Joseph KaczmarskiA Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday (May 9) for Joseph “Joe” H. Kaczmarski, 70, of Smyrna, formerly of Buffalo, who died on Saturday, May 5, 2012.He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Katherine (Morman) Kaczmarski; children, Robert (Sandy) and Karen (Wayne Bonnett) Kaczmarski and Tracy (Mark) Judd; siblings, Joan (late Gene) Schrubb, Margaret (Joseph) Terrizzi, Patricia (Ed) Darling and Paul (late Deborah) and David (Debbie) Kaczmarski; siblings-in-law, Wilson (Sue) Morman and Mary Ann (Pete) Varanko; grandchildren, Andrew and Brent Kaczmarski; nieces, nephews, friends and faithful dog Tess.Mr. Kaczmarski was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Helen Kaczmarski;... more

George Biehler, owner of Biehler’s Village Square LiquorsA Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. from St. Mary of the Lake Church in Hamburg for George F. Biehler, 79, of Hamburg, who died on Sunday, April 1, 2012.He is survived by his wife, Charlotte M. (May) Stromecki-Biehler; children, Bonnie Brown, Jeffrey and Michael Biehler; step-son, Gregory Stromecki; brother, Norman Biehler; and nine grandchildren.He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey (Shultz) Biehler; and son, Gregory Biehler.Mr. Biehler was born above the family restaurant, Biehler’s Tea Room, on Buffalo Street in Hamburg. He lived most of his life on Woodview Avenue and then on Brenner Drive and... more

Judith PogorzalaA funeral service was held on Monday (April 30) from the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, for Judith (Shriver) Pogorzala, who died on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.She is survived by her husband, Daniel Pogorzala; children, Jody and Jason Dunn, Ellen (Frank) Zbytek and Peter Pogorzala; mother, Margaret Dunn; siblings, Susan Iverson and Daniel, Dennis and Shawn Shriver; best friend, Carol Litz; and 10 grandchildren.She was predeceased by her father, Henry Shriver.Memorials may be made to the SPCA or online at www.lakesidefuneralhome.com.Rita JarmolukPrivate services were held at the convenience of the family for Rita (Przepiora) Jarmoluk, 86, of Hamburg, who died on Thursday, April 26,... more

Rose TolesFriends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, April 28 at 4 p.m. at Mason’s Grille 52 in Hamburg in honor of Rose R. (Riehle) Toles, 93, of Hamburg, who died on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.She is survived by her children, George E. (Melissa Steele) and Tom (Gretchen) Toles; and grandchildren, Sam (Matt), Rachel, Thomas, Amanda and Seth Toles.She was predeceased by her husband, George Edward Toles; siblings, Wilma Riehle, Alice Riley and MaryJo Godfrey; and companion, Richard Metzger.Mrs. Toles was born in Boston, N.Y., and live in Hamburg for the majority of her life. She grew up on the Riehle farm on Newton Road. She graduated from Hamburg High School in 1935 and from D’Youville... more

Michele PapelianA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday (April 14) from St. Mary of the Lake Church for Michele T. (Tronolone) Papelian of Hamburg, who died on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.She is survived by her husband, Robert Papelian; children, Robert and Ashley Papelian; mother, Trude C. Tronolone; siblings, Vincent, Joanne, Caesar (Kimberly) and Paul Tronolone and Anne Marie (Anthony) Zak; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Papelian; and many nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her father, Caesar Tronolone; and sister, Mary Lu Aquino.Arrangements were made through the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home.Barbara Tasker-BrownFuneral services were held on Saturday (April 14) from the Valley View... more

Richard ZiobroFuneral services were held on Saturday (April 7) from the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home for Richard E. Ziobro of Blasdell, who died on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.He is survived by his wife, Mary (Pawlik) Ziobro; children, Jennifer (Chris) McGuire, Lori (Chris) Denny and Scott (Heather) Ziobro; mother, Jessie (Pawlowski) Ziobro; siblings, Fran (Edward) Reed and Theresa (Robert) Wierzba; grandchildren, Brianna, Jessie, Aiden and Molly; siblings-in-law, Betty (David) Huber, Sandra (Greg) Falsioni and Carol (Joe) Grabar; additional family members and many dear friends.He was predeceased by his father, Edward Ziobro; sister, Alice Ziobro; and sister-in-law, Renee Pawlik.Mr. Ziobro was a... more

