Friday, November 29, 2019

Michael Sharlow RIP

Clarence alumni ('71) Mike Sharlow passed away November 18, 2019 after battling cancer.  I managed to run into him at the Labor Day picnic a time or two...it was good to see him.




Barry Michael Sharlow 04/21/1952 - 11/18/2019 Barry "Michael" Sharlow, age 67, passed peacefully at home November 18, 2019, in Port Orange, FL. He was born April 21, 1952 in Buffalo, NY, to Barry J Sharlow and Carolyn Himmelsbach Sharlow of Williamsville, NY.

Michael graduated from Clarence Central in 1991, then attended FIT in 1993, then went to earn his AS degree in Chemistry in 1974 from ECC. He then spent 32 years in Daytona Beach, Florida in construction and sales for Dick Lanternier Painting and then worked in sales until his retirement. Michael's interests included skiing, fishing, boating, motorcycles and many others but his favorite hobby was slot car building and racing.

Michael is survived by his ex-wife Lori Lanternier Sharlow and their four children: Jason, Gabriel, Caitlyn Blasi and Destin Sharlow. Also, grandchildren Aeden and Kenna Blasi, and Kylea Sharlow. His two sisters Karen Watson and Caroline Schultz. Sister-in-law Bonnie Lanternier-Riconda, his son-in-law Joshua Blasi and three brother-in-law's, three nephews and one niece.

Memorial contributions can be made to Barry Michael Sharlow's Go Fund Me account to help cover some of his end-of-life expenses and favorite charities. A celebration of life will be planned for family and close friends in the spring. Anything else for the family should be mailed or delivered to 2913 Gibraltar Blvd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 Mike is survived by family and friends, and loved by all. Rest in Peace.

(photo borrowed from Facebook)

Friday, June 7, 2019

Robert Harper RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) Robert Harper passed away February 14, 2019.


Houston - Robert Porter Harper III died Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. He fought many health battles including a heart transplant and neurosurgery.

 He is survived by his beloved wife Jovie (Ivy) Harper, their two children Jay Christopher and Hannah May, his mother Dorothy Harper, his three adult children Corinne Spellane, Daubney Boland, and Leslie Konesheck, his sister Deborah Hoffmann and Rebecca Vickers, his eight grandchildren and many close friends.

 Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Bob was full of adventure. He received his pilot's certificate at age 16, before he even learned to drive a car. He traveled the world and loved to fly. He lived with his family in Bayview, TX. Bob assisted in the management of the Port Isabel - Cameron County Airport and Hunt Pan Aviation Brownsville, TX. In the past he managed a flight school and cargo business with connections throughout the world. Bob Harper had a creative mind and an eye for business. He will be greatly missed.

 A memorial service will be held on March 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Chapel by the Sea, South Padre Island, TX. Published in Valley Morning Star on Feb. 27, 2019



(photos borrowed from his facebook page)

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Denise Metzger RIP

Clarence alumna ('73) Denise Metzger passed away March 18, 2019 after a long illness. While I did not not know her personally, many of my friends and others did, and I know she was loved dearly and touched the lives of many.

Denise was an All-denominational Minister, a Reiki practitioner, a medium, and practiced meditation. She also was a private voice and music teacher...and that's just scratching the surface of her many gifts! I feel certain she will go on helping others from the other side. Peace!


METZGER - Denise M. Of Clarence, NY, March 18, 2019 at the age of 62. Loving mother of Aaron (Kelly), Corey and Carey Metzger; daughter of Roger and Marie Metzger; sister of Robert and David (Nancy) Metzger. Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home, 13228 Broadway, Alden, NY Wednesday, March 27th from 6-8 PM only. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

(photo borrowed from Denise's facebook page)

Monday, March 4, 2019

Jan Leslie Meese RIP

Clarence alumna ('72) Jan Leslie Meese passed away November 2, 2018 after a long illness. The following was published in her local newspaper:




Jan Leslie Meese was born May 8, 1955 to Harold and Nadine Meese near Buffalo, NY and raised in Williamsville and Clarence, NY.  Jan Leslie, or JL as she was known, passed away peacefully at age 63 on November 2, 2018 surrounded by her family and friends, thus concluding her fascinating journey on this mysterious plane of existence. 
JL was a 1972 graduate of Clarence High School, and attended the State University of NY in Albany after which she worked with the Girl Scouts of America in regional management.  Her work led her to the Midwest where she first worked in St. Cloud, MN and then Davenport, IA.  While attending the Unitarian Fellowship she met her future husband, Charles, and the two were married February 16, 1991 at Mayowood in Rochester, MN. They had two children, Caryn Nadine Mayo (24)and Charles Horace Mayo III (Chaz), 22. 
JL had a keen mind and astonished her teachers by learning to read without instruction in preschool.  In adulthood, her husband encouraged her to pursue her lifelong dream to study law. After studying for the LSAT entrance exam and obtaining a perfect score, she was awarded a full scholarship to Washburn University School of Law and attained her degree in 1995.  When her husband's medical career led the family to Rice Lake, WI in 1996, JL then joined the law firm, Friess and Koehler and later became partner in the firm, Koehler and Meese practicing family and general law and functioning as City Attorney for Rice Lake with her law partner.
JL was a woman of considerable talent and generosity, and was also noted for a very dry sense of humor, and clever, even acerbic wit, often catching others off-guard and keeping them on their toes.  In addition to legal practice, she endeavored to strengthen local and international relations through involvement with the Rice Lake International Friendship Association and Sister Cities affiliations with Miharu, Japan and Zamberk, Czech, serving a term as that organization's president and traveling to Japan. She and her family hosted many exchange students and international visitors from Japan and Czech throughout the years. JL supported the arts and was an active supporter of the local Northern Star Theater Company in Rice Lake where both her children participated instilling in them a love for the arts.  
Unfortunately, in mid-adulthood JL’s health became increasingly impeded by brittle diabetes and complications.  This necessitated eventual early retirement and a subsequent move to Woodstone Senior Living Center in Rice Lake for daily assistance. She benefitted from the kind and caring attention given by the staff there in her final 2 years.
Jan Leslie is survived by her husband of 27 years, Charles W. Mayo II, her daughter Caryn, in Washington, D.C. and her son Charles (Chaz), studying in London, England. She also leaves her sister, Jody Meese and her family of San Rafael, CA. She is predeceased by her parents and brother Van. She will be missed by her honorary family, Gert (Don) Patterson and her family including Roger (Kathleen), Ruth (Jerry), and Ronnie (Sally) and godson, Greg Wilson as well as Czech "son" Zbynek Kralik of Prague, Czech.  Many more family, friends and acquaintances, especially Ana Traicoff-Strattioti, Patricia Barry, and Gabriel Traicoff, will miss her presence.
A memorial celebration for the life of Jan Leslie Meese is planned for April 13, 2019. She will be greatly missed by many.