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Obituaries

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October - December 2006

October 13 , 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Gary L. Wolinski

Gary L. Wolinski, 62, passed away on Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, at his Grand Island home.

Wolinski was born in Buffalo on Aug. 2, 1944. He served on the Cheektowaga Police Department for 20 years, retiring in 1989 as a lieutenant. He was also the owner of Everything Automotive in Tonawanda and Cheektowaga.

Gary is survived by his wife, Holly (Marohn) Wolinski; his children, Corrine M. Wolinski of Tonawanda, Nathan J. Wolinski of Grand Island, Charlene (Carlos) Diaz-Granodos of Boca Raton, Fla., and Jennifer (Charles) McCarthy of Old Bridge, N.J.; his grandchildren, Alexa, Adriana, Nicholas and Allison; and his 12 brothers and sisters.

Visitation was held this week at the Kaiser Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held today, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Whitehaven Cemetery on Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Greyhound Adoption, 149 Keller Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217.

October 27, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Douglas C. Northrup

Douglas C. Northrup, 62, of Machias, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006.

Northrup was born in Buffalo on May 7, 1944, the son of Wesley A. Northrup and Eva Hartman Northrup. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-64, and worked as a truck driver for TLC in Michigan. A member of the Springville Moose Lodge, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

Douglas married Cheryl Jaquish on Aug. 10, 1990. He is survived by his wife; his children, Chad (Donna) Northrup of Jacksonville, N.C.; Laura (Paul Barber) Northrup of Freedom; Becky (Brett) French of Yorkshire; Amanda Jaquish of South Wales; and Gunner Northrup of Machias; his sisters, Sharon Jandrew of Mansfield, Texas; and Mary King of Haggerstown, Md.; his seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his parents.

Burial will be in Sardinia Cemetery.

Leroy ‘Ike’ Trautman

Leroy “Ike” Trautman, 57, of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Grand Island, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, surrounded by his loved ones.

Trautman was born in Buffalo on July 3, 1949. He was a lifetime member of the Grand Island VFW, and fought in Vietnam. He was well known for his ability to fix anything and for his dry sense of humor.

Ike is survived by his companion, Audrey Williams, and her children, Michael, Lisa, Kim Buckowski and Ronald Girard Jr. Additional survivors include Ike’s daughter, Tammy Trautman Fardink; his son, Jason Eugene Trautman; his grandchildren, David, Brian and Joseph Buckowski (Kim); Michael and Brooke Morton; Hanna Fardink (Tammy); Jason Jr., Cameron and Damian Trautman (Jason); and his brothers and sisters, Shirley Heckman, Cathryn Kaegebein, Lorraine Cook, Debbie Cydylo and Keith Trautman. Ike was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Elenor Trautman, and his brother, Bruce Trautman.

Trautman will be resting at his daughter’s home in Panama, N.Y.

November 3, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Hazel C. Nailor

Hazel C. Nailor, a Grand Island resident, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006.

Hazel was wife to the late James J. Nailor; the mother of Judith A. (the late Robert) Meer, Susan C. (Paul W.) Bauer and the late Michael E. Nailor; the sister of Edward G. (Mildred) Weiser Jr., and the late Ruth Weiser; the daughter of the late Katherine (Rochow) and Edward G. Weiser Sr.; and sister-in-law to Mary Nailor and the late Jean Nailor. She is survived by seven grandchildren; nine great-grandsons; six nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m., inside St. Stephen’s Church. Interment will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or the St. Stephen’s Church Building Fund.

Robert August Meyer

A funeral Mass for Robert August Meyer, 86, was held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2006, at St. Stephen’s Church. Viewing was held on Oct. 29 at Kaiser Funeral Home.

A native Buffalonian, his Meyer’s family was one of the first Grand Island summer families to reside in the family-owned Sheenwater Estates along Love and West River roads. He was a life-long resident of Grand Island before spending the past two years in Cleveland with his daughter, Ann.

Meyer graduated in 1938 from Bennett High School. He joined the 121st Cavalry and served 41 months, including Army service. He served 15 months in Australia with the 49th Air Corps., and then in New Guinea and as a fire control electrician in the Philippines. He had experience in mechanical construction and installation, and earned six medals as a result – including the Bronze Star.

Upon his return from the Pacific Theater, Meyer served as an installation engineer and ultimately as vice president of service for Meyer Equipment Co. His grandfather, the late August F. Meyer, founded that business, the first restaurant and equipment supply company in New York, in 1882. It remained in the family until 1967.

Meyer was past president of the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club, and a long-time member of the Buffalo Launch Club. Moreover, he recently celebrated 54 years in the American Legion.

He was an avid fisherman and skeet shooter, and he loved his pets and gardening.

