SUBURBAN CENTRAL THE BUFFALO MAY 15, 2007 OBITUARIES AND LOCAL NEWS Michael A. Ricci, longtime area labor leader Aug. 6, 1917 May 9, 2007 Michael A. Ricci of the Town of Tonawanda, a longtime, politically connected area labor leader who was an expert on the state's unemployment insurance system, died Wednesday at Weinberg Campus, Getzville, after a brief illness. He was 89.
Mr. Ricci was born in Buffalo and attended Technical High School. During World War II, he worked as a quality inspector at the CurtissWright aircraft plant on Genesee Street. After the war, Mr. Ricci began work at the Harrison Radiator plant in Buffalo, where he became involved in the labor movement.
From his initial election as a shop steward, he rose through the ranks to become president of Local 634, United Auto Workers, at Harrison. He WARNING Law enforcement agencies and funeral professionals warn that criminals have been known to prey on grieving families while they are not home during a funeral or calling hours. They suggest that a friend be asked to watch the home when families have to be away. In Memoriam MACKIEWICZ, Frances In loving memory of our cherished mother who went to be with the Lord 1 yr. ago; we thank God everyday for one of his greatest blessing, having a mother as wonderful as you.
Thank you Mom for those precious yrs. all your love. You are forever in our hearts. DIANE, SHARON AND GENE MACKIEWICZ, Frances Our precious grandmother and great grandmother, not a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts, prayers and heart. We miss your radiant smile and laughter, you are with us always.
DARLENE, TOM, SCOTT. DAVID, DEBBIE, KIMBERLY AND GREATGRANDCHILDREN RELICH, Irene- One year ago today. Remembering you with love. YOUR SISTER ALFREDA Deaths AST -Raymond J. May 13, 2007, beloved husband of the late Anna (Seiler) Ast; dear father of John (Joanne) Schroer, Barbara (fiance, Timothy O'Day) Nelligan, Thomas (Michelle) Bautista, Russell (Susan) Bautista and the late Michael (Charlene) Bautista; loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren; son of the late Raymond Sr.
and Florence (Falkenhagen) Ast; brother of the late Joseph Ast. Friends may call Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. (Buffalo Chapel), 2397 Seneca St. where Funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to MADD. Raymond was a WWII Navy veteran and an avid Buffalo Bisons fan. BARCZAK -Cassandra R. (nee Grace) Age 44, of Buffalo, NY; Suddenly May 11, 2007; wife of Martin Barczak; mother of Heather Radzikowski, Tiffani Barczak; daughter of the late Robert F. and Cassandra R.
Grace; sister of Roberta C. Grace; aunt of MIDN Colleen Keicher, USN, Kimberly Keicher, Chad Barczak, Pamela Laurent, Sarah Laurent, Kyle Horton, Louie Jr. Laurent and Dylan Loursbury. Cassandra was a former member of the US Navy. Memorial prayer service Wednesday at 7 pm, for info please contact the family.
BARNETT, Howard Dr. Age 87 of Williamsville, New York went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 13, 2007 surrounded by loving family members at his home. Dr Barnett, much loved by his patients, family and friends, had a flourishing Family Practice in the area for over 50 years. Born in Lockport, New York he graduated from Lockport High School and completed his four year undergraduate education at Houghton College. Dr.
Barnett went on to obtain his medical degrees at UB School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency. Before beginning his medical career, he served as a physician in the Airforce during WWII. He is survived by his wife, Jean Nablo Keenan; 3 sons, Dr. Paul H. (Carolyn) Barnett, Robert M.
(Diane) Barnett, Michael J. (Elaine) Barnett and one daughter, Linda M.J. Barnett (Albert V. Cutter, MD); he is also survived by 4 stepsons; William L. Keenan, Michael J.
(Cynthia) Keenan, David E. (Sarah) Keenan and John C. (Jackie) Keenan and 3 step-daughters; Bonnie J. (Mark) Siezega, Cynthia A. (Joseph) Qualiana and Mary A.
(Carmen) Terranova; He had 29 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. Dr. Barnett was formerly married to the late Marjory Jean Patchen. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at Crosspoint, 500 Crosspoint Parkway, Getzville, NY on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 2:00 PM. On line register book at www.Amigone.com Area Deaths served in that job for 12 years.
In the late 1950s, he became the unemployment insurance representative for the Buffalo AFL-CIO Council, a position he held for the next 40 years. Mr. Ricci focused on helping people deal with New York's unemployment insurance system and later was recognized nationally as an expert in this field. Former Buffalo Evening News labor reporter Ed Kelly often used the adjectives "peppery" and "tireless" in describing Mr. Ricci.
In a 1964 column, he referred to Mr. Ricci as "a bit of a Cicero, a Solomon, a Darrow and a Holmes, with a touch of a Gompers, a Meany and a Reuther." Mr. Ricci served as an adjunct faculty member of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Then-Gov. Nelson A.
Rockefeller named 1 Mr. Ricci to the state Unemployment Insurance Advisory Board in 1968, an appointment that continued for three decades through the administrations of Rockefeller's successors. Mr. Ricci met and interacted with a long list of presidents, governors, members of Congress, judges and other elected officials in Albany, Erie County and Buffalo. In 1978, he was honored by the Da Vinci Society for his unselfish efforts on behalf of area workers.
A speaker at the annual dinner said they were "the contributions of a good American." His wife, Agnes DiCorso Ricci, died in 2002. Survivors include a son, Louis, and a daughter, Deborah Woeppel. BEAUDET -James P. Of Buffalo, NY, May 13, 2007; beloved husband of Karen loving son of Jane (late Francis); father of Jaimee; grandfather of Michael and Kala; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Family will receive relatives and friends at the WENDEL LOECHER INC.
FUNERAL HOME, 27 Aurora Lancaster, Wednesday from 1-3 PM, where a service will be held at 3 PM. BLASIO -Josephine T. (Tope) May 13, 2007, beloved wife of the late Philip L. "Marty" Blasio; dear mother of Rosemary Queeno (Lon) Garlipp; dearest grandmother of Jared (MaryAlice) Joseph Garlipp; sister of Rose (late Dominic) Scarozza, the late Jean (Gaetano) Mazza and John Tope. The family will be present at the MICHAEL A.
DIVINCENZO FUNERAL HOME, 1122 Lovejoy Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 135 N. Ogden Wednesday morning at 9:30. Please assemble at church.
BONNAS -Olive M. (Domon) May 13, 2007, beloved wife of the late Charles Bonnas; dear mother of Clyde (Carol), Gail and the late Donald (Sonia) Bonnas; also survived by nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sister of Alice Hacker, Vern Pochlapeck, Janette Wierchowski, Leona Domon; predeceased by other brothers and sisters; survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral service from the BARRON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME 3025 William near Union Rd, Cheektowaga, Wednesday at 8:30 AM St. John Kanty's Church at 9:30 AM. Family present Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9.
BURKE- -Elizabeth J. Of Hamburg, suddenly, May 12, 2007, sister of Patricia Burke, Theresa (James) Hosley, Noreen and the late Randall (Mary), Timothy (Julie) and Mary Rose Burke; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 66 E. Main Hamburg, Saturday, May 26 at 10 AM.
No prior visitation. Memorials to ALS PO Box 127, Elbridge, NY 13060. Miss Burke was a teacher at Riverside High School, Buffalo and Belmont High School, Belmont, MA. 30-Gertrude M. (nee Baumann) May 14, 2007, at age 92, beloved wife of the late Frederick W.
Clabo, devoted mother of Nancy (late Ralph) Wissing, Beverly (Jack) Mallon, Frederick (Mary) Clabo, Sharon (Bruce) Goodenough and Kenneth (Pamela) Clabo; loving grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The family will be present on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE NERAL HOME 2600 Sheridan Dr. (corner of Parker Blvd). Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 AM from Zion United Church of Christ, Parker Blvd Koenig Circle, Tonawanda. Friends invited.
Mrs. Clabo was past President of the Womens Auxiliary of the Plumbers Association State of NY, Royal Matron of the time ranth cook Highland at St. Chapter Amelia's 192 Church. and a On- part line register book at www.Amigone.com Thank those who helped you through your grief. Place a Card of Thanks.
Call 856-5555. Cassandra R. (Grace) Barczak, 44, of Buffalo, died May 11. James P. Beaudet, 55, of Buffalo, died May 13.
Olive M. (Domon) Bonnas, 94, died May 13. Elizabeth J. Burke, 74, of Hamburg, a teacher at Riverside High School, died May 12. Gertrude M.
(Baumann) Clabo, 92, a cook at St. Amelia Catholic Church, died May 14. Margaret (Fitzgerald) Connors, 69, of Buffalo, died May 13. Nancy O'Grady Curley, 83, of Tonawanda, died May 10. Stanley M.
Curry, 84, of Kenmore, died May 14. Eleanor M. (Elrich) Duchene, 73, of Tonawanda, died May 14. Alice T. (Bartell) Dudas, of Cheektowaga, died May 14, Patrick S.
"Tex" Gerrity, 50, of Buffalo, a Holy Cross Cemetery employee, died May 12. WHERE YOU CAN To place a death notice a classified advertisement with listings in alphabetical order call 856-5555. Death notices are usually handled by the funeral director. They typically name the next of kin and include information on funeral services, calling hours and donations. In Memoriam (typically run Death Directory AST -Raymond J.
GERRITY -Patrick S. "Tex" Muscarella) BARCZAK- Cassandra R. (nee GIERLAk- Adolph 'Al' -Lloyd A. Sr. Grace) GREENWOOD -June M.
OBERSHEIMER -Dorothy C. BARNETT -Howard R. Dr. -Thelma R. (Barrett) BEAUDET -James P.
HEWITT-Richard F. 'Dick' ORSINI -Mildred R. (Upton) BLASIO- Josephine T. (Tope) JUREWICZ- -Ronald REID -Lillian M. (Ruppel) BONNAS-Olive M.
(Domon) KOSZUTA -Maryanne (nee SCHROEDER -Anna BURKE- Elizabeth J. Kraska) SEMO- Richard C. CLABO-Gertrude M. KOTLARZ-Henry SIKES- Joanne L. (nee Lautz) CONNORS- Margaret (Fitzgerald) -Theresa A.
(Delaco) SILVERSTEIN -Gershon J. CURLEY -Nancy O'Grady KREUZER -Francis X. "Bud' SMITH -Jane C. CURNEW -H. Marc LANTAFF- -Ruby (nee Hannigan) SMITH CURRY -Stanley M.
LEDWON-Genevieve F. 'Jean' -Shirley DIETER -Brian J. LeFAUVE -Kathleen M. 'Kay' SZYMULA -Timothy "Tim" DUCHENE-Eleanor M. (nee MALIK -Susan E.
(Peplinski) VIOLA -Jean R. Eirich) MANLEY -Penny J. (Semlitsch) WILLIS- -Henry Jr. DUDAS- Alice T. (nee Bartell) MAROTTA -Rosa (nee Tricoli) ZALENSKI- Thaddeus FARON- -Walter G.
MINGARELL- Faye (nee ZEHNDER -Mary A. DIETER -Brian J. May 13, 2007; beloved son of Hugh J. and rick, loving kowski, John, Rosemary brother Rebecca Annie of Pat- and RutMary Dieter; loving grandson of Gladys P. and the late Hugh J.
Dieter the late Alfred Robargo and the late Drusa E. Mere; uncle of several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 215 W. Center Medina, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrate on Wednesday at 11 AM at St.
Patrick's Church, Barker, NY. In lieu of flowers memorials to Christ the King Seminary or Medina Memorial Hospital. Mr. Dieter was studying to become a Roman Catholic Priest at Chist the King Seminary. DUCHENE -Eleanor M.
(nee Eirich) Of Tonawanda, NY, entered into rest May of 14, Donald Donald 2007; devoted L. L. Jr. beloved mother Duchene (Donna), wife of Richard W. (Maryanne), Robert A.
(Helen) and Darren R. Duchene; cherished grandmother of six grandchildren; loving daughter of the late Eugene and Adelheid (nee Reidman) Eirich; also survived by relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME, (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls near on Wednesday from 4-8 PM. Funeral Service in St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 576 Delaware Kenmore on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock.
And Grace will lead me Tombardo DUDAS- Alice T. (nee Bartell) May 14, 2007, beloved wife of Joseph dear mother of Jacqueline (Frank) Amato, Anne (Stan) Walczyk, Kathleen Dudas, Mary Alice (Michael) Kolb and Mark (Kathryn) Dudas; loving grandmother of 13 grand and 2 greatgrandchildren; sister of Christine (John) Kowal; also survived by other devoted family and friends. Funeral from the PACER FUNERAL HOME, 2275 George Urban Blvd. (2 blocks east of Dick Rd.) Friday 9:30 and SS. Peter and Paul Church, Depew, 10 AM.
Friends invited. Family present Wednesday 7-9 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Alice was a member of Villa Maria Alumni and Parent Guild. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry. FARON- Walter G.
Passed away on May 5, 2007 in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Buffalo, NY on November 5, 1919. He was predeceased in death by wife, Mary (nee Haywood); surviving him are his children Judy (Dan) Parks, of Portland, ME, Bill (Elizabeth) of Langhorne, PA, Peggy Faron of Chandler, AZ, and Becky (Dana) Richardson of Mesa, AZ; five grandchildren, Theresa (Shaw), Linda (Rhea), Kevin Parks, Heather Faron and Kelly (Richardson); and four greatgrandchildren, Megan Shaw, Samantha and Allison Rhea and Sara Parks. Memorial Service was held on Thursday, May 10 at 6:00 PM, Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Mesa, AZ.
(480) 830-4105. Did you know? The News accepts photos from funeral directors for obituaries. If supplying a picture, good quality photos taken within the past 10 years that fully show the deceased's face are required. Adolph "Al" Gierlak, 69, of Kenmore, died May 14. Thelma R.
(Barrett) Halligan, 83, of Amherst, died May 13. Richard F. Hewitt, 60, of the Town of Tonawanda, died May 13. Ronald Jurewicz, 71, of Akron, died May 14. Maryanne (Kraska) Koszuta, 55, of Depew, died May 12.
Henry J. Kotlarz, 83, of Getzville, died May 14. Theresa A. (Delaco) Krall, 76, of the City of Tonawanda, died May 14. Ruby (Hannigan) Lantaff, 92, of North Collins, died May 14.
Rosa (Tricoli) Marotta, died May 14. Faye (Muscarella) Mingarell, 84, of Orchard Park, died May 13. Lloyd A. Mohawk 62, of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, died May 14. IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF on anniversaries and special dates) and Card of Thanks (notices that express appreciation to friends and relatives) are also placed by calling the Classified Advertising Department at 856-5555.
To arrange for an obituary a news story about a prominent local resident or a listing GERRITY -Patrick S. "Tex" Of Buffalo, NY, suddenly, May 12, 2007, beloved wife of Betty J. (Waczkowski) Gerrity; loving son of the late Thomas E. and Rosemarie Gerrity; dear brother of Thomas (Roberta) and Neil (George Siwy) Gerrity; cherished uncle of Krystal Gerrity, Kevin, Andy and Dave Waczkowski; brother-in-law of Gerald (Janice) Waczkowski. The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 1-4 and at the O'CONNELL-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 2286 South Park Ave.
where funeral services will immediately follow. Flowers gratefully declined. Tex worked at Holy Cross Cemetery for the last 30 years. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.oconnellfh.net MURPHY FUNERAL HOME Dorothy C. Obersheimer, 100, of Grand Island, died May 13.
Lillian M. (Ruppel) Reid, 85, of Getzville, died May 13. Richard C. Semo, 72, of Grand Island, a retired federal government employee, died May 11. Joanne L.
