Nancy Christiansen Grant RIP

Clarence alumna ('69) Nancy Christiansen Grant passed away on May 14, 2017. She and I had been in an art class together back in high school, but otherwise our paths didn't cross until she started working in the same County department as myself, and eventually became my supervisor! It would have been nice if she could have enjoyed her retirement longer...she will be missed by all those who knew her. Rest in peace, Nancy....

 GRANT - Nancy C. (nee Christiansen) May 14, 2017, of Clarence, NY, beloved wife of Joseph LoGalbo; daughter of the late Robert and Jane (Miller) Christiansen; loving sister of Joanne (Daniel) Curran, Sue (David) Errick and the late Linda Lawley; dear aunt of Sean (Melinda), Patrick (Carolyn), Michael (Morgan) Lawley, Kate (Brandon) Beardsley, Beth Curran and Jody Errick; also survived by great nieces and nephews Friends received Wednesday 4-8 PM at Shepard Bros Funeral Home, LLC, 10690 Main Street, Clarence, where a memorial service will be Thursday 11 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, www.hospicebuffalo.com or Erie County SPCA, www.yourspca.org Condolences at www.ShepardBrosFuneralHome.com

Karen Klepser Bylewski RIP

Clarence alumna ('70) Karen Klepser Bylewski passed away December 3, 2016 after a battle with cancer. Her son wrote a beautiful post on Facebook:

"As many of you know, mom was diagnosed with cancer for the second time this February. She chose quality of life over chemo and radiation this time around. And boy did we have a great year! Filled with high's & low's, we laughed, we cried, we shared stories, we shared memories, and most of all...we shared all the love in our hearts. She expressed to me that she had zero regrets and that she claims to have the greatest friends anyone could ask for. I happen to agree wholeheartedly. I have personally seen some of the most sincere, caring, and loving people in the world support my mother throughout her life and on this most recent journey."

I didn't meet Karen until later in life when we discovered that we had in common people, places, and things that we enjoyed. A wonderful, beautiful person, she will be missed.

 BYLEWSKI - Karen (nee Klepser) December 3, 2016, of Varysburg, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family; wife of the late James Bylewski; mother of Jeremy and Ashley Rydza; grandmother of Liana and Nico; dearest daughter of Richard Klepser (Diane) and the late Phyllis Klepser; loving sister of Laurie Syms (Charles), Ric Klepser and David Klepser (Rebecca); also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present from 10-11 AM with service to follow on Saturday, December 10 at First Spiritualist Temple of E. Aurora. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Home Care & Hospice of Wyoming County, 1225 West State St., Olean, NY 14760 and/or Quaker Settlement Cemetery Association, 4899 Brown Rd., Leicester, NY 14481, Attn: Paul Griffen. Please share your thoughts and memories with Karen's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com The family of Karen L. Bylewski was cared for by the michael s. Tomaszewski funeral & cremation chapel, llc, Batavia, NY.

(fb is the source of the photo also)

Francesca Rosa RIP

Clarence alumna Francesca Rosa (Class '72) passed away October 3, 2016 from pancreatic cancer.

Francesca (as she preferred to be called after high school) was an accomplished writer, and so much more. She designed the cover of our yearbook, and from there went on in different creative and activist fields in her chosen home of San Francisco.

A friend of hers wrote a nice remembrance piece about her, and included a link (within the link) to an interesting interview that she conducted with her in 2009.
http://xpoetics.blogspot.com/2016/10/remembering-francesca-rosa.html

"Rest in peace" just doesn't seem to be the way that Francesca will go about things if she has any say about it in the afterlife :)

Bruce Bennett RIP

Clarence alumni Bruce Bennett (Class '69) passed away suddenly on August 21, 2016. May he rest in peace.

(borrowed from a Facebook wall)

Donna Maul-Wilber RIP

Clarence alumna ('72) Donna Maul-Wilber passed away June 30, 2016. She loved Christmas and owls, but most of, she loved her family. Rest in Peace.

From the Lockport Union-Sun:

Donna M. Wilber passed away on June 30, 2016 in Niagara Hospice House. Born on June 3, 1954 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of Robert and Florence (Moore) Maul.

Donna worked for Tim Hortons Coffee & Bake Shop where she was a manager.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Wilber, Sr. of Lockport; mother of Robert (Krystal) Wilber, Jr. of Akron and Tammie Wilber of Lockport; grandmother of Anthony Zummo and Brianna Wilber; sister of Robert (Pam) Maul, John (Nancy) Maul, both of Florida and the late Thomas Maul; also several close friends, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, July 5th from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 6th at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

Russell Kent Frey RIP

Clarence alumnus ('78) Russell Kent Frey passed away suddenly May 26, 2016. He was an accomplished equestrian, and many tributes and photos are available online. Rest in peace, and condolences to the family. From the Buffalo News:

FREY - Russell Kent August 2, 1960 - May 26, 2016, beloved father of Lydia Frey; dear son of Harold and Beth (nee Honsberger); loving brother of James and Susan (nee Berry), Steven and Barbara (nee Louisos), Paul and Sharol (nee Frey) Martell, Harold Jr. "Skip" and Kimberly (nee Benny); devoted uncle to many and a loving friend.

Russell was a lifelong and successful equestrian and had just completed a successful Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. Frey finished the season earning the top honors in the USHJA $50,000 International Hunter Derby aboard Nina Moore's Kodachrome.

Russell graduated from Clarence High School in Clarence, NY in 1978.

The family will be present to receive family and friends on Tuesday, May 31 from 9:30 AM-12 PM at the Clarence Church of Christ, 5375 Old Goodrich Rd., Clarence where a Memorial Service will follow at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Clarence Church of Christ or the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. Please share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

(photo by Emily Riden, Phelps Sports; article here)

Kyle "Barney" Gaskill RIP

Clarence alumnus ('71) Kyle "Barney" Gaskill has passed away. He and I had gone to the same church back in the day, as well as high school. I don't recall where the nickname "Barney" came from, but he embraced it!

From the Buffalo News:

GASKILL - Kyle J. "Barney" Of Clarence, NY, May 11, 2016, beloved husband of Mary S. (nee Moore); dearest father of Michael and Kimberly (Ralphfeale) Johnson; grandfather of Jayden Johnson; son of Lucille (nee Herbst) and the late Norman Hoffmeister; brother of Laurie Rosebrock; also survived by nephews.

The family will be present on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY (south of County and North French Rds.), where prayers will be offered Monday morning at 11:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (Harris Hill) at 12 noon.

Mr. Gaskill was a life member of the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company, a retiree of the Clarence Highway Dept., and a veteran of the U.S. Army. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Kevin Waldorf RIP

Clarence alumnus ('73) Kevin Waldorf has passed away. From the Buffalo News:


WALDORF - Kevin J. Suddenly on April 4, 2016, age 61. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Martin) Waldorf; loving father of Melissa A. (Todd Verdi) and Erich S. Waldorf; dear son of Melvin G. and the late Bettylou (nee Latzer) Waldorf; caring brother of Lou Ann (late Eugene) Farrell; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present on Wednesday from 7-9 PM and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main Street, Clarence. Funeral Services will be held on Friday from Zion Lutheran Church, 9535 Clarence Center, Clarence Center at 11 AM. Family and friends are asked to please assemble at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kevin's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com. or here.

Margaret "Peggi" Grogan Friedman RIP

Clarence alumna ('74) Peggi Grogan Friedman has passed. From the funeral home site:

 Batavia ~ Margaret "Peggi" Grogan Friedman, age 59, of Bank Street, passed away Friday evening (March 25, 2016) at Rochester General Hospital with her loving family at her side.

 She was born September 11, 1956 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph William and Martha Bliss Grogan. She was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, an avid reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast and had a deep love and appreciation for animals, especially song birds.

 Peggi is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Friedman and Suzanna Friedman; her significant other, Lynn Baker; her siblings, Patti Grogan, Maggi (Doug) Royle, Suzi (Brian) deBruijn, Kati (Bob) Baker and Kelli Grogan Brown, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service on Wednesday, March 30 at 6:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 E. Main Street, where a reception will immediately follow for a time of sharing memories with Peggi's family.

Memorials are suggested to either the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia or to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Michael Compton RIP

Clarence alumni ('72) Mike Compton has passed away. From the Buffalo News:

COMPTON - Michael D. February 19, 2016, of the Town of Tonawanda, NY, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Mc Phail-Frears); dear father of Aubrey (Anthony) Putnam; loving grandfather of Summer, Paige and Anthony; step-grandpa of 29; stepfather of John (Kelly), Jamie (Adrian), Jennifer (Wes), Daniele (Anthony), James (Lisa), Leonard (Mindi), Beverly (Clay), Bonnie Jean (Allan), Carolyn (Fred), Elizabeth (Steve), Robert (Julie), Dennis (Amy) and the late Michael Frears; brother of the late George, Gail and Linda; also survived by three nieces. Friends may call Tuesday 3-8 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave.

Guestbook

Kathi Stewart Carnahan RIP

Clarence alumna ('71) Kathi Stewart Carnahan passed away recently after a short illness. Even though I had not seen her since high school, we kept in touch via Facebook.  Strength and comfort sent for her family and friends. A service will be held on January 16, 2016. From site of the funeral home:

Kathleen M. "Kathi" (Stewart) Carnahan, age 62, of Tionesta, PA, died on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at UPMC-Northwest, Seneca, PA. She was born July 8, 1953 in Buffalo, NY, daughter of Phyllis (Yocum) Stewart who survives in NY, and the late Charles Stewart.

On September 9, 1995 in south Wales, NY she married Robert E. Carnahan, who survives. Kathi enjoyed spending time with her family and pets, relaxing outside on the back porch, playing board games and going on adventures and having heart to heart conversations with her daughter Kaylin.

Surviving are in addition to her is her daughter and best friend, Kaylin K. Carnahan and her significant other Archie Loughrey, both of Tionesta. Two step-daughters, Katie Arsenault and her husband Jacob of Florida; Nicole Wolins also of Florida. Six step-grandchildren. Special friend of the family, Chrischelle Wagner and her husband Bret, Nautica, Alanah and Kiarra …three special girls who she loved having sleep overs with.

In addition to her father she was preceded in death by a step-son, Timothy Carnahan.

There will be no public visitation. A celebration of Kathi’s life will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Tionesta Alliance Church 1734 Colonel Drake Highway, Tionesta at 2pm with Pastor James Evilsizor, officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses c/o Robert Carnahan 107 Highland St. Tionesta, PA 16353. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta. Sign the online guestbook at www.wimerfuneralhome.com

Maybe...

Quite frankly, if I could figure out a way to have a different-but-connected blog to relocate all the death notices of those who were part of the Clarence High School scenario, without them being lost for those who might be looking, I would, if for no other reason than to put all the other, less heart-string tugging stuff up near the top...I might even feel inclined to write something again...maybe.

How was that for a run-on sentence?

So, what do you think? Or should I write this on Facebook where I get more and fairly instantaneous feedback? :)

Clarence Teacher - In Memory of Joan Lloyd Printup-Hummel RIP

I had Miss Lloyd for gym the majority of my time in high school.  She was an excellent instructor, even if I never did get the hang of golf or tennis...definitely memorable!!  May she rest in peace.

From The Buffalo News:

HUMMEL - Joan (Printup) May 31, 2014, in Bluffton, SC, following a heroic and horrific eight year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was predeceased by her parents, M. Helen and William J. Lloyd; her brother William "Biff" Lloyd and husbands Gordon Printup and John Hummel.

She graduated from Kent State University in 1967. She began her 33 year career as a physical education teacher at Clarence High School, Buffalo, NY in 1968 where she coached girls' tennis and track as well as helping to create and develop girls' intramurals. In 2010, she was inducted into the Clarence HS Athletic Hall of Fame.

As a lifelong competitive athlete, Joan excelled at swimming, golf and skiing. She was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Holimont Ski Area for 32 years. Joan was formerly a member of Springville and Gowanda Country Clubs where she won 10 individual championships. She also served as President and VP of the buffalo Women's District Golf Association. She swam in senior events in Florida and New York. In 2008, she set a Florida state record for the 50 meter butterfly and also swam in the Sr. Olympics in Louisville in 2007.

Joan is survived by her sister, Janice Scully and her husband Mike; sister-in-law Jeanie Lloyd; seven nieces, their husbands and children. For online condolences, go to www.andersonfuneralhomebeaufortsc.com Private family services will take place at a later date.

(3 photos added were from various yearbooks)

Frenchy's / Leo's / Marvin's Tavern

Back in my day the bar at the corner of Goodrich / Wolcott / Delaware Roads was called Frenchy's from about the 1920's on. The property was also the site of an early post office 1873-1893.

 It was then Leo's for about 20 years, and then Marvin's....now it is no more. The building, which was over 100 years old, more or less went up in smoke on December 15, 2013. Supposedly it's a total loss ($400,000+), but maybe not....time will tell.

 (the story/video on WGRZ)

Pamela Hilbrecht Hahn RIP

Clarence alumna ('67) Pamela Hilbrecht Hahn passed away November 30, 2013. Strength and comfort to her family, may she rest in peace.

HAHN - Pamela Rose (nee Hilbrecht) Age 64, of Clarence, fell asleep in Christ Saturday, November 30. She was born to Robert and Marjorie Hilbrecht on January 11, 1949. She was united in marriage to Daniel A. Hahn on August 24, 1968. Pamela is survived by her husband, Daniel; two children, Daniel (Mary) Hahn and Jennifer (Scott) Glassman; her father, Robert; grandchildren, Rachel, Daniel, Sarah, Evan, Aaron, Benjamin and Jacob; and by brothers, Robert (Betty), Paul (Nancy) and Fredrick. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 7700 Goodrich Rd., Clarence Center, where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made through St. Paul church to be used in the Clarence stone wall build.

Rebecca Simpson Stryker RIP

Clarence alumna ('71) Rebecca Simpson Stryker was killed in a motor vehicle accident on November 26, 2013, along with her husband and a son (one of twins). May they rest in peace. Strength and comfort to the surviving children and family.

From various sources:

Three members of an Allen family were killed when their van collided head-on with a car on a highway in a remote area of northern Arizona. The Arizona Department of Public Safety identified those killed as 60-year-old Rebecca Simpson Stryker, 56-year-old James Lee Stryker and 16-year-old Travis Stryker. A twin brother of the teenager, 16-year-old Austin Stryker, was seriously injured and hospitalized in Flagstaff. NBC 5 learned that his sister flew to Arizona to be with him.

The family was heading to a hockey tournament for the twin boys in Las Vegas when the crash happened. The DPS said a car that crossed the center line first collided with a second car before it collided with the Strykers' van. The DPS said two people in the car that crossed the center line also were injured. The accident occurred on US 89A near the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The DPS said cause of the accident is under investigation.

According to family friends, the Stryker family had just visited the Grand Canyon and was on their way to a hockey tournament for the teenagers in Las Vegas.

The family traveled often together. Travis, who died in the crash, had just traveled to Paris and Rome over the summer.

The family was also passionate about hockey. Travis played defense and Austin played goalie. Travis’ Instagram account, which he updated with a photo of his brother at the Grand Canyon just hours before the crash, had an outpouring of support, and family friends also took to social media to voice their grief. 

“Our hearts are broken,” said Sarah Ross, a close friend of the family. “Hold your family tight this Thanksgiving and be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. You never know, in a split second it could all be gone.”

The Dallas Junior Hockey Association has started a fund for the Stryker family. You can find it on their website at www.djha.com. A family friend also told NBC 5, Austin could be back in North Texas as early as this week. The Dallas Stars plan to honor the Stryker family at Friday’s home game versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

There is a page for the Stryker Family on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Strykermemorial


FUNERAL SERVICES ARE WEDNESDAY, December 4, 2013 AT 3:00 AT
SUNCREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1517 W. McDERMOTT DR.
ALLEN TX 75013

Lee Ann Steiner RIP

Clarence alumna ('65) Lee Ann Steiner has passed away. From the Buffalo News:

Jan. 23, 1945 – Oct. 22, 2013

 Lee Ann Steiner, of Derby, executive assistant to real estate developer Myron M. Hunt, died Tuesday in Buffalo General Medical Center. She was 68.

Born in Buffalo, she was a graduate of Clarence High School and the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston, Mass. Miss Steiner began her career as an executive assistant at the real estate firm of Gurney, Becker & Bourne, then worked for more than 30 years at Myron M. Hunt Inc., where she was responsible for the management of the company’s retail developments in eastern New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. She retired in 2012. She enjoyed gardening, golf, boating and travel.

Survivors include her longtime companion, James Bourne, and a sister, Karyn Mulligan. A memorial service will be arranged.

STEINER - Lee Ann October 22, 2013, beloved long time companion of James A. Bourne; dear sister of Karyn Mulligan; aunt of Amy and Deborah Mulligan. If desired, donations may be made in Lee Ann's name to The Children's Guild Foundation, 726 Exchange St., Suite 1016, Buffalo, NY 14210-1485. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. Share your condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

Wendy Danna RIP

Clarence alumna ('71) Wendy Danna passed away on October 23, 2013. From the Buffalo News:

DANNA - Wendy Of Buffalo, NY, October 23, 2013, daughter of the late Victor J.C. Danna and the late Gloria Danna Roehl (nee Basil); sister of Mark and Vicki Danna, Sally (Charles Lee) Abell, and Gloria D'Anna; aunt of Mark and Sarah Abell, and Joseph, Andrew, and Phillip Wandyez; beloved friend of James Crump. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service Saturday, November 30 at 11 AM at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4007 Main (near Eggert). Donations in Wendy's name may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

View Guest Book

Gary Schmitt RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) Gary Schmitt passed away on October 11, 2013.

Gary R. Schmitt, age 59, of Pace, Florida, passed away October 11, 2013. He was born  July 29, 1954 in Buffalo, New York to Robert D. Schmitt and the late Caroline Hadler Schmitt.

Gary retired from the United State Army serving as a Chief Warrant Officer 3, test pilot and served in the Gulf War.

Survivors include his father, Robert D. Schmitt of Pace, FL; his brother, Robert K. Schmitt; and his sister, Deborah (Raymond) McDonald of Texas.Graveside services will be Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 11 AM at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.National Cremation & Burial Society of Milton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

In Memory of Clarence Teacher Norbert Buskey

Norbert Buskey, a fondly remembered music teacher at Clarence High School, has passed away. From the website:

Norbert J. Buskey of Fayetteville, NY passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at his home. Norm was born in Springville, NY on May 23, 1934 to Frank and Josephine Buskey who predeceased him in 1968 and 1993 respectively. His sister, Mary Buskey of Springville, NY in 2012 also predeceases him.

Norm will forever be remembered for his love of music. He received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and completed 4 years towards his Doctorate of Musical Arts at Eastman School of Music where he also earned his Performance Certificate in Saxophone. He went on to work as a music educator and conductor at Clarence Central High School, North Colonie Central School District, Syracuse University and retired in 1999 after 18 years in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District.

As a music educator he worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards for his students in musical performance. He was a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician in rehearsal technique for wind ensemble/ concert band. His bands earned highest ratings for performance in state and national competitions. As an active member of the Fayetteville United Methodist Church, Norm served on various committees and was president of the Trustees of the Church for many years. He was instrumental in the planning and improvements of the church facilities.

For many years Norm could be seen running the streets of Fayetteville early in the morning training for one of eight marathons or other races that he participated in. Being in good physical shape was important to him throughout his life.

In retirement, Norm continued to teach private music lessons. He was an avid NY Yankees and Notre Dame football fan. He enjoyed working outside in the garden and other projects around the house. Traveling internationally with a group of friends for 16 years was special for him. Family was an important part of Norm’s life. He cared and loved each member of his family very much. In all aspects of his life, Norm was strong, courageous and positive.

Norm is survived by his wife Judy (Witzig) Buskey of almost 47 years, his daughters Traci (Robb) Micek of Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Shari Buskey of Fayetteville, New York, three grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren and Brooke Micek, his brother Harry Buskey and sister Phyllis Snyder, both of Springville, NY.

Calling hours will be on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Fayetteville United Methodist Church and a Memorial Service Celebrating the life of Norm will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 1pm also at the Church, 601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for Upstate, memo Regional Oncology Center, 750 East Adams Street, CAB Room 326, Syracuse, NY 13210 or the Fayetteville United Methodist Church, 601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066 or to the “Norbert J. Buskey Music Education Scholarship”, Fayetteville United Methodist Church (address above).