Robert was the son of the late Edward J. and Edda (Glasser) Meyer. He was the brother of the late Edward J. (Elsie) and Albert (Marion) Meyer, and his twin, the late Jeanette Davidson (Gordon). He was the husband of the late Marie Vaughn (Oct. 8, 2001).

He is survived by his children, Butch (Julie), Susan Marie, Dr. Ann and Albert (Kathy) Meyer, as well as Mary Edda (Richard) Day and Elizabeth (Alan) Dodge. He is survived by his 13 grandchildren, whom he enjoyed: Robert and Steven Meyer; Robert, Corryn and Jackie Zimmerman; Valerie, William and Jeanette Witherspoon; Jennifer and Diane Meyer; and Brittany, Austin and Connor Dodge. Additional survivors include his one great-grandchild, Sydney Zimmerman.

Robert was interred in St. Stephen’s Cemetery beside his late wife of 56 years, Marie.

November 10, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Dorothy M. Ehde

Dorothy M. Ehde, 73, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Eden Park Nursing Home. She was born in Morann, Pa., on April 16, 1933, the daughter of John and Mary (Brezina) Gmerek. She moved from Grand Island to North Clarendon, Vt., in 1995.

Ehde was a secretary for Armco Steel Co. in Grand Island. She was a member of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church and the Late Bloomers of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed bowling, golf and line dancing.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Marjorie Arsenault of Electric City, Wash., and Brenda Abdelnour of North Clarendon, Vt.; a brother, Bernard Gmerek, of Cleveland; and four grandchildren. Her husband, Henry Ehde III, predeceased her in 1993.

There are no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 2587 Baseline Road.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Community Cancer Center, care of Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St., Rutland, VT 05701.

November 17, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

James E. ‘Jack’ Breier

James E. “Jack” Breier, 88, of Grand Island, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, at the Veterans Administrative Hospital in Buffalo.

Breier was a proud Word War II veteran. He served as a staff sergeant and as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Infantry, 3rd Battalion 501 H Company. He earned a multitude of service awards, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroics and wounds received in Bastogne.

Family was the focus of Jack’s life. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite; his children, Susan (Robert) Dommell, Phyllis (Gary) Gentner, Michael (Crystal) Breier, Marilyn (William) Brennan, David (Joanne) Breier and James (Michele) Breier Jr.; 20 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Notar.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Memorial donations can be made to Pine Lodge Volunteer Services, VA Hospital, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14125.

Leonard A. Riordan

Leonard A. Riordan, 79, of Labelle, Fla., formerly of Grand Island, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, surrounded by his loving family.

Riordan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Korea and with the Navy Reserves. On Grand Island, he was past commander of the VFW; an auxiliary policeman; a volunteer fireman; and committee person for the Democratic Party. Riordan was also a warrant officer in the New York Army National Guard, and a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Moose Lodge.

He was employed with the Kimberly Clark Corp., after military service, then with the DuPont Corp., from where he retired in 1969 after 25 years.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Colleen M. Smith; his children, Colleen (Leon) Petrus, Gail (Richard) Byron, Joyce Clark, Leonard Riordan and Loretta (Patti) Riordan; his grandchildren, Melvin Schilling, Paul (Cathy) Siemucha, Jason (Tracey) Petrus, Wendy (Chris) Mack, Jessica (Jarim) Petrus, Marsha (Brian) Rogers and Christopher Winters. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Louis (Dolly) Scolase; a sister-in-law, Celine Scolase; his faithful companion Danny Boy; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ann Riordan, and Louis and Elizabeth Scolase; his brothers, Craig (Marlena) Kemp, Bob (Amy) Riordan and Michael Scolase; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Scolase; and Teeny Riordan.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. The love of his family was the most important part of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m., at Church on the Rock, 9610 Colvin Blvd., Niagara Falls.

November 23, 2006 - Niagara Wheatfield Tribune
November 25, 2006 - Lewiston Porter Sentinel

Alphonso ‘Al’ DiMino, grocery pioneer, one of Tops founders, passes away

Alphonso I. “Al” DiMino of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Niagara Falls, NY, one of the founders of the grocery chain that is now Tops markets, passed quietly into the hands of God on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, while at home in Niagara Falls surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 11, 1925 to Anthony and Marianna (Buscemi) DiMino in Arnold, Pa. After graduating from Arnold High School in 1943, he and his family relocated to Niagara Falls that same year. He married his soul mate the former Catherine P. Colosi on Oct. 8, 1955 at St. Joseph Church, in Niagara Falls.