Bruce ColleyA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday (April 4) from Blessed John Paul II Church for Bruce D. Colley, 83, of Lake View, who died on Friday, March 30, 2012.He is survived by his children, Patrice (Michael) Sedar and Debra (Joseph Pastuszynski), Jeanine (Bo Tucker) and Scott (Michelle) Colley; siblings, Barbara Kelsey, MaryLou (late Kenneth) Young, Virginia (late Leonard) Ritts, Jeanette (late Arthur) Hughes and Paul (Joan) and David Colley; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy), Michelle, Brian, Lindsey, Shane and Samantha; great-granddaughter, Madelyn Marie; siblings-in-law, Norine (late Charles) Appolson and James (Gloria) Wagner; dear friend, Gail Verge; and nieces and nephews.He... more

Elizabeth WilsonA memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. from Loomis, Offers and Loomis, Inc., Hamburg Chapel, for Elizabeth M. (Mannel) “Betty” Wilson, 91, of Eden, who died on Monday, March 19, 2012.She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lawrence Wilson; children, Lawrence (Lisa) Wilson Jr. and Barbara (David) Herman; grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth and Lydia Post Wilson, Sarah Macauley (Todd) Koss, Christine Elizabeth (Greg) Kern and Todd (Emily) Herman; and great-grandsons, Jonathan and Matthew Kern and Benjamin Herman.Mrs. Wilson grew up in Waterbury, Conn. She graduated with a business degree from Simmons College in Boston, Mass. in 1942.She married her husband... more

Sister Mary Ernesta SitkowskiA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday (March 16) from the Immaculate Conception Convent Chapel for Sister Mary Ernesta Sitkowski, 103, who died on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.She is survived by a great-niece and a great-nephew. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Stella (Fronczyk) Sitkowski. Leocadia Sitkowski was born in Brooklyn in 1908. She entered the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph as a postulant in 1924 and professed her final vows in 1929.She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Marywood College and her master’s degree from Villanova University.For 55 years, she ministered in the field of education at St. Casimir... more

Edward SpearA memorial service will be held Thursday, March 15 at 4 p.m. from the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department for Edward A. “Jerry” Spear, 68, of Hamburg, who died on Friday, March 9, 2012.He is survived by his children, Jennifer and Michael Spear; step-children, Michelle Maus and Laurie Stack; grandchildren, Isabell, Ryan and Adelynn; and former wife, Ann Walters.Mr. Spear was a fireman for 34 years, working with the Village of Hamburg Fire Department for almost 20 years and for 10 years with the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department. From age 18 to age 21, he was a member of the Armor Fire Company.He was vice president of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company and president of the Scranton... more

Sister Mary Alice WiniarskiA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday (March 1) from Immaculate Conception Convent Chapel for Sister Mary Alice Winiarski, 84, of Hamburg, who died on Sunday, February 26, 2012.She is survived by her siblings, Regina Fialkowski and Norbert and David (Michiko) Winiarski; sister-in-law, Rosemarie; and nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Martha (Janicki) Winiarski.Sister Alice was born in 1927 in Milwaukee, Wis. She entered the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters as a postulant in 1946 and professed her final vows in 1951.She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Mercy College and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch... more

Angeline Eppolito A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday (March 5) from SS. Peter and Paul Church for Angeline (LoFranco) Eppolito of Hamburg, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.She is survived by her children, Joanne (Joseph) Beale, Donna Duino and Joseph (Cheryl) Jr. and Richard (Carol) Eppolito; sister, Marie (late Angelo) Neri; grandchildren, Leia, Melissa, Valerie, Mark, Joseph, Julie, Kristina and Michael; great-grandson, Alexander; additional family and friends.She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Eppolito Sr.; and siblings, Anna (Charles) Aquilina and Josephine (Angelo) DiRosa.She was interred in Hillcrest Cemetery.Arrangements were made through the Lombardo Funeral... more

Russell ScanioA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday (Feb. 20) from Immaculate Conception Church for Russell P. Scanio, 64, of Eden, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.He is survived by his wife, Karen L. (Urbaniak) Scanio; children, Cheri and Christina Scanio and Dawn (Jeremy) Kemler; mother, Anna (LoRusso) Scanio; brothers, Peter and Lawrence Scanio; and grandsons, Evan, Jordan and Nolan.He was predeceased by his father, Ross Scanio.Mr. Scanio was born in Dunkirk. He attended Kenmore East High School, graduating with the Class of 1963.He served in the U.S. Air Force and then with the U.S. Army for a total of 22 years of service. He spent most of his service as one of the most prolific... more

Rita WidgerA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday (Feb. 11) from Blessed John Paul II Church for Rita A. (Gehen) Widger, 69, of Hamburg, who died on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.She is survived by her husband, Boyd Widger; children, Dr. Kari (Chris) Bovenzi and Jim (Carol) Widger; grandchildren, Jimmy Jr., Abby, Elivia, Charlotte and Elijah; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rita Gehen; and siblings, JoAnne Flowers, Mary Burnsworth and Joseph Gehen.Mrs. Widger was a certified nursing assistant at ElderWood Health Care Center. She was chosen as the “2006 C.N.A. of the Year” for the entire east coast.Arrangements were made through the Addison Funeral... more

Donald BennettA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday (Feb. 4) from St. Francis of Assisi Church for Donald F. Bennett of Hamburg, who died on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Telesco) Bennett; children, Leo and Donald Bennett; brother, Gerald (Sally) Bennett; grandchildren, Donald C. and Graham; nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his brother, John (late Marion) Bennett.Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.Arrangements were made through the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home.Lorelie PertschFuneral services were held on Thursday (Feb. 2) from the Addison Funeral Home for Lorelie R. (Perriguey) Pertsch, 76, of Angola, formerly of Erie, Pa., who died on... more

Elizabeth BrownPrivate services were held at the convenience of the family for Elizabeth F. (Newell) Brown, 91, of Hamburg, who died on Friday, January 20, 2012.She is survived by her children, Kevin (Lenore) Brown and Joanne (Wayne) McNerney; siblings, Bernice Griewisch and Kenneth Newell; and grandchildren, Robert and Michelle McNerney and Christine Brown.She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Brown.Mrs. Brown graduated from Hamburg High School. After graduation, she joined the U.S. Coast Guard. She took pride in serving her country and driving the officers around New York City.After World War II, she worked at the Hamburg Pennysaver, and later in the scale house at the former Reiffler’s... more

Caroline BasherA Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday (Jan. 24) from St. Francis of Assisi Church for Caroline N. (Buechner) Basher, of Hamburg, who died on Friday, January 20, 2012.She is survived by her husband, Howard G. Basher; children, Sharon (Rick Nelson) Staats and Michael (Barbara) and James (Terry) Basher; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.Arrangements were made through the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home.Ronald WiddowsonFuneral services were held on Tuesday (Jan. 24) from Big Tree Wesleyan Church for Ronald B. “Deach” Widdowson, 76, of Blasdell, who died on Friday, January 20, 2012.He is survived by his wife,... more

Robert BlankA memorial service was held on Monday (Jan. 16) from St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral for Robert J. Blank, 78, of Lake View, who died on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Rogan) Blank; children, David R. (Colleen) and Daniel C. (Rose) Blank; siblings, Barbara A. (late Ernest) Kohl and Bonnie Beth (Joel) Derby; and grandchildren, Megan E. and Brianna M. Blank and Chelsea Galley.Mr. Blank was a sales representative for Fluid Power Sales in Syracuse.Memorials may be made to the Hospice Foundation of WNY, 225 Como Park Blvd., P.O. Box 590, Cheektowaga, NY 14240-0590.Arrangements were made through the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home.Harrison BakerWord has been... more

Renee PaszekA memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. from the Eden United Methodist Church for Renee L. (Wenglik) Paszek, 48, of Hamburg, who died on Thursday, December 29, 2011.She is survived by her daughter, Maddison P. Paszek; mother, Jacqueline L. (Young) (Lionel Curtis) Wenglik; sisters; Alora L. (David) Gross and Kimberly L. (Meg Gehl) Wenglik; nieces and nephews, Garrett, Trevor and Aubree Gross, Arden and Hunter Gehl, Morgan, Justin and Nathanial Gange and Jason, Samantha and Alexandra Curtis; and Steve and Douglas (Robin) Curtis and Gloria (Charles) Gange.She was predeceased by her father, Ronald E. Wenglik.Mrs. Paszek was born in Gowanda. She graduated from... more

Leroy Harnick Jr.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11:30 a.m. from SS. Peter and Paul Church for Leroy “Buck” Harnick, 85, of Hamburg, who died on Saturday, December 24, 2011.He is survived by his children, Linda (Martin) Remick, Christine Koch, Barbara (Steven) Germain and Adrienne and Pete (Barbara) Harnick; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.He was predeceased by his wife, Harriet Rode Harnick; and son, Paul Duncan Harnick.Mr. Harnick was born in Buffalo, and was a graduate of East High School. He attended Albright Art School.He was employed by Edwards Department Store, Bethlehem Steel Co. and several construction firms where he worked as a plasterer,... more