday, September 30, 2007 at Hospice Care Unit at Citrus Memorial Health System, Inverness. The former Grand Island, New York resident was born on July 18, 1912 in Canada and came to the Inverness, FL area in 1990 from Deerfield Beach. Mr. Godfrey was the owner and operator of Bells I.G.A. Supermarkets on Grand Island and Lewiston, NY for 30 years. His enjoyments in life were playing golf, swimming, RV traveling and playing bridge. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. He was preceeded in death by one brother, Alfred Godfrey; one grandchild, Kevin Wiesinger; and one great grandchild, Benjamin Wiesinger. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Edith (Wright) Godfrey; two daughters, Carole Wiesinger and Constance "Connie" Millikan and husband, David, of Inverness; brother, James Godfrey and wife, Sally, of California; sister, Laura Krull and husband, George, of Sun City; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

    Dana Robertson Cadille, of Lake Worth, Florida, formerly of Grand Island, NY, passed away suddenly on Aug 5, 2007. Wife of Carl Cadille. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

   Thomas Joseph Grycel, 60, of Monrovia, CA, passed away January 14, 2008 due to a courageous, but very difficult fight with liver disease. Tommy was a beloved husband, grandfather, father, and son. Thomas Grycel was born on February 13, 1947 in Buffalo, NY. He lived with his family on Grand Island, NY until he was nine years old, and then moved with his family to Canoga Park, CA. He eventually moved to San Gabriel Valley. For the past 33 years, he has proudly resided in Monrovia, CA. He worked for IBM for 24 years. For the past 14 years, he has been co-owner with his wife, Suzanne, of a very successful business called Best Computer Movers. Tommy loved listening to jazz and blues music and was an accomplished musician having played bass fiddle for a number of jazz groups in southern California beginning when he was a college student. His passions included sailing, restoring classic cars, and watching football. He loved spending time and traveling with his family. One of his greatest attributes was his sense of humor; and he always made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. His death is a tremendous loss and he will be dearly missed. Tommy is survived by his father, Felix Grycel; wife, Suzanne Grycel; son, Sean Grycel; daughter, Erin Iler; grandson, Ethan Grycel; siblings, John Grycel, Robert Grycel, Kathy Farmer, Joanne Casey, Anne Marie Packer; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends and family members.The viewing and rosary will be at Douglass and Zook Mortuary, 600 E. Foothill Boulevard, Monrovia on January 21st at 6:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be at Immaculate Conception Church, 740 S. Shamrock, Monrovia on January 22nd at 10:00 a.m.

   Dorothy M. (Hiam) Howard, January 24, 2008 of Grand Island; wife of the late Oliver C. B. Howard; mother of Patricia (Donald) Bachert; grandmother of Sharon Bachert, David Bachert and the late Linda Bachert; great grandmother of Jamie (Kenny) Duncan and Tanya Bachert; sister of Richard (Phyllis) Hiam. Memorial service wil be held Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY.

   Nancy L. ( Berger) Saxbury, 48, of Grand Island, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Wife of Mickey J. Saxbury; mother of Jessica and Louie McIntyre, Nicole and Steven Saxbury; grandmother of Anthony Reitler; sister of Eric (Sue) and Dale (Lynn) Berger; aunt of Tori, Kyle, John and April; daughter of the late William and Doris Berger. Friends may call Saturday, February 2nd only from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where a brief prayer service will be held Saturday at 8:45 PM. Memorials to the S.P.C.A.

   Zygmunt A. Bieniulis, a 15-year resident of Grand Island, NY, passed away January 23, 2008. Born in Warsaw, Poland, he served in the Polish Military during WWII in support of the Allied Forces. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel as an electrical engineer for over 25 years. He was a naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, and was formerly very involved with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Bieniulis was very active at St. Stephen’s Church on Grand Island, where he served as a Lecture. He also did extensive research in anthropology and archeology for the Buffalo Museum of Science. He was the husband of the late Anne Bieniulis. Survivors include his children, Maria (Carmen) Laurendi of Grand Island, Mark (Sue) Bieniulis and Conrad Bieniulis, both of Golden, CO; 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Barbara Strynkiewicz and the brother-in-law of Maryna Kryzan. A private funeral mass will be held on Saturday.