Al entered the U.S. Navy in September 1943, and was assigned aboard the U.S.S. Charles Carroll (APA28). He served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations with the Amphibious Forces. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific star, American Ribbon and Victory Medal. He served as paymaster and was honorably discharged on May 14, 1946

Al started his long career in the grocery business by opening his first store on 19th Street in 1946. A short time later his brother Leonard joined him in the daily operation of this store. In 1951, the two brothers went on to open and operate DiMino’s Red & White, located at 7503 Pine Ave.

Within two years the store doubled in size. In his travels Al always looked for new ideas to improve his business. DiMino’s was the first grocery store in Niagara Falls to offer a self-service meat operation and freezer cases for frozen food. In 1967, they moved their family store to 74th Street and Pine Avenue as a B-Kwik. In 1958, he invested with the late Thomas Buscaglia, and the late Armand Castellani and they formed Niagara Frontier Services Inc. They along with Al’s brother opened the first Bells Market in Niagara Falls located at Niagara Falls Boulevard and Tuscarora Road. They then opened another location on Hyde Park Boulevard. These two stores led to the beginning of their business venture.

It was Al who suggested naming the stores Tops with the diamond logo, now a household name in the community and throughout Western New York. He remained in a supervisory position with Niagara Frontier Services for a number of years and was instrumental in opening stores 20 locations throughout the Western New York area.

In 1964, Al and his late brother opened their own franchise Tops market on Center Street in Lewiston. In 1969, a group of investors formed DeVeaux Services with Al DiMino as president and CEO. DeVeaux Services owned and operated a Tops market at Maple and North Forest roads in Williamsville, a Tops market in the Town of Niagara and B-Kwik stores in Middleport, Sanborn, Youngstown, and on North Main Street in Niagara Falls. They also owned and operated Ferrante’s Restaurant and a Hytop Pharmacy in Williamsville and in Sanborn. A born grocer, Al was noted for his service and his devotion to his customers. In 1998, Al and his children replaced the old Lewiston store with a more modern store, which his family still operates today,

Al loved music and live concerts, especially marching band music. His love of music and the Village of Lewiston inspired his children to construct a band shell as a tribute to their father, just across the street from the Tops store in Academy Park.

Al was involved with many civic and social organizations. He was a past president of the Niagara Falls Sertoma Club and was awarded Life Membership in 1962. He also served as past president of the Century Club, Lewiston-Queenston Rotary, and was a member of the New York State Food Merchants Association. He was a life member of the Niagara University President’s Circle and a founder of the Castellani Art Museum Interior and Exterior Sculpture Court.

In 1978, he was named “Business Man of the Year” by the Italian American Police Association of Western New York. In 1988, he was named “Man of the Year” by the AMICI Lodge. He received the Knights of Columbus Colombian Medal and was a member of Niagara Council No. 247. He received many other awards, too numerous to mention.

Al was a member of the Niagara Falls Country Club and an active member of the Italian/American Club of Coconut Creek, Fla. He was very involved with the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and was past vice president of the Western New York District; past president of the Power City Lodge No 158 and Volare Lodge No 269. On Sept. 30, 2006, he was bestowed the title of honorary president by the Volare Lodge. Al was closely associated with the events in the community and he strived to promote the city of Niagara Falls, Lewiston, and the Niagara Frontier as a friendly place in which to work and live.

Al was also a sports enthusiast. He loved to watch Niagara University Basketball games, had season tickets for the former Buffalo Braves Basketball team, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, and the Niagara Falls Rapids. He was also part owner of the Buffalo Stallions of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also accompanied his friends on many occasions to fish and play golf. And he was a huge supporter of little league baseball football and bowling.

Al was adventurous too. He and his wife, Catherine, loved to travel. They visited many European countries, travelled to the Caribbean and Alaska and enjoyed one very special vacation to Disney World with their children and grandchildren.

Al was a member of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Niagara Falls and St Luke’s Catholic Church in Coconut Creek, Fla.

Al is survived by the wife of 51 years, who he claimed was a true partner to him in every venture he had undertaken; one son Anthony P. DiMino of Lockport; and daughters Mary Rose (Jerry) Casero, and Anne Marie (Steven) Hepfer, both of Niagara Falls. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Alphonso DiMino of Buffalo, John DiMino of Lewiston, Selena (Dan) Haney, Michael, Jerry, Catherine, Nicole Casero, Kristy Rose, Sarah Grace and Johnathan Hepfer, all of Niagara Falls; two sisters, Carmella (the late Cosimo) Pellegrini of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Marie Nicoletti of Lewiston; one aunt, Ellen Montana, of North Tonawanda; and one uncle, Angelo (Doris) Buscemi. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Nancy J. Colosi, Josephine (the late Joe) Colosi, Mary (the late Nick) Colosi and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother Leonard. Al will be sadly missed by May Campbell who was truly his “guardian angel” for the last four years.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 20 in St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church, Niagara Falls. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center, c/o “ICU,” 5300 Military Road, Lewiston, NY 14092, or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14092-1232, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by M.J.Colucci and Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls.