(Lautz) Sikes, 83, of Buffalo, died May 13. Gershon J. Silverstein, died May 13. Jane C. Smith, died May 12.
Shirley Smith, died May 13. Jean R. Viola, 30, of Grand Island, died May 8. Henry Willis died May 8. Thaddeus Zalenski, 83, of Cheektowaga, died May 12.
Mary A. Zehnder, of Grand Island, died May 13. under Area Deaths call the general newsroom number, 849-4449. Obituary forms are available. As with all news stories, there is never a charge for an obituary or a death listing, and the decision whether to run a full obituary or a death listing is determined by the editorial staff.
GIERLAK A. 'Al' Of Kenmore, May 14, 2007; beloved husband of Joan Cunningham Gierlak; dear father of Thomas (Amy) of Chicago, IL, Daniel (Amy) of Edinboro, PA, Katheleen (James) Ziemer, David (Jennifer) Gierlak of Kingston, GA; loving grandfather of Jake, Nicholas, Alexandrea, Lauren, Joey, Piercy Gierlak, Michael and Christine Ziemer; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME, 3215 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM where funeral will be held Wednesday at 10:30. Mass of Christian Burial at St.
Pauls RC Church at 11 AM. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Al was a member of Niagara Frontier Koa Pond Club, Liturgy Committee of St. Paul's Church and former member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary CARD OF THANKS 856-5555 CONNORS- -Margaret (Fitzgerald) May 13, 2007, beloved wife of the late Thomas Connors; dear mother of Thomas and John (Lauren) Connors; loving grandmother of Erin Delaney Connors; daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Roller) Fitzgerald; sister of M. Celine R.S.M., Rev.
Donald Fitzgerald, John (Jo) Fitzgerald and the late George (late Rita) Fitzgerald, Francis Fitzgerald, Charles (late Shirley) Fitzgerald, James (Ann), Paul (Barbara Black) Fitzgerald and Joseph Fitzgerald. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd. The funeral will be held Thursday at 10 AM the Mercy Center, 565 Abbott Rd (please assemble at Church).
Online register www.CannanFH.com CURLEY- Nancy O'Grady May 10, 2007, wife of the late John; loving mother of Gracia (Ken) Wiggins, Wendy (Jack) Ullrich, Gail (Bob) Seifert, Mary (Duane) Ford, Tim, Jo (Randolf) Diamond; loving grandmother to Jody, Amy, Teri, Kristen, Carrie, Randy, Eric, Traci, Rory, Jay, Derrek, Linsay, Allie, Molly and Haley; 12 great grandchildren. A memorial mass will be on June 21, 7:00 PM at St. Edmunds RC Church. Memorials may be made to Friends of the Library, 160 Delaware, Kenmore, 14217. CURNEW -H.
Marc Of Orchard Park, NY. May 12, 2007. Beloved son of Winifred (John) Reardon and the late Herbert A. Curnew; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at F.E.
BROWN SONS FUNERAL HOME, 6575 E. Quaker Orchard Park. Services from the funeral home Wednesday 10 AM. Friends invited. Memorials made to American Cancer Society or to East Aurora Vol.
Fire Co. CURRY -Stanley M. May 14, 2007. Be- loved husband of Rosemary Curry; dear father of Michael T. (Shirley), Daniel James B.
(Barbara) and Patrick T. (Molly) Curry; loving grandfather of Michelle, Michael, Sean, Jennifer, Adam, Andrew and great-grandfather of Thomas and Casey; brother of Blaine (Mildred) and the late Gilbert (Patricia) Curry. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ SON FUNERAL HOME 911 Englewood Ave. on Wednesday from 4-8 PM, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 12:00 Noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Multiple Sclerosis Society. You can place a piece of artwork to commemorate your loved one in your In Memoriam message. For information, call: 856-5555. 105834 For thoughtful guidance and dependable information at this time, the businesses listed below are committed to helping you. Coping Can Be Difficult James V.
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