Quantcast
Channel: The Buffalo News - Obituaries
Viewing all 2826 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Area Deaths

March 12, 2014, 9:44 pm
$
0
0
Joyce A. (Capone) Bascom, of Lancaster, died March 10.

Shirley (Dickinson) Beck, of Angola, died March 9.

Alexander M. “Alex” Billi, of Lackawanna, died March 10.

Patricia (Grabowski) “Patti G” Bizub, of Cheektowaga, died March 10.

Dr. Samuel Block, died March 10.

Michael J. Borowiak, 57, of Hamburg, died March 10.

Daniel D. “Homer” Bouman, died March 11.

Charlotte B. Bucko-Rosen, Chevrolet Delavan Plant retiree with 40 years of service, died March 10.

Frederick J. Bukata, 80, died March 5.

Elaine B. (Matucci) Candlena, 85, died March 9.

Pauline Chrysler, of the Tuscarora Nation, died March 10.

Kennth P. Ditcher, of Farnham, died March 9.

Ann E. (Evans) Driscoll, died March 11.

Anthony J. Ettipio, 85, Korean War Army veteran and founder of Queen City Vacuum of Buffalo, died March 10.

Michael S. Gatti, of Buffalo, died March 10.

Helen G. (Griffin) Hudson, died March 9.

Marilyn L. Hughes, 56, died March 8.

Shirley A. (Seitz) King, 89, died March 11.

Dr. Louis Kramer, 89, dentist, died March 11.

Tina M. (Ricotta) Lawson, of Buffalo, died March 11.

Joseph C. Matesic, of Lackawanna, died March 10.

Andrea (Georgeades) Migliore, died March 9.

Elizabeth J. (Morse) “Betty Jo” Nobles, of Depew, died March 10.

Elmer J. Ottney, 81, of Akron, died March 10.

Margaret M. (Brennan) “Peg” Petti, of Tonawanda, died March 10.

Shirley (Kenneth) Quick, of Hamburg, died March 9.

J.V. Rodgers, of Buffalo, died March 9.

Evelyn A. (Ashton) Ross/Rawls, died March 9.

Paula E. (Cullens) Sireika, of Lackawanna, Lackawanna Democratic Committee member, died March 10.

Norman J. Steinbruckner, 86, died March 11.
↧
Search

Samuel N. Block, 94, retired school administrator

March 12, 2014, 9:45 pm
$
0
0
Sept. 16, 1919 – March 10, 2014

Samuel Nathan Block, Ph.D, a retired school administrator, died Monday in Hospice Buffalo Inpatient Unit after a brief illness. He was 94.

He held a master’s degree from Canisius College, a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Buffalo and a post-doctoral master’s from Syracuse University.

Dr. Block had been a teacher of history and a principal in the Buffalo Public Schools. Later, he was a lecturer in social studies and education at Medaille College.

He was a past president of the Buffalo School Masters’ Association, thesis director for graduate students at Medaille, director of programs to train teacher aides at D’Youville College, a member of the Council for Administrative Leadership, editor of Journal of Supervisors and Administrators, a member of Cornell University’s statewide commission to study nutrition in the New York State schools, and a guest lecturer in education at State Teachers College.

Dr. Block held an honor certificate from Yale University for studies in African ethnology and history.

He received an American Educators’ medal and citation from the Freedom Foundation, Valley Forge, Pa., and received an honorary doctorate from Medaille.

Dr. Block had numerous articles published in such publications as American School Board Journal, Clearinghouse, Catholic School Journal, Quarterly Review of Higher Education Among Negroes, Administrators’ Journal of the New York State Administrators’ Association, the Principal and the Buffalo Courier-Express’ Sunday magazine section.

He received the Gold Cup Award from Hutchinson-Central Technical High School for Teacher of the Year in 1956.

Dr. Block was historian of the Buffalo Elementary Principals’ Association in 1965-66 and chairman of the Educational Research Committee of the New York State Association of Elementary School Principals from 1969 to 1972.

After his retirement, he was a home instructor for BOCES and the Williamsville Central School District.

He enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling and home improvement projects.

He was a member of Transportation Lodge 0842, F&AM.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lois Loonsk Block; a daughter, Jennifer Block; a son David Block; and two granddaughters.

A service will be at noon today in Mesnekoff Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst.
↧
↧

Area Deaths

March 13, 2014, 3:00 pm
$
0
0
Dorothy (Barry) Allaire, 88, of Erie, Pa., formerly of Buffalo, died March 6.

Jennie (Marranco) Budzinski-Field, 90, died March 10.

Anthony Canastraro, of Amherst, died March 11.

David Joseph Doran, 77, of Williamsville, died March 9.

Rose D. Fragale, 92, died March 8.

Frederick L. Frosch, of Lancaster, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran, Attica Corrections Officer, died March 12.

Arthaniel Gray, died March 8.

Loren “Larry” Haxton, died March 11.

Paul J. Held, 85, Korean War Army veteran, died March 12.

Jayne B. (Byroads) Jensen, of Angola, died March 11.

Carmen L. (Lugo) Matta, formerly of Buffalo, died March 10.

Lori (Thompson) McGuire, died March 11.

Minnie J. Montgomery, died March 6.

Karen (Keller) Mullen, of Cheektowaga, died March 9.

Donald F. Mulligan Jr., of Derby, died March 10.

Thaddeus C. Nowak, of Sloan, died March 11.

Stephen J. “Stevie” Pawlowski Jr., owner of Steve’s Auto Service, died March 7.

John F. Perna, of Tonawanda, died March 9.

Roland Powers Jr., 70, died March 10.

George C. Rapp, 84, formerly of Orchard Park, died March 8.

Alexander Rodriguez, 43, died March 9.

Joanne (Panebianco) Sabia, died March 10.

Ethel G. (Grupp) Shanahan, 90, died March 12.

Wilma B. Shepler, of North Tonawanda, died March 10.

Dorothy J. (Novak) Smyntek, of West Seneca, died March 11.

Steven A. Stevens, 59, of Lewiston, died March 10.

Cheryl L. (Wettlaufer) Sturgis, of West Seneca, died March 3.

Leo R. Sucharski, of Cheektowaga, died March 9.

Sandra M. (Jones) Taylor, of Buffalo, died March 11.

Irene T. (Lange) Trzeciak, formerly of Niagara Falls, accomplished artist, died March 11.
↧

Jean Langenegger Schultz, 4-H program leader

March 13, 2014, 4:59 pm
$
0
0
April 20, 1930 - Feb. 19, 2014

Jean Langenegger Schultz, formerly of East Aurora, a 4-H program leader, supporter of the Roycroft Chamber Music Festival and inventor of slice-and-bake cookie dough, died Feb. 19 in her sleep at a memory-care nursing facility in Tustin, Calif. She was 83.

After graduating as a food science major at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the former Jean Langenegger took her first job working in the research kitchen of the Oscar Mayer headquarters in the early 1950s. When the company was looking for another use for a machine that packaged liver sausage sandwich spread into tubes, she developed “icebox” cookie dough that could be sliced and then cooked.

Eventually, Oscar Mayer decided cookies did not align with the meat-making business, and it sold the idea and recipes to Pillsbury, which still sells ready-to-bake cookie dough in tubes, according to her husband, William.

The couple later moved from Wisconsin to East Aurora, where they raised three children, and Mrs. Schultz took a job as coordinator of the 4-H program at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

She also was a docent at the Millard Fillmore Presidential Home and the Roycroft Inn. She was the local president of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, which helps women further their education. She was a church organist and on the board of the Roycroft Chamber Music Festival. In her honor, a festival concert will be performed June 14 in St. Matthias Episcopal Church, East Aurora.

In 2008, the Schultzes moved to Southern California for the warmer weather. There, Mrs. Schultz was diagnosed with a form of dementia known as Lewy Body. After her husband learned about the disease, he now serves on a national panel – Lewy Body Dementia Association – devoted to creating awareness about the illness that has symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, William; two daughters, Janet Clenshaw and Laura Schultz; a son, Paul; a brother, Albert Langenegger; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. May 3 in St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 374 Main St.
↧

Dr. Robert Gingell, pediatric cardiologist

March 13, 2014, 5:29 pm
$
0
0
May 10, 1938 – March 11, 2014

Dr. Robert Loring Gingell, a pediatric cardiologist for 40 years in Buffalo and Jamestown, died unexpectedly Tuesday in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. He was 75.

Born in Roanoke, Va., he grew up in Silver Spring, Md., and earned a bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C.

Before graduating in 1964 from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, as a senior he was an ensign in the Navy Reserve Medical Corps and spent a summer in research at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Dr. Gingell did his internship at the University of Maryland Hospital, then entered the Navy as a lieutenant, serving for three years as a pediatrician at the hospital at the Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, Calif. There he played on the station’s basketball all-star team and was elected to the local school board.

Returning from service, he took a three-year residency in pediatrics at the University of Maryland Hospital, serving as chief resident during his third year and receiving the Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching. He then entered a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

From 1979 to 2000, Dr. Gingell served as director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. He computerized the lab and wrote its original computer program himself.

He also was in charge of the cardiac program for the Williams Syndrome Clinic and was an associate professor of pediatrics at the University at Buffalo.

He was principal investigator on several research projects, including one with his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth,” and authored many publications, book chapters and abstracts.

He also served as pediatric cardiologist at WCA Hospital in Jamestown for 26 years and practiced with Pediatric Cardiology Associates in Buffalo.

He painted watercolors and created annual Christmas cards for his friends and family. He also donated artwork for local fundraising events.

An Eggertsville resident, he had a summer home in Chautauqua and enjoyed sailing, golfing and following University of Maryland sports.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, the former Marjorie Towson; three daughters, Elizabeth Epstein, Loring McDonald and Robbin Zaleski; a brother, Dr. James Gingell; a sister, Elizabeth James; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton St. at Cayuga Road, Williamsville.
↧
↧

Helen G. Hudson, aided husband’s medical office

March 13, 2014, 6:54 pm
$
0
0
Dec. 12, 1922 – March 9, 2014

Helen G. Hudson, of Snyder, who assisted in her husband’s medical practice for more than 50 years, died Sunday at the Weinberg Campus, Getzville. She was 91.

Born Helen Griffin in Buffalo, she was a 1941 graduate of Holy Angels Academy. She attended business school and worked for Bell Aircraft during World War II.

After marrying Dr. Raymond A. Hudson, she worked as a volunteer, penning letters and teaching ceramics for wounded World War II soldiers while her husband was stationed at Valley Forge General Hospital.

Mrs. Hudson was bookkeeper for her husband’s medical offices in Buffalo and vice president of a family-owned business, Kistler-Hudson Dental Supply.

A member of Christ the King Catholic Church for 52 years, she served in its Altar and Rosary Society and led her daughters’ Girl Scout troops.

She served for many years with the Marillac Guild at Sisters Hospital and helped lead fundraising to establish the hospital’s mammography center.

A ballroom dance enthusiast, she and her husband were members of the Fifth Night Dance Group. She also enjoyed sewing, reading and vacationing every summer on Blackstone Lake near Parry Sound, Ont.

In addition to her husband of 67 years, survivors include three sons, Michael E., a judge on the State Court of Claims, John J. and Brian P.; three daughters, Sheila H. Miller, Moira H. McErlean and Eileen H. Wolmering; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday in Christ the King Church, 30 Lamarck Drive at Main Street, Snyder.
↧

Loren H. ‘Larry’ Haxton, businessman, veteran

March 13, 2014, 7:00 pm
$
0
0
Nov. 24, 1928 – March 11, 2014

Loren H. “Larry” Haxton, a businessman and former West Seneca Town Board member, died Tuesday in the Hospice Unit of Mercy Hospital. He was 85.

Born in Buffalo, he served in the Navy and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Buffalo while working to support his family.

He began his career at National Gypsum, then obtained a Midas Muffler franchise in 1964. He expanded the business to nine locations.

Mr. Haxton served on the West Seneca Town Board from 1968 to 1972 and was a president of the Young Republicans.

He was a trustee of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church for 25 years, headed the ushers and was an extraordinary minister. He received the St. Joseph the Worker Award from the Diocese of Buffalo.

He also served as town chairman for the March of Dimes, the Heart Fund and the United Way. He was active in Easter Seals and served as finance chairman for the Boy Scouts Cazenovia Division. He was a member of West Seneca Post 8113, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Carriagers Club.

Mr. Haxton also was a longtime youth hockey coach and referee and was a West Seneca Little Loop football coach.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, the former Joan Nagle; three daughters, Susan Lawkowski, Ann Caruana and Sondra Bridge; four sons, Charles, Loren III “Larry,” Michael and Thomas; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Queen of Heaven Church, 4220 Seneca St., West Seneca.
↧

John P. Schlant, project engineer, real estate agent

March 14, 2014, 4:25 pm
$
0
0
March 17, 1937 – March 12, 2014

John Patrick Schlant of the Town of Tonawanda, a project engineer, died Wednesday at home under Hospice care following a long battle with cancer.

Born in Buffalo on St. Patrick’s Day, Mr. Schlant was a graduate of Canisius High School and attended Canisius College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Detroit in 1960.

A project engineer for several area chemical and manufacturing companies, he worked in one facility that burned refuse from local municipalities to create steam used to generate electricity. His last job was at West Valley Development Project, where he was involved with the design of containers used in the transport of nuclear fuel rods.

Mr. Schlant was a part-time real estate agent from 1982 until shortly before is death. He was a dedicated runner, completing both the Skylon and New York City marathons in the 1980s. He was an avid golfer.

Mr. Schlant was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Kenmore, where he was a Eucharistic minister, a Catholic Youth Organization adviser, a member of the Holy Name Society, and very active in St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Mr. Schlant and his wife served as ushers for many years at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Kleinhans Music Hall and UB Center for the Arts.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Barbara Lindner; two sons, Mark and David; two daughters, Laura Zirnheld and Susan Mattina; and 10 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:15 a.m. Monday in St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 1525 Sheridan Drive, Kenmore.
↧
Search

Rev. George E. Walsh Jr., church founder, ironworker

March 14, 2014, 4:37 pm
$
0
0
Nov. 27, 1929 – March 8, 2014

The Rev. George E. Walsh Jr., visitation pastor at Full Gospel Tabernacle in Orchard Park, died Saturday under Hospice care at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. He was 84.

Born in Buffalo, he was a structural ironworker for Ironworkers Local 6 in Buffalo. He worked on the Buffalo Skyway and the second Grand Island Bridge in addition to many local buildings. After he retired as an ironworker in 1991, he earned a certificate from the Buffalo School of Bible and became a full-time pastor.

Mr. Walsh was well known at local hospitals and nursing homes as either the “smiling” pastor or the “pastor with the ties,” as he wore only Scripture ties that gave a message.

He and his wife, Gerri, were loyal members at The Tabernacle. The home Bible study group they attended saw the need for a church closer to the Northtowns that was similar to The Tabernacle. Mr. Walsh and his family, along with several members of other Bible groups, founded the sister church, New Covenant Tabernacle in the Tonawandas in 1980. Mr. Walsh established the visitation ministry at New Covenant Tabernacle. He and his wife served at New Covenant for 14 years before returning to their home church in Orchard Park in 1994, where he continued his visitation ministry. He retired due to illness at 84.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, the former M. Geraldine Lomas; a son, George III; a brother, William; a sister, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Kraus-Wagner; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 12 at Full Gospel Tabernacle, 3210 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park.
↧
↧

Area Deaths

March 14, 2014, 4:57 pm
$
0
0
Sheila W. Allen, 57, of Buffalo, a mortgage counselor at HSBC Bank, died March 12.

Ida A. (Annibali) Bonazelli, of Lancaster, died March 11.

Chester F. “Slippers” Chmurzynski, member of Teamsters Local 375, died March 12.

Betsey Cohen, 49, formerly of Snyder, journalist, died March 3.

Michael Patrick Fitzgerald, died March 11.

Anna M. Krashefski, 87, of Buffalo, retired cafeteria worker for Buffalo City Schools, died March 12.

Jacquelyn (Hopkins) Nichols, died March 10.

Lincoln P. Nutting, formerly of Grand Island, died March 11,

Betty Jane (Betts) Pawlak, retired from St. Joseph Hospital, died March 11.

Joanne (Panebianco) Sabia, died March 10.

Dorothy J. (Novak) Smyntek, of West Seneca, died March 11.

Robert J. Sumera Jr., died March 12.

Wilbert A. Wentland, died March 9.
↧

Jay W. Heckman, WWII veteran, insurance agent

March 15, 2014, 3:11 pm
$
0
0
Feb. 27, 1920 – March 8, 2014

Jay William Heckman, a World War II veteran and longtime insurance agent who was active in the community, died March 8 in Hyder Family Hospice House, Dover, N.H. He was 94.

Born in Reading, Pa., Mr. Heckman moved with his family to Detroit during the Depression, then lived in Buffalo for more than 70 years before moving to Durham, N.H., in 2012.

Mr. Heckman attended School 56 and was president of his graduating class at Lafayette High School. He was a member of Troop 11, Boy Scouts of America and Lafayette Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder.

An Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, Mr. Heckman was a chief warrant officer, serving four years in the South Pacific as an administrative officer and co-pilot in the 54th and 374th Troop Carrier Wings, transporting troops and cargo to forward operating positions. He was decorated with the Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with seven Battle Stars and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

For most of his career, Mr. Heckman worked in the insurance business, initially with Richard L. Wood & Co., then operating independently. He was instrumental in the founding of Carlton House nursing home in the late 1960s and ended his career in 2010, with Realty USA.

Mr. Heckman was director of Greater Buffalo Insurance Association, board chairman of the New York Heart Association and a member of Buffalo Rotary Club for more than 40 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy H. Blasberg and Pamela; a son, Jeffrey C.; a sister, Natalie Noonan; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held later this year.
↧

Charles J. Sabatino, Daemen College professor

March 15, 2014, 3:20 pm
$
0
0
Nov. 2, 1941 – March 13, 2014

Charles J. Sabatino, a popular Daemen College professor, prolific researcher and writer, and a dedicated marathon runner, died unexpectedly in his Amherst home Thursday evening. He was 72.

Mr. Sabatino, who was born in Meriden, Conn., was a graduate of Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Baltimore, a master’s degree in theology from Berkeley Divinity School of Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. He earned his doctorate in religious studies from the University of Chicago.

He married the former Carol Williams in New Haven, and they moved to Western New York when he accepted a teaching position at Niagara County Community College. He started in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Daemen in 1977. At Daemen, he was instrumental in the creation of the Service Learning program, which requires students to assist the community through volunteer work. He was the author of more than 30 articles that were published in professional journals, and also spoke at conferences.

On the college’s Facebook page, where news of Mr. Sabatino’s death was announced, current and former students and colleagues praised him as a dynamic and caring teacher.

Mr. Sabatino was the co-facilitator of a monthly Cancer Wellness Center support group held on the campus. Family members said that although he expected to be able to share insights into spirituality with cancer patents and their families, he found himself learning from them instead.

A lifelong advocate for those in the community mental health system, Mr. Sabatino worked to rehabilitate sex offenders and also taught inmates at Attica Prison for 36 years as part of the college program of the Consortium of the Niagara Frontier. Mr. Sabatino was a frequent contributor to The Buffalo News’ “Letters to the Editor” column; in his final letter, published Feb. 28, he supported college education for inmates. Mr. Sabatino wrote, “The truth of the matter is that most, perhaps all, will eventually be released from prison. It is best that we try to help those who are willing to come back to the community a better person. I know firsthand that the college program contributes to this possibility.”

“He was a real advocate for people who needed an advocate,” said his daughter-in-law, Kristi.

Mr. Sabatino took up running when he quit smoking at the age of 35, and completed about 45 marathons, including 13 Boston marathons. He was at mile 23 of the 2013 marathon when bombs exploded at the finish line; at the time of his death, he was training to run in Boston again this year.

Besides his wife, of Amherst, he is survived by two sons, Joshua and Jeffrey; three sisters, Pat Krystofolski, Carol Lindia and Anita Dievert; and two grandchildren.

The family will hold a private service, and plans to organize an annual road race in Mr. Sabatino’s memory to raise money for charity.
↧

David Lloyd Schad, decorated Vietnam veteran

March 15, 2014, 5:29 pm
$
0
0
Jan. 25, 1944 – March 6, 2014

David Lloyd Schad of Akron died Thursday after a battle with cancer due to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was 70.

Born in Akron, Mr. Schad was a decorated Army veteran, receiving two Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3180 and a 32-year member of LL Tillman American Legion Post 900. He worked for Northeast Caisson Inc. in Akron with more than 40 years of service.

Mr. Schad is survived by his wife, the former Carolyn Ann Miller; a son, David Lloyd Jr.; three stepchildren, Roberta Spoth, Kelly Sheehan Murray and CJ Webster; four grandchildren; and six step-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Akron, 7 Church St., Akron.
↧
↧

Paul G. Kies, 90, minister and steamfitter

March 16, 2014, 4:21 pm
$
0
0
Oct. 16, 1923 – March 14, 2014

Paul G. Kies, a World War II veteran, steamfitter and church minister, died Friday in ElderWood Village, Williamsville, after a brief illness. He was 90.

Mr. Kies was born in Mossingen, Germany, and moved to the United States with his family when he was 5. His family settled in Batavia, where his father started Kies & Company, a welding business that manufactured the first steel snowplow for the state.

Mr. Kies graduated from Batavia High School and was drafted into the Army in April 1942. During the war, he served in Tunisia, Sicily, central Italy, southern France and Germany. Wounded while fighting in France, he was awarded a Purple Heart. Because of his fluency in German, he also participated in a counterintelligence mission.

After the war, he married the former Edith Frieda Klein and first lived in Batavia but moved to Buffalo, where Mr. Kies worked as a steamfitter for several companies, including EJ Moran and Dyce Inc. He was a member of Local 22, Plumbers and Steamfitters.

Mr. Kies was an unpaid minister for 38 years for New Apostolic Church and served as pastor of a Town of Tonawanda congregation from 1958 to 1988. He also volunteered at Kevin Guest House.

His wife died in 1996, just before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include two daughters, Edith and Marlisa; a son, Paul; two sisters, Olga and Elizabeth; a brother, Ewald; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in New Apostolic Church, 314 Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga.
↧

//obituaries203.rssing.com/chan-13782213/article835-live.html

March 17, 2014, 1:36 pm
$
0
0
Marie A. (McGraw) Battaglia, of Niagara Falls, died March 16.

Gertrude (Matuszewski) Czubaj, died March 15.

D.J. Deuser, died March 16.

John “Jack” Erwin, 84, died March 15.

Rita L. (Galza) Folger, died March 16.

Ralph A. Franchini, died March 12.

Ronald Lee Franklin, 71, of Buffalo, died March 14.

Marjorie L. (Parks) Johnson, 92, of Blasdell, died March 13.

Frederick Freund, of Orchard Park, died March 14.

Zita M. (Sweeney) Hardman, died March 13.

Mary C. (Hassel) Kopec, 84, senior title searcher at Abstract and Title Insurance, died March 14,

Raymond A. Lombardo, of Buffalo, died March 16.

George H. Metelski, of Lackawanna, died March 16.

Deatrice Mitchell, 53, of Buffalo, administrative assistant at Catholic Charities, died March 10.

Edward Polanski, died March 16.

Shirley (Itzkowitz) Phillipson, 77, of the Town of Tonawanda, taught in the Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda school districts, died March 12.

Francis W. Schenck, of Lackawanna, Air Force veteran, died March 15.

Margaret A. (Horbett) Spano, 93, died March 14.

Norine M. (Swagler) Thibault, of West Seneca, died March 14.

Richard A. Toole, 84, died March 14.

Sherman C. Wallace Sr., of Gasport, died March 16.

John R. Zelli, of West Seneca, Korean War Navy veteran, died March 15.
↧
Search

Stanley H. Zagora, major figure in county politics

March 17, 2014, 4:00 pm
$
0
0
Sept. 25, 1924 – March 14, 2014

Stanley H. Zagora, a major figure in Erie County politics for more than two decades, died Friday after a brief stay in Beechwood Nursing Home, Getzville. He was 89.

Democrat Zagora presided as chairman of the Erie County Legislature in the early 1980s while organizing with the Republicans in a controversial move. But many of those who served with him in the Legislature, and before that on the Board of Supervisors, fondly recall those days.

“In my eyes, his word was his bond, and that meant a lot,” said George K. Arthur, a former Board of Supervisors colleague who went on to become president of the Buffalo Common Council.

Born and raised on the city’s Polish East Side, Mr. Zagora attended Hutchinson-Central High School until he was 16, dropping out to work full time for the family business – Modern Auto and Home Supply.

“He worked there from when he was 6 years old,” recalled his daughter Cynthia Bellavia. “They used to have him dusting the batteries.”

Later, Mr. Zagora sold advertising for the Polish Everybody’s Daily newspaper and dabbled in insurance before joining the city Law Department as a civil servant.

He spent most of his civil service career with the Buffalo Sewer Authority.

But Mr. Zagora will be best remembered as an elected official, first winning a term on the Board of Supervisors from the 10th Ward in 1965.

He then served in the new County Legislature, eventually becoming chairman of the Budget Committee, majority leader and chairman.

He was county personnel commissioner under then-County Executive Edward J. Rutkowski from 1982 to 1987.

Over the years, Mr. Zagora was also active in several parishes throughout the community, most recently as an usher at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Williamsville.

He was a member of the board of directors of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the Chopin Singing Society, the Professional and Businessman’s Association and St. Joseph Intercommunity Hospital.

He was also a board member of the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, Crisis Services, the Buffalo Area Council on Alcoholism, the Niagara Frontier Folk Art Council, the Polish Community Center and Blue Cross of WNY, among many others.

He traveled extensively during his retirement.

Mr. Zagora was married for 54 years to Grace Petti Zagora, who died in 2004.

Besides his daughter Cynthia Bellavia, he is survived by four other daughters, Marilyn, Beverly, Paula, and Janice Larson; a son, James; a brother, Robert; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in SS. Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main St., Williamsville.
↧

Dr. Marvin J. Herman, educational leader at ECC

March 17, 2014, 4:44 pm
$
0
0
Oct. 21, 1932 – March 16, 2014

Marvin J. Herman, an educational leader at Erie Community College for many years, died Sunday in East Stroudsburg, Pa., after a long battle with cancer. He was 81.

He was born in New York City and lived in the Buffalo area from 1974 to 2013.

Dr. Herman, of Orchard Park, graduated from Stuyvesant High School, New York University with a bachelor’s degree and Lausanne University with a medical degree.

He served as department head of allied health and full professor at Erie Community College, overseeing and directly involved in the teaching of more than 1,000 students.

In particular, his leadership of the dental laboratory technology program at ECC resulted in students who became dental lab owners, executives at health care technology companies, teachers, technicians and dentists.

The program has been recognized for many years with multiple awards and for its consistently high scores on the dental lab accreditation examinations.

He worked until 2013.

Dr. Herman directed and participated in the basketball leagues at ECC, an effort that brought together students, teachers and local athletes, including Buffalo Bills players, to play after hours with the man they affectionately referred to as “The Doc.”

He served for many years on the board of Temple Beth Zion, as well as on the board of the Ecumenical Council of Western New York.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Janice; two sons, Dr. Charles and Roger; a brother, Dr. Steven; and a sister, Yvette Horowitz.

A graveside service will be Wednesday in Monmouth Junction, N.J.
↧
↧

Margaret A. Spano, 93, co-owner of collision shops

March 17, 2014, 4:47 pm
$
0
0
March 7, 1921 – March 14, 2014

Margaret A. Spano, of Williamsville, died Friday in Buffalo General Medical Center after a short illness. She was 93.

Born Margaret A. Horbett in Buffalo, she was a graduate of South Park High School. She worked for Trico Products as an assembly line worker from 1970 to 1982.

Mrs. Spano and her late husband were owners and operators of Kar-Nu Collision Shop on Virginia Street for 15 years and later opened Amherst Collison Shop on Main Street in Williamsville in 1972. She continued to take care of bookkeeping duties until the late 1990s. The shop is run now by family members.

Mrs. Spano was a longtime member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Williamsville. She was an avid sewer and bingo player.

She enjoyed many fishing trips with her of 68 years, Frank A., who died in 2010.

Survivors include a daughter, Maryanne Schneegold; a brother, James Horbett; and four grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5480 Main St., Williamsville.
↧

Ralph A. Franchini, owner of valet parking ramp

March 17, 2014, 4:50 pm
$
0
0
Dec. 22, 1936 – March 12, 2014

Ralph A. Franchini of Williamsville, owner of a valet parking ramp in downtown Buffalo, died Wednesday in the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Cheektowaga, after a brief illness. He was 77.

Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Bennett High School.

He was employed at his father Leo’s Texaco station at Main and Summer streets as a young man. His father also purchased a Mobil gas station on Swan Street, which was an auto garage and parking ramp.

The Franchini family also owned Franchini’s Lounge and a dry cleaners on that same block. Ralph Franchini parked cars in the 1950s at the Mobil gas station, which was later renamed the New Swan Ramp Mobil gas station.

In 1962, after his father’s death, Mr. Franchini and his two brothers took over the ownership of the ramp until his retirement.

He prided himself on the fact that this was the only six-level valet parking ramp in downtown Buffalo, serving employees, sports fans and restaurant patrons for more than 40 years.

After retiring in the early 1990s, Mr. Franchini and his wife became co-owners of How-Dee’s Country Western Bar, a bar/restaurant and gift shop on Main Street in Clarence. At that time, How-Dee’s was the largest country western establishment in Western New York and a popular spot for country western bands and line dancing.

Throughout the years, he coached the St. Leo’s Catholic Youth Organization basketball team and Little League baseball. He also enjoyed playing recreational softball at Lincoln Park with his brothers.

An avid golfer, he was the Msgr. McMahon Classic Christ the King champion for 1999 and 2000.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, the former Dorothy Nasca; a son, Mark; a daughter, Michele; and two brothers, Leo and Frank.

A prayer service was held Monday in Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, Amherst.
↧

Area Deaths

March 17, 2014, 7:17 pm
$
0
0
Marie A. (McGraw) Battaglia, of Niagara Falls, died March 16.

Gertrude (Matuszewski) Czubaj, died March 15.

D.J. Deuser, died March 16.

John “Jack” Erwin, 84, died March 15.

Rita L. (Galza) Folger, died March 16.

Ralph A. Franchini, died March 12.

Ronald Lee Franklin, 71, of Buffalo, died March 14.

Marjorie L. (Parks) Johnson, 92, of Blasdell, died March 13.

Frederick Freund, of Orchard Park, died March 14.

Zita M. (Sweeney) Hardman, died March 13.

Mary C. (Hassel) Kopec, 84, senior title searcher at Abstract and Title Insurance, died March 14,

Raymond A. Lombardo, of Buffalo, died March 16.

George H. Metelski, of Lackawanna, died March 16.

Deatrice Mitchell, 53, of Buffalo, administrative assistant at Catholic Charities, died March 10.

Edward Polanski, died March 16.

Shirley (Itzkowitz) Phillipson, 77, of the Town of Tonawanda, taught in the Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda school districts, died March 12.

Francis W. Schenck, of Lackawanna, Air Force veteran, died March 15.

Margaret A. (Horbett) Spano, 93, died March 14.

Norine M. (Swagler) Thibault, of West Seneca, died March 14.

Richard A. Toole, 84, died March 14.

Sherman C. Wallace Sr., of Gasport, died March 16.

John R. Zelli, of West Seneca, Korean War Navy veteran, died March 15.
↧
Viewing all 2826 articles
Browse latest View live
Search