December 2, 2006 - Lewiston Porter Sentinel

Frank A. Amendola, noted area developer, passes away

Frank A. Amendola, 73, of Lewiston, died on Tuesday Nov. 28, 2006, at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston.

Born on Oct. 23, 1933, in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Frank and Rose (Carella) Amendola. On Nov. 5, 1982, he married Jerauldine M. (Kendzia) Amendola in Lewiston.

Frank attended local schools and was a graduate of the former Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls, and the University of Maryland where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternal organization. Frank was the proprietor of Amendola Property Management in Niagara Falls.

Throughout his notable career, he has owned, operated, managed, bought, sold, brokered and been a part of many, many commercial endeavors. Frank also actively supported numerous area civic endeavors, including the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, the SPCA and the former Century Club. Frank’s life most importantly centered around his family.

In addition to his wife of 24 years, Jerauldine M. (Kendzia) Amendola, he is survived by seven children: Michael (Kathryn) Amendola of Cumberland, R.I.; Susan Page, Gregory (Sarah) Gismondi both of Niagara Falls; Geannine (John) French of Lewiston; Gerauld Gismondi of Niagara Falls; Geffrey Gismondi of Lansing, Mich.; and Amanda Rose Amendola of Lewiston. He was predeceased by his wife Cecile (Brie) Amendola, an infant son, Francis, and infant daughter, Kathy. He is also survived by five grandchildren: John Francis Page, Marco Amendola, Natalie and Caroline Gismondi and Justin French; his mother-in-law, Gladys (the late Walter J.) Kendzia of Niagara Falls, and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 1, at M.J. Colucci and Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, Niagara Falls, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Church in Lewiston, officiated by the Rev. Sebastian Pierro. Entombment is in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls.

December 15, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Dorothy Voetsch Fahrer

Dorothy L. (Voetsch) Fahrer, descendant of a founding Grand Island family, passed away on December 2, 2006, at the age of 92.

She was the beloved wife of the late Philip E. Fahrer. She is survived by a son, Peter (Francine) Fahrer; and a daughter, Mary (Doug) Fahrer-Tepple. She was the loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, Dec. 4, at St. Bonaventure R.C. Church. Donations in her memory may be sent to Father Baker Victory Services. Funeral arrangements were by the James W. Cannan Funeral Home Buffalo Chapel.

In 2004, Mrs. Fahrer, who had moved to West Seneca, came back to the Island to celebrate her 90th birthday at the home of her granddaughter, Teresa (Dan) Gormady. The occasion was made all the more memorable because it also was the 2nd birthday of Mrs. Fahrer’s great-great-granddaughter, Natalie Fahrer, according to her grandson, Frederick Claus.

Mrs. Fahrer’s father, William E. Voetsch, was prominent in Grand Island real estate circles. He and his family built and owned the former Edgewater hotel and park that was located on East River Road at the Island’s north end. Many longtime Islanders will remember fun times at Edgewater, whether for meals, social gatherings or get-togethers at the park.

   
Dorothy Voetsch Fahrer, seated, left, is seen in this five-generations photo of the Fahrer family. She is surrounded by her son, Peter I. Fahrer Sr., left; granddaughter, Teresa Fahrer Gormady, standing, right; great-great-granddaughter Kristine Fahrer; and great-great-granddaughter Natalie Fahrer. (photo by Fred Claus)

Even before the bridges were opened in 1935, Edgewater park, hotel and restaurant drew many people from various service clubs, church groups and other organizations. Early on, people traveled from “the mainland” by steamer for a day at the park. The town’s Harvest Picnic took place there for decades. The Edgewater hotel was demolished in March of 1978 because of its hazardous, unstable condition.

“Grandma” Fahrer, as she was known to many, told many stories of the parks her family owned, as well as life on Grand Island in the early days. She will be fondly remembered by her many relatives on the Island and in Western New York.

December 29, 2006 - Grand Island Dispatch

Jane R. (Zwolinski) Willett

Jane R. (Zwolinski) Willett, a long-time Grand Island resident, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. She was a member of the DAV Women’s Auxiliary Chapter 1.

Jane was wife to the late Nelson O. Willett. She was mother to Wendy J. (Floyd) Blount of Alabama; grandmother to Michael G. (Lori) Bidlack of Tonawanda; sister to Leon (Jean) Zwolinski, Zigmond (Lorraine) Zwolinski, Hennrietta Brodzinskie and the late Theodore Zwolinski, Kay Gerrard and Fredrick Zwolinski.

Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 29, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, at 12:15 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road. Interment will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Tonawanda.

Memorials may be made to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo.