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Obituaries for the week of Feb. 23, 2012
By:Sun Staff
Date: 2012-02-22
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Russell Scanio
A 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 Army recruiters in New York State.
Through his military service, he was awarded many humanitarian and meritorious medals, including the Army National Guard Master Recruiter Badge and the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star.
After retiring from the Army, he went on to teach Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at South Park High School.
He was also active in the Erie County Sheriff’s Reserve Division, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant and ran the E.C. Sheriff’s Explorer Program. This became one of the best training programs in the country, performing over 100 details each year, including such missions as Sheriff’s Inauguration, St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Variety Club Telethons and the Erie County Fair. They also facilitated numerous Operation: Safe Child sites, leading to the computer fingerprinting of over 25,000 children in Erie County.
He was also a real estate broker for over 15 years with multiple agencies.
He was buried with military honors at Lakeside Cemetery.
Arrangements were made through the Laing Funeral Home.
Cory Roeder
A memorial service was held on Monday (Feb. 20) from the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home for Cory J. Roeder of Lake View, formerly of Cheektowaga, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his parents, Kevin Roeder and Amy (Michael) Brehm; siblings, Hollie (Jack) Barter and Craig Howard; and grandparents, Gerald and Helen Majchrowicz, Clifford and Dorothy Brehm and Maureen Roeder Johnson.
Memorials may be made to Kids Escaping Drugs.
Sister Mary Caesaria Keslo
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday (Feb. 21) from the Immaculate Conception Covent Chapel for Sister Mary Caesaria Keslo, 87, of Hamburg, who died on Saturday, February 18, 2012.
She is survived by her sister, Clara Nowak; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Catherine (Magnicki) Keslo.
Sister Caesaria was born Irene Caroline Keslo in Buffalo. She entered the aspirancy of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and became a postulant in 1943. She professed her final vows in 1947.
She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Detroit. After taking courses at Wayne State University and Notre Dame, she went on to receive a master’s degree in education and administration from Villanova University.
For 49 years, she ministered in the field of education at Our Lady Queen of Angels and St. Hedwig in Detroit, St. Stanislaus in Baltimore, St. Theresa in Rochester, N.Y.; Holy Rosary of Pompeii in Kenosha, Wis.; St. Michael in Bridgeport, Conn.; St. Mary Queen of Angels in Swartz Creek, Mich.; and St. Josaphat in Milwaukee.
During her ministry at St. Hedwig and St. Michael, she also served as principal.
While at St. Rose Lima Parish in Buffalo, she was director of religious education and involved in CCD, DRE, RCIA and the Renew Program.
In March 2005, she joined the sisters in the Colette Hilbert Health Center.
She will be remembered for her way of greeting everyone with a “gentle smile and loving wave.”
In her younger years, she enjoyed entertaining the sisters in the health center for holidays and holy days.
She held professional memberships in the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
He motto was “you can’t keep a good person down.”
She was buried at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga.
Memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
Irene Wojtaszczyk
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. from Queen of Angels Church for Irene (Stachura) Wojtaszczyk of Hamburg, who died on Sunday, February 19, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Justina (Richard) Cirincione and Matthew (Frances) and Raymond (Linda) Wojtaszczyk; siblings, Frances (late Thomas) Zale and Dorothy (George) Kaczmarek; grandchildren, Denise, Michael, Anthony, Gregory, Cayce and Carrie; and great-grandchildren, Mykala and Jared.
She was predeceased by her husband, Louis H. Wojtaszczyk; son, Daniel (Rosemary) Wojtaszczyk; and Stanley (Helen) and Walter (Julia) Berny, Helen (Thomas) Woods, Rose (Edward) Grubka and Henry (Stella), Edward (Christine), John (Rose), Leo and Anthony (Josephine) Stachura.
Arrangements were made through the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home.
Richard Battleson
Private family services were held on Friday (Feb. 17) for Richard J. Battleson, 68, of Eden, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marion R. (Smith) Battleson; children, Brenda, Richard (Tammi), William (Kelly) and Wayne (Sara) Battleson; siblings, Edward (Betty), James (Pat) and Charles (Peg) Battleson and Barbara (George) Abraham; 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret (Leyda) Battleson; and sister, Linda (Jim) Dziak.
Mr. Battleson was past assistant chief and life member with the Eden Fire Company. He was a member of American Legion Newell Faulkner Post 880 and Eden VFW Memorial Post 8625.
He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his big heart, his hard work ethic and his common sense approach to life.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
His family will remember him for his ability to tinker with things and be able to find ways to fix anything. Most of all they will remember him for his “Lightening Speed.”
Memorials may be made to the Eden Fire Company Inc., P.O. Box 85, Eden, NY 14057.
Arrangements were made through the Laing Funeral Home.
Brenda Sekuterski
Funeral services were held on Thursday (Feb. 16) from the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home for Brenda L. (Keen) Sekuterski of Blasdell, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Sekuterski; children, Shaun (Michelle) Keen and Kristin and Kaitlin Sekuterski; sister, Robin (Marty) Lalka; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Carol Keen and Glenn Benninger; and brothers, Kenneth and Richard Keen.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
Anthony J. Martinez Sr.
A prayer service was held on Monday (Feb. 20) from the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home for Anthony J. Martinez Sr. of Blasdell, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his children, Lorraine (Greg Holmes) DeMarco and Anthony (Geri) Martinez Jr.; siblings, Charles (late Sophie) Rodriguez, Evelyn (Jack) Keiffer, Helen (late Dennis) Debo and Anita (Robert) Monaco; grandchildren, Rick (Kim) DeMarco and Ashley and Allison Martinez; great-grandchildren, AJ DeMarco and Jessica Lombardo; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Monaco) Martinez; parents, Liberto and Anita Rodriguez; and sister, Inez (Mark) Pitalo.
Mr. Martinez was a U.S. Army sergeant in World War II. He was a member of the VFW.
He worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years, retiring at the age of 50. He tended bar at the Seven Corners Restaurant for 25 years.
He was interred in Nativity Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation of WNY.
Lawrence Pacanowski
A Mass of Christian Burial was held from St. Francis of Assisi Church on Monday (Feb. 20) for Lawrence A. Pacanowski, 60, of Hamburg, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Waszak) Pacanowski; children, Melanie (Lawrence Wolfe) and Jason (Amanda) Pacanowski; siblings, Patricia (Bud) Mumbrum, Carol (James) Hunt, Joyce (Har) Spruce, James and Gerald Pacanowski; and grandson, Dillon Wolfe.
Mr. Pacanowski was a local surveyor who owned his own surveying business called NESW.
He was a member of Southtowns Working Dog Club and Erie Canal Schipperke Club.
He was buried in Prospect Lawn Cemetery.
Arrangements were made through the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home.
Carol Toepfer
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. from the Orchard Park Wesleyan Church for Carol S. (Schreiber) Toepfer of Blasdell, who died on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Toepfer; siblings, Mary (John) Preston and Donna (Ralph) Lowe; and many other loving family members and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Toepfer; daughter, Debra J. Toepfer; and brother, Robert F. Schreiber.
Arrangements were made through the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home.
Carol Hilliker
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. from the Addison Funeral Home for Carol A. (Potts) Hilliker, 77, of Silver Creek, formerly of Angola, who died on Sunday, February 19, 2012.
She is survived by her son, Gary (Mary) Hilliker; siblings, Deanna, Kevin and Lawrence Potts; grandchildren, Kelly (Christopher) Hamp and Maureen, Colleen and Courtney Hilliker; great-grandson, Connor Hamp; and best friend, Bob Anderson.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert O. Hilliker; and son, Robert Hilliker.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. or the S.P.C.A.
Betty Carnall
A funeral service was held on Tuesday (Feb. 21) from the Laing Funeral Home for Betty J. (Kneitinger) Carnall of Eden, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Robert Jr. (Robyn Boldt), James (Deborah) and Edward (Kelly) Carnall and Sandra (Cory) Painter; siblings, Shirley (Frank) Bagola and Mary Ann (late Gordon) Frost; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert E. Carnall Sr.; and siblings, Michael and David (Terry) Kneitinger.
Mrs. Carnall was born and raised in Buffalo and was a graduate of St. Mary’s Business School.
She was fond of caring for her pets and was a supporter of animal advocacy groups.
She was a member of bowling leagues in Eden and Hamburg for many years.
An avid reader, she enjoyed mystery and crime novels. She also spent many hours solving crossword puzzles.
Her clam chowder was the highlight of many camping and picnic trips with friends and family.
Memorials may be made the favorite charity of one’s choice for animal advocacy.
Anne Krupa
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday (Feb. 17) from SS. Peter and Paul Church for Anne (Dzialak) Krupa, 89, of Hamburg, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Steve (Peggy) and Walter (Anne) Kostorowski and Deborah (Michael) Dybalski; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Krupa, Ignatius and Stephen Kostorowski; parents, Thaddeus and Anna Dzialak; and seven brothers.
Mrs. Krupa was orphaned at a young age and raised by the Felician Sisters. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy.
A hard worker throughout her life, she retired from Trico with over 35 years of service. She also worked as a cook and waitress at the Water Valley Inn.
She enjoyed her family, loved to cook, donated to charities, supported her church and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her Lord in prayer.
Memorials may be made to the Felician Sisters or Hospice Foundation.
Arrangements were made through the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home.
A 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 Army recruiters in New York State.
Through his military service, he was awarded many humanitarian and meritorious medals, including the Army National Guard Master Recruiter Badge and the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star.
After retiring from the Army, he went on to teach Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at South Park High School.
He was also active in the Erie County Sheriff’s Reserve Division, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant and ran the E.C. Sheriff’s Explorer Program. This became one of the best training programs in the country, performing over 100 details each year, including such missions as Sheriff’s Inauguration, St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Variety Club Telethons and the Erie County Fair. They also facilitated numerous Operation: Safe Child sites, leading to the computer fingerprinting of over 25,000 children in Erie County.
He was also a real estate broker for over 15 years with multiple agencies.
He was buried with military honors at Lakeside Cemetery.
Arrangements were made through the Laing Funeral Home.
Cory Roeder
A memorial service was held on Monday (Feb. 20) from the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home for Cory J. Roeder of Lake View, formerly of Cheektowaga, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his parents, Kevin Roeder and Amy (Michael) Brehm; siblings, Hollie (Jack) Barter and Craig Howard; and grandparents, Gerald and Helen Majchrowicz, Clifford and Dorothy Brehm and Maureen Roeder Johnson.
Memorials may be made to Kids Escaping Drugs.
Sister Mary Caesaria Keslo
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday (Feb. 21) from the Immaculate Conception Covent Chapel for Sister Mary Caesaria Keslo, 87, of Hamburg, who died on Saturday, February 18, 2012.
She is survived by her sister, Clara Nowak; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Catherine (Magnicki) Keslo.
Sister Caesaria was born Irene Caroline Keslo in Buffalo. She entered the aspirancy of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and became a postulant in 1943. She professed her final vows in 1947.
She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Detroit. After taking courses at Wayne State University and Notre Dame, she went on to receive a master’s degree in education and administration from Villanova University.
For 49 years, she ministered in the field of education at Our Lady Queen of Angels and St. Hedwig in Detroit, St. Stanislaus in Baltimore, St. Theresa in Rochester, N.Y.; Holy Rosary of Pompeii in Kenosha, Wis.; St. Michael in Bridgeport, Conn.; St. Mary Queen of Angels in Swartz Creek, Mich.; and St. Josaphat in Milwaukee.
During her ministry at St. Hedwig and St. Michael, she also served as principal.
While at St. Rose Lima Parish in Buffalo, she was director of religious education and involved in CCD, DRE, RCIA and the Renew Program.
In March 2005, she joined the sisters in the Colette Hilbert Health Center.
She will be remembered for her way of greeting everyone with a “gentle smile and loving wave.”
In her younger years, she enjoyed entertaining the sisters in the health center for holidays and holy days.
She held professional memberships in the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
He motto was “you can’t keep a good person down.”
She was buried at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga.
Memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
Irene Wojtaszczyk
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. from Queen of Angels Church for Irene (Stachura) Wojtaszczyk of Hamburg, who died on Sunday, February 19, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Justina (Richard) Cirincione and Matthew (Frances) and Raymond (Linda) Wojtaszczyk; siblings, Frances (late Thomas) Zale and Dorothy (George) Kaczmarek; grandchildren, Denise, Michael, Anthony, Gregory, Cayce and Carrie; and great-grandchildren, Mykala and Jared.
She was predeceased by her husband, Louis H. Wojtaszczyk; son, Daniel (Rosemary) Wojtaszczyk; and Stanley (Helen) and Walter (Julia) Berny, Helen (Thomas) Woods, Rose (Edward) Grubka and Henry (Stella), Edward (Christine), John (Rose), Leo and Anthony (Josephine) Stachura.
Arrangements were made through the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home.
Richard Battleson
Private family services were held on Friday (Feb. 17) for Richard J. Battleson, 68, of Eden, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marion R. (Smith) Battleson; children, Brenda, Richard (Tammi), William (Kelly) and Wayne (Sara) Battleson; siblings, Edward (Betty), James (Pat) and Charles (Peg) Battleson and Barbara (George) Abraham; 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret (Leyda) Battleson; and sister, Linda (Jim) Dziak.
Mr. Battleson was past assistant chief and life member with the Eden Fire Company. He was a member of American Legion Newell Faulkner Post 880 and Eden VFW Memorial Post 8625.
He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his big heart, his hard work ethic and his common sense approach to life.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
His family will remember him for his ability to tinker with things and be able to find ways to fix anything. Most of all they will remember him for his “Lightening Speed.”
Memorials may be made to the Eden Fire Company Inc., P.O. Box 85, Eden, NY 14057.
Arrangements were made through the Laing Funeral Home.
Brenda Sekuterski
Funeral services were held on Thursday (Feb. 16) from the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home for Brenda L. (Keen) Sekuterski of Blasdell, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Sekuterski; children, Shaun (Michelle) Keen and Kristin and Kaitlin Sekuterski; sister, Robin (Marty) Lalka; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Carol Keen and Glenn Benninger; and brothers, Kenneth and Richard Keen.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.
Anthony J. Martinez Sr.
A prayer service was held on Monday (Feb. 20) from the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home for Anthony J. Martinez Sr. of Blasdell, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his children, Lorraine (Greg Holmes) DeMarco and Anthony (Geri) Martinez Jr.; siblings, Charles (late Sophie) Rodriguez, Evelyn (Jack) Keiffer, Helen (late Dennis) Debo and Anita (Robert) Monaco; grandchildren, Rick (Kim) DeMarco and Ashley and Allison Martinez; great-grandchildren, AJ DeMarco and Jessica Lombardo; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Monaco) Martinez; parents, Liberto and Anita Rodriguez; and sister, Inez (Mark) Pitalo.
Mr. Martinez was a U.S. Army sergeant in World War II. He was a member of the VFW.
He worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years, retiring at the age of 50. He tended bar at the Seven Corners Restaurant for 25 years.
He was interred in Nativity Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation of WNY.
Lawrence Pacanowski
A Mass of Christian Burial was held from St. Francis of Assisi Church on Monday (Feb. 20) for Lawrence A. Pacanowski, 60, of Hamburg, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Waszak) Pacanowski; children, Melanie (Lawrence Wolfe) and Jason (Amanda) Pacanowski; siblings, Patricia (Bud) Mumbrum, Carol (James) Hunt, Joyce (Har) Spruce, James and Gerald Pacanowski; and grandson, Dillon Wolfe.
Mr. Pacanowski was a local surveyor who owned his own surveying business called NESW.
He was a member of Southtowns Working Dog Club and Erie Canal Schipperke Club.
He was buried in Prospect Lawn Cemetery.
Arrangements were made through the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home.
Carol Toepfer
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. from the Orchard Park Wesleyan Church for Carol S. (Schreiber) Toepfer of Blasdell, who died on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Toepfer; siblings, Mary (John) Preston and Donna (Ralph) Lowe; and many other loving family members and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Toepfer; daughter, Debra J. Toepfer; and brother, Robert F. Schreiber.
Arrangements were made through the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home.
Carol Hilliker
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. from the Addison Funeral Home for Carol A. (Potts) Hilliker, 77, of Silver Creek, formerly of Angola, who died on Sunday, February 19, 2012.
She is survived by her son, Gary (Mary) Hilliker; siblings, Deanna, Kevin and Lawrence Potts; grandchildren, Kelly (Christopher) Hamp and Maureen, Colleen and Courtney Hilliker; great-grandson, Connor Hamp; and best friend, Bob Anderson.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert O. Hilliker; and son, Robert Hilliker.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. or the S.P.C.A.
Betty Carnall
A funeral service was held on Tuesday (Feb. 21) from the Laing Funeral Home for Betty J. (Kneitinger) Carnall of Eden, who died on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Robert Jr. (Robyn Boldt), James (Deborah) and Edward (Kelly) Carnall and Sandra (Cory) Painter; siblings, Shirley (Frank) Bagola and Mary Ann (late Gordon) Frost; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert E. Carnall Sr.; and siblings, Michael and David (Terry) Kneitinger.
Mrs. Carnall was born and raised in Buffalo and was a graduate of St. Mary’s Business School.
She was fond of caring for her pets and was a supporter of animal advocacy groups.
She was a member of bowling leagues in Eden and Hamburg for many years.
An avid reader, she enjoyed mystery and crime novels. She also spent many hours solving crossword puzzles.
Her clam chowder was the highlight of many camping and picnic trips with friends and family.
Memorials may be made the favorite charity of one’s choice for animal advocacy.
Anne Krupa
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday (Feb. 17) from SS. Peter and Paul Church for Anne (Dzialak) Krupa, 89, of Hamburg, who died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
She is survived by her children, Steve (Peggy) and Walter (Anne) Kostorowski and Deborah (Michael) Dybalski; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Krupa, Ignatius and Stephen Kostorowski; parents, Thaddeus and Anna Dzialak; and seven brothers.
Mrs. Krupa was orphaned at a young age and raised by the Felician Sisters. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy.
A hard worker throughout her life, she retired from Trico with over 35 years of service. She also worked as a cook and waitress at the Water Valley Inn.
She enjoyed her family, loved to cook, donated to charities, supported her church and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her Lord in prayer.
Memorials may be made to the Felician Sisters or Hospice Foundation.
Arrangements were made through the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home.
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