OBITS: The Buffalo News Death Notices 20 Aug 2005; Buffalo, Erie co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: The Buffalo News http://www.buffalonews.com Brucz, Randy S. August 19, 2005. Dear father of Tony (Jennifer); grandfather of Brooklynn, Brett and Sheridan; son of Alfreda (Edward) Homiszak and the late Anthony; brother of Michael (Pam), Alan (Wanda), Mark (Dorothy) and Robin (Chuck) DiNatale; also survived by an aunt, nieces and nephews. Funeral from the PACER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2275 George Urban Blvd (2 blocks east of Dick Rd) Monday 9:00 AM and St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 9:30. Friends invited. Family present Saturday 7-9 and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara County Hospice. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Centinello, Doris (Annunziato) Of Buffalo, NY, entered into rest August 14, 2005, beloved wife of the late Frank J. Centinello Sr.; devoted mother of Frank J. Jr. (Mary Jane) Centinello and Daniel R. (Wendy Jean) Centinello; cherished grandmother of Krystal, Frank J. III, Daniel R. Jr., Darren and Ariel; loving daughter of the late Ralph and Palma (nee Miranda) Annunziato; dear sister of Louise (late Michael) Mirabella, Rose (late Carmelo) LaPlaca and the late Gaetano Annunziato and late Theresa (late Raymond) Forcucci; also survived by nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (City Chapel), 102 Linwood Ave. at Summer near Delaware Ave on Saturday and Sunday from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 194 Ludington St. Buffalo on Monday morning at 9:15 o'clock. (Please assemble at Church). Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Clark, Mary (Dowling) August 18, 2005. Loving wife of the late Frank Clark; devoted mother of Frank (Catherine) Clark and Marylou Clark; sister of the late Dorothy O'Brien; survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2480 Kensington Ave, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Christ The King Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Mission, PO Box 448, Buffalo, NY, 14215-0448 Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/22/2005. Cohen, Tara A. (Geaney) August 18, 2005, age 36; beloved wife of Peter C. Cohen; cherished mother of Amanda and Tia Cohen; devoted daughter of Michael R. and Sheila (nee Corcoran) Geaney; loving sister of Susan (Paul) Moliski, Robyn (Christopher) Sansone and Erin Geaney; loving and generous aunt of Michael, Tori, Morgan, Maci and Sean. The family will be present on Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8 PM at (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St., (near Harris Hill Rd.) where funeral services will be held on Monday at 9 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated from St. Pius X Church at 10 AM. Friends invited. Online register at www.Amigone.com Published in the Buffalo News from 8/19/2005 - 8/21/2005. Deyot, David H. August 18, 2005, beloved husband of Ann Marie (Kauderer); dear father of Denise (David Jackson) and Dean (Kim) Deyot; loving grandfather of David, Heather and Madison; brother of Jerry, Joan (Pete) Yuskavich, Bruce (Carmen) Deyot and Linda Felschow; also survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral services from the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2397 Seneca St. Monday at 11 AM. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Gibaldi, Angelo August 19, 2005, husband of Rosaria (Saraceno) Gibaldi; son of the late Antonio and Angelina (Massaro) Gibaldi; brother of Anna (Anthony) Burgio of Buffalo, Nancy (late Gaetano) Profeta, Carmelo (Francesca), Salvatore (Ninetta) Gibaldi, Theresa (Mateo) Cardella, Gaetano (Zina) Gibaldi and the late Rosario (Antonetta) Gibaldi, all of Italy; brother-in-law of Joseph (Laura) Saraceno of Williamsville; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family present to receive friends Saturday evening 7-9 and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the PERNA-PELLEGRINO FUNERAL HOME, 1306 Hertel Ave. (near Colvin Ave.) where funeral services will be held Monday at 8:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Holy Spirit Church (Dakota Ave.) at 9 AM. Entombment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Godfrey, Joseph J. August 19, 2005; of Lakeview, NY; husband of the late Ann (nee Yaczkanics); beloved father of Michael Godfrey, Kathleen (Brian) Maher, Marjorie Wotherspoon and Joanne (Michael) Capriotto; also survived by eight grandchildren. Friends received at the LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC, S-4199 Lakeshore Rd. (corner of Camp Rd. & Rt. 5), Hamburg, 627-2919 Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM where funeral services will be held Monday at 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Lakeview at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Charles A. Castiglia Director. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Grunow, Helen M. (Carney) August 17, 2005. Beloved mother of Ellen Grunow and Joanne (Richard) Grochala; loving grandmother of Jordan, Nicole, Matthew and Brianne; sister of Edward (Kathleen) Carney, Joanne (James) Talbot and the late William (Beatrice) Carney, Jean (Nicholas) Cusmano and John (Wanda) Carney; dear friend of Bill White. Funeral from the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2397 Seneca St., Monday 9 AM and from St. John the Evangelist Church at 9:30. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Helen was a member of St. John's Altar and Rosary Society. In lieu of flowers, donations to ECMC Burn Treatment Unit, Attn: Administration. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Hannah, Martin J. August 17, 2005; husband of Jacqueline Hope Hannah; father of Daniel Hannah, Nancy Shields, Alan, David and Martin P. Hannah; brother of Edward Hannah; grandfather of Joshua, Kristen, Brandon, Katie, Andrew, Olivia and Nicole. No prior visitation. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial service in Calvary Episcopal Church, Cayuga and Milton St., Williamsville, Monday morning at 11 O'Clock. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society or Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Arrangements by BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/18/2005 - 8/21/2005. Henderson-Weber, Shirley (Schoenfeld) (nee Schoenfeld) August 19, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Charles Henderson Jr. and Wayne E. Weber; loving mother of Sandra L. (Bill) Greco, Mary Alice (Doug) Moosbrugger and Holly Henderson; step-mother of Penny J. (Mark) Koller, Candace (Michael) Barber and the late Marlene D. Weber; dearest 'Granny' of 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; Shirley was also a loving sister and aunt. The family will be present Saturday 7-9 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 8440 Main St. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services Monday at 11 AM from the Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, 8445 Greiner Rd. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The City Mission or Cradle Beach Camp. Online register book at www.Amigone.com Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Hillie, Charles E. August 18, 2005. Wake Monday 10 AM. Funeral services following at 11 AM, Greater Refuge Temple of Christ, 943 Jefferson Ave. Arrangements byWALTER M. GRIGGS FUNERAL HOME. Published in the Buffalo News on 8/20/2005. Hollinger, Betty (Roach) August 17, 2005, of Grand Island, wife of the late Franklin J. Hollinger; mother of Gail (Gary) Conschafter and Jay (Nancy) Hollinger; grandmother of Shawn and Lynn Conschafter, Ashley and Jason Hollinger; also survived by two sisters and one step sister; predeceased by one brother. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Grand Island VFW Post 9249 Womens Auxiliary or Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., Grand Island where memorial services will be held Monday at 7 PM. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Leising, Frederick R. Of Lockport, NY, entered into rest August 18, 2005, husband of Marjorie R. (nee Bolt) Leising; father of Msgr Frederick D. Leising, Pastor of Nativity of BVM Harris Hill, June M. (Troy) Smiech, Clarence R. (Elizabeth) Leising and the late Lois M. and Gary W. Leising; grandfather of Hope Slone and Randy Stanley; great-grandfather of Joshua Noriega, Garek Stanley and Jacob Slone; brother of Art (Kate), Howard (Marjorie), Harold (Margaret) Leising and the late Stella O'Donnell, Paul and Otto Leising; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday from 4-8 PM and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at GAUL FUNERAL HOME, 263 East Ave., Lockport where the funeral will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut St. at 11 AM. Entombment in Glenwood Mausoleum. Frederick served in the US Army from 1945 to 1946. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Mikulec-Luzak, Mary (Mamon) August 12, 2005, of South Pasadena, FL. The family will be present Monday 8-9 AM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker) where prayers will follow at 9 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated from St. John the Baptist Church at 9:30 AM. Friends invited. Online register book at www.Amigone.com Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Napoli II, Joseph Age 20 years, died suddenly in an auto accident on Ellicott Creek Road, August 19, 2005, beloved son of Joseph and Antoinette (nee DiCristofaro) Napoli; dear brother of Thomas T. Napoli and Maria-Christina Napoli; grandson of Tommaso and Calogera Napoli and the late Gemmi and Elenor DiCristofaro; also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will be present to receive friends Saturday from 7-9 PM and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.) where funeral services will be held Monday at 8:30 AM and from St. Anthony of Padua Church at 9:30 AM. Online register book at www.Amigone.com Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Olsen, Cecelia A. Of Elma, N.Y., August 16, 2005. Wife of the late Louis Olsen; dear mother of Robert (Gloria) Olsen; grandmother of James (Maria) Olsen, William (Laurie) Olsen, Donna (Michael) Scholl and Dawn (Jay) Miller; also survived by eight great-grandchildren; sister of the late Oscar Beckmann. A Mass of Christian Burial from St. Vincent's R.C. Church, Springbrook N.Y., Monday at 10 AM. (Assemble at church). No prior visitation. Arrangements by CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME INC. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Sitek, Dorothy (Orlikowski) August 18, 2005 of Lancaster, NY; beloved wife of Edward M. Sitek; dearest mother of Kathleen and Gary A. (late Nancy) Sitek; dear grandmother of Renae, Lisa, Pamela, Jillian, Stacey and Rozanne; also survived by eight great-grandchildren; sister of Arthur (Genevieve) Orlikowski; survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral service from the BARRON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3025 William St., near Union Rd., Cheektowaga, Monday at 8:45 AM and in St. James Church at 9:30 AM. Family present Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9. Mrs. Sitek was a retired Trico worker and a Union Steward, and a member of the Pvt. Leonard Post Auxiliary #6251. Flowers gratefully declined. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Swift, Clara (Kowalski) Age 85 of Dale, NY, on August 16, 2005; wife of the late Donald; daughter of the late Anthony (Veronica) Kowalski; mother of Kathleen (John) Lawson of Whitwell, TN, Darlene Mack of San Marcos, TX; grandmother of Shannon and Jonathan MacCowan; sister of the late Raymond and Regina Kowalski. No calling hours. A Memorial service will be held Friday at 11 AM at Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church, 3415 South Main St., Warsaw. In lieu of flowers memorials to Dale Country Gals, Dale, NY 14039 or Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Rd., Attica, NY 14011. Arrangements by ROBINSON & HACKEMER FUNERAL HOME, Warsaw, NY. Published in the Buffalo News on 8/20/2005. Taylor, James L. Of Hamburg, NY, August 18, 2005, beloved husband of Kathleen A. (nee Fletcher) Taylor; dearest father of Shawn Taylor; loving son of Agnes (nee Slavka) and the late Marshall Taylor; dear brother of Pamela (Paul) Hardy; special uncle of Andrea and Stephen Hardy; also survived by a large loving family and many dear friends. Family will be present to receive friends Sunday 1-5 PM at the (Hamburg Chapel) JOHN J. KACZOR FUNERAL HOME INC., 5453 Southwestern Blvd. (corner of Rogers Rd., 646-5555) where prayers will be said Monday morning at 8:45 followed by funeral services at Southtowns Christian Center, Lakeview, NY at 9:30. Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. Friends invited. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Southtowns Christian Center. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Weber, Shirley (Please see HENDERSON notice) Published in the Buffalo News from 8/20/2005 - 8/21/2005. Williams Jr., M.D., Myron E. "Mike" A prominent Physician in Batavia died Thursday, August 18, 2005 at age 86. Husband of Dorothy E. Nichols Williams of Batavia; father of Richard (Janice) Williams of MD and Patricia Ann (Said) ElShami of Old Forge; grandfather of Jason Williams of China, Ryan Williams of Washington, DC, Omar (Rachel) ElShami of PA and Amir ElShami of Chicago; great-grandfather of Khaled ElShami of PA; brother of Jean Leach and Joanne Blanchard Brock both of FL. Calling 1 to 4 PM Sunday at H.E. TURNER & CO. FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. Main St., Batavia. Mass will be at 9:30 AM Monday at St. Joseph's Church in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10017-3288. Condolences to www.bataviafuneralhome.com Published in the Buffalo News on 8/20/2005. Wingerter Jr., Robert John August 18, 2005, of Cheektowaga, NY; beloved husband of Diane; father of Mark (Kelly), Eileen (Charlie) Justice and Karen Wingerter; stepfather of Nick and Katie Mangione; grandfather of Shawn and Melissa Wingerter; brother of Janet (Jimmy) Deuser; son of Louise and the late Robert J. Sr.; grandson of Irma Babineau; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday 2-9 PM at The LESTER H. WEDEKINDT INC FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in Christ the King R.C. Church (Main St. and Lamarck St., Snyder , NY) Monday morning at 9:30. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation. Published in the Buffalo News from 8/19/2005 - 8/21/2005. Wittlinger, Jan Lewis A retired educator from Amherst and Mesa, Arizona, died unexpectedly February 16 in Banner Desert Medical Center, Mesa, following a stroke and subsequent heart attack. He was 79. A lifelong resident of the Town of Amherst, Mr. Wittlinger graduated from Williamsville High School in 1943, receiving a major diploma in science. Even as a young boy trained in classical piano, Mr. Wittlinger performed in a variety of venues including performances in the Juilliard Series 1934 and the NYS and National Music Competition Festival in 1941. As a solo artist and accompanist for many, Mr. Wittlinger provided both secular and religious musical offerings, the latter considered his gifted ministry to the Church. Mr. Wittlinger's wide range of interests in scholastics, athletic and musical endeavors served him well as president of his senior class. His 1943 appointment as 1st alternate to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis was testimony to his stellar achievements and character even at a young age. While in the naval service, Mr. Wittlinger attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor's degree in math and physics while minoring in engineering and meteorology. He received his Master's degree in education in 1948 from St. Lawrence University, and had worked toward his doctorate in education at the University of Buffalo. Honorably discharged from active duty from the United States Naval Service in 1946, having received the Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal, Mr. Wittlinger achieved the rank of ensign in the Naval Reserve. Mr. Wittlinger's teaching career began in 1950 at his alma mater in secondary mathematics. He continued there until hired for a similar position by the Amherst District Schools in 1953. During his early years in the Amherst district, Mr. Wittlinger served as the North-East Branch YMCA Hi-Y club coordinator providing recreational and enrichment activities for local youth. He also served as summer recreational director of the Town of Amherst. He enjoyed various administrative roles within the Amherst District Schools including Junior High School assistant principal (1959-61), and Junior High School acting principal (1961-62). Mr. Wittlinger spent 10 years as District Curriculum Coordinator for the Amherst District Schools K-12 from 1962-72. He was also cooperatively employed as Coordinator of Curriculum K-12 through Erie BOCES 1. During this time, Mr. Wittlinger served at Vice President of the New York State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and was also a member of the national association. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa honorary education fraternity. As a lifelong member of the Clarence Center United Methodist Church, Mr. Wittlinger was well respected for his knowledge of biblical teachings, his ability to meaningfully communicate scripture, and as a compassionate listener to those earnestly seeking the Lord. His character could be recognized by his stand on all matters of Christian citizenship, especially his love of fellowship as was described by son, Dr. Peter S. Wittlinger, during a memorial service held in Mesa, conducted by Pastor Robin Perkins. A profile of his days at St. Lawrence University described Mr. Wittlinger as having 'the fastest fingers on piano keys you ever saw...likes hunting and fishing best of all, but Chopin and popcorn run a close second...never misses church...' His daughter, Betsy, believes that her father is the best described in his senior high school yearbook when it was penned, 'We have said everything about him when we have said his name.' Mr. Wittlinger was predeceased by parents Lee and Helen (Berry) Wittlinger, infant brother Paul Keith, and grandson Eric Peter Wittlinger. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Beverly (Gulley); dear father of Dr. Peter (Rosemary) Wittlinger, and Betsy (Michael) Romano; grandchildren Laurie (Grant) Duston, Lee Wittlinger, and Samuel Romano; and great-granddaughter Ivy Catherine Duston; brother-in-law William (Jeanne) Gulley; nephew Dr. Ward Gulley and niece Barbara MacDougall. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Jan's memory to the Clarence Center United Methodist Church, 9750 Clarence Center Road, Clarence Center, NY 14032. Published in the Buffalo News on 8/20/2005.