Henk Haan, director of engineering

March 25, 2014, 3:13 pm

≫ Next: Patricia Ann Courtney, active in community, mother of former congresswoman

Aug. 26, 1948 – March 25,2014

Henk Haan, director of engineering at R.R. Donnelly R&D, died Tuesday at his home in Wheatfield after a long battle with cancer. He was 65.

A native of the Netherlands, Mr. Haan was a university graduate there and began his career in Amsterdam in October 1970. He served in the Dutch army and moved to the United States in 1993.

Before joining the R&D group in the U.S., Mr. Haan operated as a liaison between the Moore R&D facility and production plants in seven European countries.

During his 43-year career, he was awarded 29 patents for his mechanical engineering work within the specialized field of high-speed print processing and ink jet technology.

He was an accomplished engineer respected for his expertise and ability to solve highly complex problems. He had many varied interests and hobbies. As a young man in the Netherlands he was part of the National Super Bike racing circuit. He had a passion for cars, koi ponding, gardening, nature and world travel. He was a five- year member of the Amsterdam graphical school exam committee and present member of the LaSalle Sportsman Club.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, the former Patti Marcucci; three sisters, Margreetje Steensman, Annelies Haan and Marianne Haan; a brother, Remco Haan; two grandchildren; and his best friend and colleague, Philip Hart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Infant Jesus Shrine, 3452 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda.

↧

Patricia Ann Courtney, active in community, mother of former congresswoman

March 25, 2014, 3:16 pm

≫ Next: Marshall C. Hulse Jr., Moog senior technical writer

≪ Previous: Henk Haan, director of engineering

April 23, 1937 – March 22, 2014

Patricia Ann Courtney, a longtime active member of the Hamburg community and the mother of former Rep. Kathleen C. Hochul, died Saturday at her winter home in St. Petersburg, Fla. She suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was 76.

Mrs. Courtney was an active presence in the Hamburg area for decades, serving as a director, staff person or volunteer for countless organizations, including the Neighborhood Information Center, Haven House and the Hamburg Counseling Center.

In addition, she ran her own business, Expressions Floral & Gifts, for 15 years. And at age 70, she founded the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence, with her sister, Sharon Wroblewski.

She also was an active member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Hamburg, serving as vice chairwoman of its Parish Council and organizing day camps and food drives for the needy.

“She had had a profound influence on my decision to enter public service, following her example to help others and to leave the world a better place than we found it,” said Hochul, a Democrat who served in Congress from 2011 to 2013.

Mrs. Courtney also had a number of remarkable political experiences, meeting Bill and Hillary Clinton several times and dining with Vice President Biden – who called her after Hochul lost her 2012 re-election bid just to see how the politician’s mom was doing.

Born Patricia Rochford in Buffalo, she graduated from Medaille College.

In addition to her daughter and her husband, Jack, Mrs. Courtney is survived by four sons, Dennis, Michael, David and Paul; another daughter, Sheila Heinze; and her sister.

A funeral Mass will be offered at noon April 5 in SS. Peter & Paul Church, 68 E. Main St., Hamburg. “A Celebration of Pat’s Life” will follow between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Avanti Mansion, 4409 South Park Ave., Hamburg.

↧

Marshall C. Hulse Jr., Moog senior technical writer

March 25, 2014, 4:21 pm

≫ Next: Area Deaths

≪ Previous: Patricia Ann Courtney, active in community, mother of former congresswoman

Jan. 29, 1943 – March 21, 2014

Marshall C. Hulse Jr., of West Seneca, died Friday in Ridge View Manor Nursing Home after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease. He was 71.

Born in Lackawanna, he graduated from South Park High School in 1961 and earned a mechanical technology degree from Erie County Technical Institute, Amherst, in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970.

Mr. Hulse, a senior technical writer for Moog Aerospace Corp. in East Aurora, wrote overhaul and maintenance manuals for 33 years.

Involved in various space programs, he performed testing for F-15 Eagle aircraft, an American twin-engine tactical fighter. He retired in 2005.

Previously, Mr. Hulse worked as a technical writer for Carlton Controls in 1972 and Trico Corp. from 1965 to 1970.

He enjoyed cars and motorcycles, building a dune buggy in the early 1970s. His prized possession was a 1963 red Corvette.

Mr. Hulse was a member of the Moog softball team and earned several championship awards with the Moog bowling team. He was active in bocce lawn bowling leagues.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, the former Barbara Ann Nice; a daughter, Kimberly Allen; a son, Jeffrey; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today in Amigone Funeral Home, 6170 W. Quaker St., Orchard Park.

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Area Deaths

March 26, 2014, 3:30 pm

≫ Next: Sister George Marie Attea, 30-year teacher, aide

≪ Previous: Marshall C. Hulse Jr., Moog senior technical writer

Paul F. Bellet Jr., Army veteran, employed by Lehigh Valley and Conrail railroads for 48 years, died March 24.

Francis A. Buccella Sr., of Hamburg, WWII Navy veteran, died March 23.

Edwin Chudy, died March 24.

Jack W. Claxton III, of Buffalo, died March 25.

William J. Corrigan, of West Seneca, died March 25.

Charles David Deppa, died March 16.

John F. “Jack” Feist, Vietnam War Air Force veteran, died March 23.

Robert R. Finley Sr., 68, of Cheektowaga, died March 22.

Mary V. (Frazee) Found, 89, of Angola, taught adult education classes, substitute teacher, died March 24.

Dawn M. (Stanley) Fromwiller, 72, of Akron, died March 24.

Mary (Murphy) George, 74, died March 25.

Rita C. (Klimek) Glinski, died March 24.

Janet A. (Wilson) Harris, of West Seneca, died March 23.

Dorothy M. (Plueckhahn) Harty, 83, died March 19.

James E. Jarnot, 75, of Williamsville, formerly of Lancaster, worked for state Department of Transportation for 36 years, died March 24.

Robert C. Koch, died March 23.

William Krowinski, 96, of Ransomville, died March 24.

Paul F. Kulniszewski, 70, of Ransomville, died March 4.

Sarene A. (Bova) Manzella, of Kenmore, died March 24.

Sharon (Norwalk) Mavrakis, died March 24.

Martin W. Miller, died Aug. 8.

H. Joseph Mummery III, of Marilla, died March 24.

Nelson C. Perry, 62, of Delevan, died March 24.

Charles E. Piech, died March 24.

Richard J. Radl, of Alden, died March 22.

Donald Lee Roberts, 68, of Colden, formerly of Sloan, Air Force veteran, died March 24.

Elizabeth “Bette” Shaeffer, 91, of Aurora, died March 24.

Rosalie A. “Ro” (Finkbeiner) Sortino, died March 22.

Estella (Posey) Spencer, of Buffalo, died March 21.

Duncan E. Stewart, 63, died March 21.

Mary Stolzman, of Marilla, died March 11.

Donald R. Symack, of Cheektowaga, Army veteran, retired from Harrison Radiator, died March 25.

Scott Tellgren, 57, of Springville, died March 24.

Cornelia E. “Connie” Walmsley, of Lewiston, 84, died March 25.

Leona T. (Biscotto) Wind, 84, died March 24.

Eugene B. Zyga, 87, of Depew, died March 24.

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Sister George Marie Attea, 30-year teacher, aide

March 26, 2014, 3:36 pm

≫ Next: Judith Ann Shahan, owner of Create-A-Frame

≪ Previous: Area Deaths

Nov. 11, 1931 – March 26, 2014

Sister George Marie Attea, a Sister of St. Joseph for 63 years, died Wednesday in the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence. She was 82.

Born Anne Attea in Williamsville, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1950. She took her final vows on Aug. 29, 1959. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Medaille College and a master’s degree in elementary education from Buffalo State College.

For 30 years, Sister Attea devoted herself to teaching primary grades – 15 in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Salamanca and Attica, followed by 15 at Our Mother of Good Counsel, Blasdell.

She ministered in multiple roles at the Clarence Residence since 1983, serving as an administrative, general and personal aide. In addition, she volunteered at the Brothers of Mercy, delivering mail and working in the gift shop. She retired in 2005.

She is survived by three brothers, Joseph, Martin and William Attea.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 7 p.m. Friday it the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 4975 Strickler Road, Clarence.

↧

Judith Ann Shahan, owner of Create-A-Frame

March 26, 2014, 4:05 pm

≫ Next: Walter H. Schott, engineer, fire company chief

≪ Previous: Sister George Marie Attea, 30-year teacher, aide

April 9, 1943 – March 23, 2014

Judith Ann Shahan, owner of Create-A-Frame, died Sunday at her Clarence Center home. She was 70.

Born Judith Ann Sluterbeck in Arcanum, Ohio, she graduated from Arcanum High School in 1961 and earned a business degree from Bowling Green University in 1963.

A respected businesswoman, Mrs. Shahan was the owner of Create-A-Frame, a custom picture framing shop in Williamsville. The shop was her passion for 26 years.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Paul E.; two daughters, Manda E. Rodems and Margaret A. Schuster; a sister Jan E. Rust; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst.

↧

Walter H. Schott, engineer, fire company chief

March 26, 2014, 4:10 pm

≫ Next: Donald Bailey, building contractor, Navy veteran

≪ Previous: Judith Ann Shahan, owner of Create-A-Frame

Jan. 18, 1930 – March 23, 2014

Walter H. Schott of Williamsville, a former chief of the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company and a retired engineer for Continental Baking Co. of Buffalo, died Sunday after a short illness while visiting his daughter, Judith Edwards, in Beaver Dame, Va. He was 84.

A native of Buffalo, Mr. Schott was a graduate of Burgard Vocational High School and served as an Army medic during the Korean War.

He was a member of the Harris Hill Fire Company for 57 years, serving in a number of different posts, including chief.

Survivors, besides his daughter, include his wife of 63 years, the former Alta Wharff; a son, Walter J. ; and two grandchildren.

Mr. Schott for many years was an usher at Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 8550 Main St., Clarence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered there at 10 a.m. Saturday. He will be buried with military honors.

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Donald Bailey, building contractor, Navy veteran

March 26, 2014, 4:34 pm

≫ Next: Area Deaths

≪ Previous: Walter H. Schott, engineer, fire company chief

Dec. 17, 1927 – Feb. 21, 2014

Donald Bailey, a building contractor, died Feb. 21 in his Orchard Park home under Hospice care after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was 86.

Born in Buffalo, he graduated from South Park High School in 1945.

He was a Navy veteran and served on the destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts during the close of World War II.

“Al”, as he was fondly known, was the owner of Al Bailey Builders in Orchard Park from 1976 to 2009 and co-owner of Bailey Homes Interiors from 1958 to 1976.

Mr. Bailey was a skilled electrician, carpenter and home builder in Western New York for more than 50 years.

Active with the Boy Scouts of America, he served 35 years as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 503 in Orchard Park.

He had a great love for the outdoors, especially hunting, and camping with his family.

He enjoyed his garden and took pride in growing vegetables.

He was honored by the American Red Cross as a 20-gallon blood donor.

Mr. Bailey’s body was donated to the University at Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program for research.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, the former Thelma M. Hoffman; a son, James; five daughters, Donna Noell, Jan, Nancy, Kathryn Worth and Dorothy Szarowski; a brother, Thomas; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Orchard Park United Methodist Church, 3700 N. Buffalo Road.

↧

Area Deaths

March 26, 2014, 10:40 pm

≫ Next: Area Deaths

≪ Previous: Donald Bailey, building contractor, Navy veteran

↧

Area Deaths

March 27, 2014, 2:08 pm

≫ Next: Dr. Henry J. Mummery III, dentist in Elma

≪ Previous: Area Deaths

Dorothy E. Eberhard, of Lockport, died March 24.

Debra Lynn (Hawman) Hamilton, died March 25.

Kyle Diane (Munro) Hawthorne, of North Tonawanda, died March 26.

Samuel Michael LaMarca, of Tonawanda, Korean War Marine veteran, died March 25.

Helen (Nowak) Maryanski, of Cheektowaga, died March 25.

Marie I. (Amoroso) Monaco, 95, died March 24.

Anthony P. Onello, of Cheektowaga, founder of R&A Industrial Products, died March 25.

Richard A. Pearce, of Pendleton, Navy veteran, died March 20.

Michalina “Millie” Przybyl, 96, retired GE employee, died March 25.

Gerald L. Radin, 82, formerly of Kenmore, lawyer, died March 23.

Louis E. Schultz, died Oct. 2, 2013.

Burton G. Seliger, 88, of Depew, WWII Marine Corps veteran, retired GM employee, died March 25.

Henrietta P. (Rumpl) Smith, died March 23.

Debra A. Sowa, of Gowanda, died March 25.

Mary Ann (Rosinski) Staskiewicz, of the Town of Tonawanda, died March 25.

Billie Jo (Squire) Storfer, teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools, Ken-Ton Schools and Niagara County Community College, died March 20.

John L. Trost, died March 24.

Katherine A. (Thessen) Volkenner, of Buffalo, died March 25.

Aurelia “Aunt Rita” (Mills) Watson, of Buffalo, died March 24.

Leona T. (Biscotto) Wind, 84, died March 24.

↧

Dr. Henry J. Mummery III, dentist in Elma

March 27, 2014, 2:49 pm

≫ Next: Lambo Sandjo Pierre Roger, famed singer, activist

≪ Previous: Area Deaths

May 7, 1944 – March 24, 2014

Dr. Henry Joseph Mummery III, of Marilla, a dentist, died unexpectedly Monday, apparently from a heart attack, while vacationing with his wife on Sanibel Island, Fla. He was 69.

Born in Amherst, Dr. Mummery graduated from Amherst High School in 1962 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College in 1967.

He graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1972 and later that year, opened his Elma dental office. A general dentist practitioner and sole proprietor, Dr. Mummery was serving the community at the time of his death.

An avid reader and golfer, he was a member of East Aurora Country Club.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, the former Martha Beanan; a son, Christopher Joseph; two daughters, Heather Jane Frederick and Melissa Anne; a sister, Diane Brown; and four grandchildren.

Services will be at noon Saturday in Wood Funeral Home, 784 Main St., East Aurora.

↧

Lambo Sandjo Pierre Roger, famed singer, activist

March 27, 2014, 2:52 pm

≫ Next: Richard A. Pearce, former Pendleton assessor

≪ Previous: Dr. Henry J. Mummery III, dentist in Elma

April 7, 1957 – March 16, 2014

Lambo Sandjo Pierre Roger, the legendary singer and pro-democracy activist from Cameroon who had been living in Buffalo since he was granted political asylum in the U.S. in 2012, died March 16 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He was 56.

Better known as Lapiro de Mbanga, he was arrested in 2008 for a song he wrote that criticized longtime Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s push to change the constitutional limits on his term in office.

The song, “Constipated Constitution,” contained the lyric, “the pacho (old man) is daya (tired) and has outlived his usefulness.” Banned by the government, it became the anthem of street protesters.

Convicted despite his denial that he incited protesters to riot, he nearly died of typhoid fever in the West African nation’s notoriously harsh New Bell Prison. After an international campaign was held to demand his release, he was freed in 2011, one day before the official end of his sentence.

While in prison in 2009, he was awarded the Freedom to Create Prize.

“That song about the constitution was certainly not my first protest number,” he told a Dutch interviewer by phone from prison in 2010. “I was born as a fighter. But I’m not fighting for myself. Look at my imprisonment through the lens of a people who want their freedom.”

Born in Mbanga, just northwest of Douala, the commercial capital of Cameroon, he spent several years in self-imposed exile in neighboring Gabon and Nigeria, where he made records before returning to his home country in 1985. He scored a big hit the following year with a song titled “Pas Argent No Love.”

He sang and rapped in Pidgin – a mixture of English, French and local languages. He was considered Cameroon’s answer to Nigerian Afrobeat star Fela Kuti.

Nicknamed “Ndinga Man” (the guitar man), he wrote a series of popular dance songs with satirical lyrics about conditions there. He became a folk hero and was constantly subjected to censorship by the government.

In the late 1980s, he owned a large nightclub on the outskirts of Douala, where he performed with his orchestra and hosted other notable West African musicians. The club was burned during the nation’s political uprisings in 1991.

After he was freed from prison, he performed in Europe and North America in the summer of 2011. Experiencing threats and harassment in Cameroon, he left in September 2012 with his wife and three children, and came to Buffalo at the invitation of a longtime acquaintance here.

He was a featured speaker at the 2013 Freedom Forum in Oslo, Norway. Plans to assemble a band and perform were interrupted by his illness.

He wrote a book about his imprisonment, which is has been published in French and is awaiting publication in English.

Survivors include his wife, Louisette Noukeu; his children; brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 200 St. Gregory Court at Maple Road, Amherst. A memorial concert is planned later this year in Washington, D.C.

↧

Richard A. Pearce, former Pendleton assessor

March 27, 2014, 3:36 pm

≫ Next: John L. Trost, owned fire equipment store

≪ Previous: Lambo Sandjo Pierre Roger, famed singer, activist

Feb. 22, 1929 – March 20, 2014

Richard A. Pearce, former assessor for the Town of Pendleton, died March 20 under the care of Niagara Hospice. He was 85.

A native of Buffalo, Mr. Pearce joined the Navy when he was 17, serving on the USS Portsmouth. In October 2012, he flew with the WNY Heroes to Washington, D.C., to see the National WWII Memorial.

Mr. Pearce worked for DuPont in Tonawanda for 20 years. He retired from JW Swanson and Associates in 1983. In addition, he served as assessor for the Town of Pendleton for many years.

Mr. Pearce was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Pendleton, where he was a lector and served as a trustee and an extraordinary minister.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the USS Portsmouth Association.

Mr. Pearce enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and making the altar, lectern and pew prayer book holders for the church. He also enjoyed remodeling houses, playing cards and salmon fishing.

Mr. Pearce is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Lillian Kompare; two sons, Richard and John; two daughters, Sue Foley and Kathy Griffiths; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Good Shepherd Church, 5442 Sunset Drive, Lockport.

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John L. Trost, owned fire equipment store

March 27, 2014, 3:58 pm

≫ Next: Frank C. Hasenfuss, instrument engineer

≪ Previous: Richard A. Pearce, former Pendleton assessor

Aug. 25, 1932 – March 24, 2014

John L. Trost of Lancaster, owner of a fire equipment store, died Monday in Seneca Health Care Center after a brief illness related to Parkinson’s disease. He was 81.

Born in Buffalo, he attended Lancaster High School and later was drafted into the Army. He served as a private first class during the Korean War.

Mr. Trost was the owner and operator of Trost Fire Equipment in Lancaster from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The family business sells and serves fire extinguishers to many customers, including Buffalo’s area flour mills, industrial and manufacturing companies. Family members continue to operate the business.

Mr. Trost was a charter member for the Fraternal Order of Orioles in Lancaster, a social and charitable organization dedicated to serving the community.

His wife, Alice Littler Trost, died Nov. 20, 2011.

Survivors include a son, Michael; a daughter, Kimberly; a sister, Lorraine Impastato; and two grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 158 Laverack Ave., Lancaster.

↧

Frank C. Hasenfuss, instrument engineer

March 27, 2014, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: John F. Feist, builder, Air Force lieutenant colonel

≪ Previous: John L. Trost, owned fire equipment store

May 17, 1928 – March 21, 2014

Frank C. Hasenfuss, of Lancaster, a retired engineer, died unexpectedly last Friday in St. Joseph Campus of Sisters Hospital, Cheektowaga. He was 85.

Born in Rochester, he left high school to enlist in the Marine Corps during World War II and served in the Pacific. Returning from service, he finished high school and graduated as class valedictorian. He later served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of sergeant, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester.

Mr. Hasenfuss worked as an instrument engineer at many locations around the nation and retired in 1998 from OxyChem of Houston, where he was chief control systems engineer.

He worked in the Buffalo area from 1965 to 1971, when he lived in Hamburg, and from 1981 to 1995, when he lived in Lancaster. He returned to Lancaster in 2005.

Active in church and professional organizations, he taught religious education, was a cantor and sang in choirs. He was a past president of the International Society of Automation and a member of the Marine Corps League.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, the former Patricia A. Daugherty; a son, Michael; two daughters, Marlese and Melinda; and five grandsons.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Amigone Funeral Home, 8440 Main St., Clarence.

↧

John F. Feist, builder, Air Force lieutenant colonel

March 27, 2014, 4:18 pm

≫ Next: Private funeral to be held for Ralph Wilson in Detroit on Saturday

≪ Previous: Frank C. Hasenfuss, instrument engineer

Aug. 7, 1930 – March 23, 2014

John F. Feist, a builder and lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, died Sunday at his home in Springville after a long illness. He was 83.

Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Canisius High School in 1948. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Polytechnic University in 1965 and a master’s degree in logistics from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, in 1971.

As a youth, he was a builder for his late father’s business, John Feist Construction Co. from 1944 to 1948, formerly known as Feist & Drake Inc. The family business was responsible for constructing housing developments, including the Parkside-Shoshone area and the Lawrence and Starin avenues housing subdivision.

His passion to see the world led Mr. Feist to leave the family business and travel. He worked for Sandy Beach Construction Co. in Barbados, British West Indies, from 1960 to 1961. He later became a construction supervisor for TIDE Construction in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, from 1961 to 1962.

He joined the Air Force in 1962.

Mr. Feist, who was known as Jack, served as a lieutenant colonel from 1962 to 1979. His military career included service in the Vietnam War, and he was stationed in Okinawa, Turkey, the Netherlands and the U.S. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Crew Badge, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Gallantry Cross, a military decoration by the former government of South Vietnam.

Mr. Feist was a member of the Niagara Falls Air National Guard from 1957 to 1960.

A lover of classical music and the arts, he loved to sail, fly and take his family to exotic places.

His wife, Eleanor H. Herron Feist, died in March 2009.

Survivors include a son, Richard; three daughters, Christie Sternbach-Feist, Alison Steiner and Laura; two sisters, Rosemary Hess and Frances Russell; and six grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Blessed John Paul II Catholic Church, 2052 Lakeview Road, Lake View.

↧

Private funeral to be held for Ralph Wilson in Detroit on Saturday

March 27, 2014, 6:13 pm

≫ Next: Eugene B. Zyga, Hartford Insurance special agent, WWII veteran

≪ Previous: John F. Feist, builder, Air Force lieutenant colonel

A private funeral for Buffalo Bills founder Ralph C. Wilson Jr. will be Saturday in Detroit, the team has announced.

The Bills added that a public celebration for fans, players, coaches and employees “is being discussed ... and will be announced at a future date.”

Wilson, 95, died Tuesday at his home in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich.

“The Ralph Wilson family and the Bills organization wishes to thank everyone who has offered condolences, support, kind words and prayers following the passing of Mr. Wilson,” the team’s statement also read.

Donations in Wilson’s memory are being accepted by the Hospice Foundation of Western New York, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter and to St. John Hospital and Medical Center to support the Wilson Telemonitoring Program.

↧

Eugene B. Zyga, Hartford Insurance special agent, WWII veteran

March 27, 2014, 6:15 pm

≫ Next: James R. Schlesinger dies; Cold War strategist, secretary of defense under Nixon, Ford

≪ Previous: Private funeral to be held for Ralph Wilson in Detroit on Saturday

Jan. 9, 1927 – March 24, 2014

Eugene B. Zyga, of Depew, a World War II veteran of the Pacific Theater who went on to a long career in the insurance industry, died Monday in Harris Hill Nursing Facility, Lancaster, where he had been a resident for the last two years. He was 87.

Mr. Zyga was a Buffalo native who, after his service with the Seabees in the Philippines, graduated from Canisius College in 1953.

He went on to serve as a special agent for the Hartford Insurance Co. in the Southern Tier region and, at the same time, returned to Canisius College as a faculty member teaching the state licensing class for the insurance industry.

After 30 year of service, Mr. Zyga went on to become a consultant for Northeast Agencies for 25 more years.

He was involved in several community activities, including as PTA president and fundraiser for the church and St. Mary’s High School.

Mr. Zyga also served as a sponsor for the Foundation of International Cooperation with South American exchange students from 1968 to 1975.

He was an avid golfer, reader and collector of stamps, and enjoyed traveling, photography, music and gardening.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, the former Carmella Armeli, with whom he raised six children, including three surviving daughters, Maureen Hawkinson, Mary Jo Thompson and Beth Ann Monzel; a son, Mark; and five grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, St. James Church, 496 Terrace Blvd., Depew, after prayers at 9 in Pacer Funeral Home, 2275 George Urban Blvd., Depew.

↧

James R. Schlesinger dies; Cold War strategist, secretary of defense under Nixon, Ford

March 27, 2014, 6:23 pm

≫ Next:

≪ Previous: Eugene B. Zyga, Hartford Insurance special agent, WWII veteran

NEW YORK – James R. Schlesinger, a tough Cold War strategist who served as secretary of defense under Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford and became the nation’s first secretary of energy under President Jimmy Carter, died Thursday in Baltimore. He was 85.

Schlesinger died in Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center of complications of pneumonia, said his daughter Ann Schlesinger.

A brilliant, often abrasive Harvard-educated economist, Schlesinger went to Washington in 1969 as an obscure White House budget official. Over the next decade he became chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, CIA director, a Cabinet officer for three presidents (two of whom fired him), a thorn to congressional leaders and one of the nation’s most controversial public officials.

His tenure at the Pentagon was little more than two years, from 1973 to 1975, but it was a time of turmoil and transition. Soviet nuclear power was rising menacingly. The war in Vietnam was in its final throes, and U.S. military prestige and morale had sunk to new lows. Congress was wielding an ax on a $90 billion defense budget. And the Watergate scandal was enveloping the White House.

Schlesinger, a Republican with impressive national security and nuclear power credentials, took a hard line with Congress, and the Kremlin, demanding increased budgets for defense and insisting that America’s security depended on nuclear and conventional arsenals at least as effective as the Soviet Union’s.

With Europe as a potential flash point for war, he urged stronger NATO forces to counter Soviet allies in the Warsaw Pact. His nuclear strategy envisioned retaliatory strikes on Soviet military targets, but not population centers, to limit the chances of what he called “uncontrolled escalation” and mutual “assured destruction.”

Beyond strategic theories, he dealt with a series of crises, including the 1973 Middle East war, when Arab nations attacked Israel, prompting a U.S. airlift of matériel to Israel; an invasion of Cyprus by Turkish forces, leading to a congressionally mandated arms embargo of Turkey, a NATO partner; and the Mayaguez episode, in which Cambodian forces seized an unarmed U.S. freighter, prompting rescue and retaliation operations that saved 39 freighter crewmen but cost the lives of 41 U.S. servicemen.

In August 1974, with the Watergate scandal boiling over, Schlesinger, as he confirmed years later, worried that Nixon might be unstable and instructed the military not to react to White House orders, particularly on nuclear arms, unless cleared by him or Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. He also drew up plans to deploy troops in Washington in the event of any problems with a peaceful succession. As Nixon resigned, Ford took over and, for stability, retained the Cabinet, including Schlesinger.

His wife, Rachel, died in 1995. Schlesinger is survived by four sons, four daughters; and 11 grandchildren.

In recent years, in addition to being a trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Schlesinger was chairman of the Mitre Corp. He wrote no autobiography but synthesized much of his experience in a 1989 book, “America at Century’s End.”

↧

//obituaries203.rssing.com/chan-13782213/article900-live.html

March 28, 2014, 5:43 pm

≫ Next: Frances L. Voelker, 103, owned Voelker’s Lanes

≪ Previous: James R. Schlesinger dies; Cold War strategist, secretary of defense under Nixon, Ford

Charles Amann, of Buffalo, died March 27.

Barbara (Bellan) Baer, 59, of Langford, retired teacher in the Gowanda School District, died March 25.

Marshall Bernhard, 69, retired auto salesman, died March 26.

Kathleen B. (Bailey) Cassick-Scolese, died March 25.

Patricia J. Begin, 70, of the Town of Tonawanda, clerk at the Social Security office at Northtown Plaza, died March 27.

Aaron Chambers, died March 22.

Richard M. Feeney, of Buffalo, died March 26.

Lois E. (Ottinger) Griffiths, died March 27.

Ethel T. (Haefner) Hughes, of Lancaster, died March 27.

Faith (Hornsby) Leslie, died March 26.

Diana L. (Bruscia) Mack, 60, of West Valley, died March 26.

Dennis J. Mead, of Boston, died March 26.

Frank A. Paradiso, 84, of Buffalo, Army veteran, former head clerk at Frontier Lumber, died March 26

Joseph Pizzorno, of Orchard Park, died March 21.

Robert A. Plisk, died March 25.

Eileen (Berger) “Sissy” Reese, 72, retired secretary at Catholic Charities, died March 20.

Betty (Fierle) Renner, of Cheektowaga, died March 26.

Joseph C. Rizzo, of West Seneca, World War II Army veteran, died March 24.

Joseph P. Tripi Sr., 84, died March 26.

Jean R. Vogti, 86, of Gowanda, bookkeeper for Vogti Concrete, died March 26

Helen M. (Siudzinski) Wypior, 77, died March 26.

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