   Raymond Zoldowski, 86, January 26, 2008, of Grand Island, husband of the late Fay Zoldowski; father of Kevin Michael (Sandy), of Billings MT and James (Robin) Zoldowski, of Niagara Falls; grandfather of Tyler, Taylor and Jessica; brother of Mel Saile; pre-deceased by nine brothers and sisters. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 9 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to SPCA Niagara, 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls 14304.

    Alice "Jan" Hill, January 23, 2008, of Grand Island; wife of the late Robert Hill; dear friend of Patrick Ryan; mother of Christine (Greg) Luthringer and John (Amy) Hill; also survived by seven grandchildren and four brothers. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined.

    William C. Gratto, January 24, 2008, of Grand Island; husband of Marilyn (Lake) Gratto; father of Sabrina Wagner, Lisa Gratto, Amy (Robert) McNaughton, Rebecca Gratto and the late William A. Gratto; also survived by six grandchildren; brother of Tim (Patricia), Tom (Linda), Larry Gratto and Wanda (Dave) Wheelock. Friends may call Sunday, January 27th 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 Monday, January 28th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport 14094.

    Kelly Rae Voltz of Grand Island, unexpectedly, January 23, 2008. Beloved daughter of Jeffrey J. and the late Teresa Regensdorfer Voltz; dear sister of Danielle, Kaitlin and Jason Voltz; granddaughter of Marybelle (late Les) Getting and Otto and Cathy Regensdorfer; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Saturday, January 26th and Sunday, January 27th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stephen's R.C. Church, 2100 Baseline Road, (near Whitehaven), Grand Island, Monday at 10:00 a.m. Please assemble at church. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery..

    Marilyn M. (nee Muetel) Bull, 52, of North Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Island, NY, January 18, 2008 in Hospice Buffalo after a lengthy illness. Marilyn was a former employee of Tuxedo Junction. She was the wife of the late Robert M. Bull, Jr. who died in 2007. Beloved mother of James (Lenee) Bull, Douglas Bull and Robert (Dana Martinelli) Bull all of North Tonawanda; grandmother of Jenna and Justin Bull; sister of Beth (Dave) Salt of Franklinville, NY, Grace (Butch) Henderson of Chandler, AZ and Barbara Olrogge of New Orleans, LA; aunt of several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Fretthold Funeral Home Inc. 1241 Oliver St. at Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 8 p.m. If so desired, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Guest register available at frettholdfuneralhome.com.

    Vera Marie Schram (1925 - 2008), former Grand Island resident, died on Sunday, January 20, 2008 in Grants Pass, OR. She was predeceased by her husband, Warren C. Schram and is survived by sons, Bryan (Carol) Schram of Grants Pass, Gary (Rosa) Schram of Monrovia, CA, and Ronald (Jane) of Valencia, CA. Also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

    Mathilde Siona Haussmann Nachbaur, 102, formerly of Grand Island, NY (1935-1969) died Saturday, December 29, 2007 in Wilmngton, Delaware. Predeceased by her husband George and great grandson Zachary Zarbo, "Hilde" is survived by her daughters, Trudy (Bob) Wendt of Brandywine, Pennsylvania and Elly (Tom) Zarbo of Grand Island; seven grandchildren, including Mark (Debbie) Zarbo of Grand Island; 12 great grandchildren; three sisters in Germany; and many nieces and nephews.

    Wolcott E. Drake, former Grand Island, NY resident, died January 13, 2008 in San Marcos, California at the home of his daughter. He is survived by his daughter, Tonya (Drake) Robins and son, Thomas Drake; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, the late Virginia M. (Gossett) Drake. Services will be held at the Clarence Church of Christ on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 11 a.m.

    Jerome "Jerry" J. Funk, 93, former Grand Island resident, died in Florida on Thursday, January 10, 2008. Survived by his wife of 62 years, Amelia; children, Terry of Grand Island; Tom (Liz) of Denver; Bob (Val) of Grand Island; Donna Schleuss of Freehold, NJ; Cindy Massa fo Port Orange, FL; and Debbie (Steve) Yoakum of Orlando, FL. Also survived by 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his son, David Funk, and by his grandson, Howard Funk. Funeral services were held at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home in Orange City, Florida. Burial in Deltona Memorial Gardens.

   Thomas Grycel, former Grand Island resident, passed away on January 14, 2008 in Monrovia, CA. Complete notice will be posted when available.

    Mary E. Ognibene, January 12, 2008 of Grand Island. Wife of Joseph R. Ognibene and the late Frank H. "Jerry" Heyden; mother of Michael (Heidi), Patrick, Timothy (Rose) and Matthew (Lora) Heyden; also survived by two grandchildren and one great-grandson; stepmother of Roxanne (Thomas) True and J. Randall (Carlin) Ognibene. Mrs. Ognibene was formerly a reporter for the Niagara Gazette for 20 years, retiring in 1982. Friends may call Sunday, January 13, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. and Monday, January 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to Niagara Hospice House.
   See complete Buffalo News Obituary


    Regina (Kruzicki) Gicewicz, of Grand Island, NY, entered into rest January 11, 2008; beloved wife of the late Sigmund J. Gicewicz; devoted mother of Marie Whitford, Nancy Gicewicz, and Amy (Cameron) Whitford; cherished grandmother of Brian, Sarah, and Elisabeth; loving daughter of the late Anthony and Stella (nee Kurek) Kruzicki; also survived by relatives and friends. No prior visitation. Private services. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME, Southtowns Chapel.

    Thomas E. Kuczynski, January 10, 2008 of Grand Island, NY; husband of Mary (Zahm) Kuczynski; father of Alan (Kim) Pearson, Lisa (Michael) Nice, Paul Pearson, Kenneth (late Rhonda) Pearson, Barbara (David) Gladden and the late Adrian (survived by wife Vera) Pearson and Sharon Kubik; also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; son of the late Marion and Thomas Kuczynski, Sr. Friends may call Monday, January 14 only 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at The KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral Services private.

    Eileen M. (Lennon) Sweeney, 74, January 8, 2008, of Grand Island, formerly of Hartsdale N.Y. Mother of Mary Louise Narvaez, John (Leila) Sweeney, Eileen Melgar and Melissa (Gary) Katz; survived by 13 grandchildren including Shawn, David, Jessica, Ashley, Thomas James and Allissa; sister of Maureen Henry; also survived by nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Friends may call Thursday, January 10 and Friday, January 11 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 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church.


   June Byron, born June 1, 1921 and a long-time resident of Grand Island, NY, entered into eternal life, January 7, 2008. June was the beloved wife of Richard “Dick” Byron, her husband of 60 years; mother of Richard (Gail) Byron and the late Patrick Byron; sister of Julia Pedlow; cherished grandmother of John, Terry and Lynette Byron, Michele Gast and Kelly (James) Petrie; great grandmother of Brianna and Camden Byron and dearest friend of Donna and Skip Oursler and John and Zdenka Gast. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. June dedicated her life to helping those in need, and will be remembered for her selflessness, unyielding faith, generosity, charitable outreach and for always cheering up her friends and family with special cards. Friends are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial mass Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's R.C. Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, followed by a luncheon at the Grand Island Fire Hall, 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Memorials may be made in June’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.




 2008 Death Notices
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Miss Cathy's Dance

FINANCIAL
Contour Financial Planning

FLORIST
Flower A Day

FUNERAL HOME
Kaiser Funeral Home

GARDEN CENTER
GI Garden Center

GIFTS
Magic Towel Holder

HEALTH & FITNESS
Curves
M.O.G.

HEATING & COOLING
AJ Beyer Mechanical
Gross Contracting
*coupon*

INSURANCE
Allstate Mastantuono Agency
Keller Insurance
State Farm - Bob Piatek

JEWELER
deSignet International

LAWYERS
William Costello
Mark Frentzel
Timothy Mordaunt
Michael Anthony Rossi

LEATHER GOODS
Creative Leather Concepts

LIQUOR
Aceti's Wine & Spirits
Rose Liquor

LONG-TERM CARE
INSURANCE
Aronica & Company

MOTEL/HOTEL
Chateau Motor Lodge
*coupon*
Holiday Inn Resort

NURSING HOME
Elderwood at Riverwood

PHYSICIANS
Island Pediatrics

POWER EQUIPMENT
Marston Power Equipment

REAL ESTATE
Century 11/Liz Wilbert
Century 11/Gerrie Andolina
M.J. Peterson-Joe Suppa
Metro Town Center
RE/MAX-Linda Kutzbach
RE/MAX-Ken Carter
Realty USA-Sherry McDonald
Park Place

RESTAURANTS
Beach House
John's Pizza & Subs
Justin Tyme On The River
*coupon*
McMahon's
*coupon*
Sandi's Family Restaurant
Town Cafe

SUPERMARKET
Top's
*weekly specials*
Wegmans

THEATRE
Riviera Theatre




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