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).

Harper (Karen) Filarecki Sedgwick RIP

Clarence alumna ('69) Harper (Karen) Ann Filarecki Sedgwick passed away September 20, 2013.

From her sister's fb page:

"Karen died,Saturday, September 21.2013, 9:05 est. Her husband Michael was with her. Karen as I have always known her did not suffer in the end. She fought a extremely hard to beat this evil disease, CJD. A form of Mad Cow Disease. Harper unfortunately hit the lottery, one in a million. There have been only 200 cases in the US reported. Michael assured me she was beautiful in death, just as she was when she was here with us."

 SEDGWICK - Karen Ann "Harper "(nee Filarecki) Of Millbrook, NY, formerly of Clarence Center NY. Died peacefully after a lengthy illness. September 20, 2013, beloved wife of Michael M. Sedgwick; loving mother to Chelsea Chaffee (Justin) Parson, Sydney Chaffee (Mathew) Minton; grandmother of Henry and Owen; daughter of Daniel and MaryJane Filarecki; sister of Darlene (Jeff) Feinen, Joann (Donald) Chatwin, Maryann Kos and brother Daniel (Diane) Filarecki; survived by loving nieces and nephews. Mass of Remembrance, Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10 AM at St. Augustine Church, Goodrich Road, Clarence Center, NY.

Also, from the Poughkeepsie Journal:

Friends and family of resident Harper Ann Sedgwick will remember her as an enthusiatic, invigorated publisher, teacher, writer and lecturer.

Sedgwick died at age 62 on Sept. 21 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a brain disorder, according to a press release.

After founding Flamingo Publications in 2011, Sedgwick published “Edna,” inspired by the work of Edna St. Vincent Millay, and “Henry.” In these journals, she gathered the writing of known authors and gave unknown authors the chance to be published.

Scott Meyer, owner of Merritt Books in Millbrook, said Sedgwick ran writing workshops in his store and had great ideas for the community.

“I’m glad to have known Harper,” Meyer said. “She helped a lot of people, a lot of children and a lot of writers.”

Her life will be celebrated at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday at Grace Episcopal Church in the village.

She was born Karen Filarecki on July 26, 1951, in Lockport, Niagara County, and graduated from Clarence Senior High School in Clarence, Erie County, in 1969. She then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Sedgwick moved to Millbrook in 2009 after she met and married Michael Sedgwick, owner of Fountain Press, a printing business.

She took on the day-to-day tasks of running the business, which is located in Amenia.

Sedgwick was a major contributor on the committee to organize the 2010 and 2011 Millbrook Literary Festival as well as a member of the Board of the Millbrook Business Association.

“It is hard not to think of Harper and smile,” Washington Town Clerk Mary Alex said. “Her honesty, zest for life and pizzazz were so appealing.”

Sedgwick is best remembered in her own words, “I am always mother, teacher and writer,” according to Katharine Jameson, a longtime friend.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance center atwww.cjdsurveillance.com/donation.html.

Christopher May - RIP

Clarence alumnus ('73) Christopher May passed away suddenly on August 22, 2013.  From the Avon Patch:

Christopher A. May, DMD, 57, of Avon, beloved husband to Susan (Pollock) May, DMD, passed away suddenly, Thursday, August 22, 2013. 

Born in Clarkson, New York, son of Robert and Nancy (Edmonds) May of Clarence, NY, he graduated from Clarence High School where he was a champion freestyle swimmer. Chris earned a Division I swimming scholarship to Bucknell University and later transferred to Houghton College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. 

Chris received his Masters in Science Education from the University of Buffalo and taught high school biology in both New Milford and Canton, CT. While in Canton, he coached the Girls Cross Country team and was the Senior Class advisor. 

Chris entered the UConn School of Dental Medicine where he earned his DMD in 1987 and completed a general practice residency at St Francis Hospital in Hartford. He has been in private practice with his wife Susan in Newington since 1988. 

Chris and Susan moved to Avon in 1993 where they raised their family. Chris coached basketball and was a Cub Scout leader for his sons. Chris and Susan were very active in the Memorial United Methodist Church in Avon serving as Sunday School teachers and as co-chairs of the Missions Committee. Chris also served as a trustee. 

Chris was a member of the Avon Republican Town Committee and was elected to his first term on the Town Council in 2011 where he was currently serving. 

He and his wife most recently attended Valley Community Baptist Church in Avon. 

Chris leaves his wife of 33 years, Susan, who he cherished as his best friend and dental partner. Chris leaves three sons, Gregory C. May of Austin, TX, Andrew A. May and his wife Victoria Le May of West Palm Beach, FL and Eric M. May a senior at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Chris is also survived by his parents, Robert and Nancy May of Clarence, NY; a brother, Michael May of Mount Vernon, OH; two sisters, Pamela May Von der heide and her husband Steve of Lake Jackson, TX and Becky May of Amherst, NY; Susan's mother, Emma Pollock of Mannsville, NY; and many nieces and nephews. 

Chris gave the gift of Life through tissue donation. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton, NY. 

Contributions may be made to The Master's School, 36 Westledge Road, West Simsbury, CT 06092. For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. 

The Statler

(originally published August 2009, I somehow put this back into "draft" status by mistake, and discovered that fact while looking for it for something else...will see if this now counts as "new"...one of my favorites, anyway)

When the historic Statler in Buffalo was put up for auction a few weeks ago I wandered over there to take a few pictures, thinking that this was the perfect opportunity. Wrong. Too many people and too many television cameras were in the immediate area. Then it occurred to me that the building was still open to the public and all I had to do was come back some other time. So I did. Twice.

The former Statler Hilton is located on McKinley Square near City Hall; it was built on the site of a former home of President Millard Fillmore. The view is here is from Franklin Street.



The doorway to the famed Golden Ballroom is to the left and up a few stairs when entering from Delaware Avenue.



Bars at both ends beckon as soon as one walks inside. The present was immediately interspersed with the past, reminding me of the movie The Shining.



With only a point and shoot camera in hand, it was difficult to capture the essence of the ballroom and elsewhere since the chandeliers throw the lighting off. Upon leaving I saw that the doors were labeled "push", much like the signs today that everyone notices after they pull:



Across the way is the Terrace Room. Somehow I could just picture Jack Nicholson sitting at a table, busy typing his "novel"....



Then up the stairs to the mezzanine level, where work had been started in a large area.



From there a stairway led to the 2nd floor. Totally deserted...or was it?





Even though there are many more floors on the Delaware side, I think I was in the lower section so I had topped out. Just as well. After the fact I thought about how hobos or anyone could have been roaming about. If anyone had come up behind me and said "boo" I would have totally freaked out.

Truthfully, I didn't get the feeling that it was haunted, but then again, I'm not a medium either. All I know is that I didn't get too far from the stairwell on the second, worrying that I would lose my bearings. I could just imagine getting lost in the many floors that raise above Delaware, and eventually turning up in an old time picture :)



The End.

Fire!! - That Motorcycle Place / Kohl's

A few years back I had been wandering around Lockport looking for I don't remember what, and had stumbled upon an old building filled with motorcycle parts. From there I found a website with interior photos and info (links here and there for old blog posts labeled "Weird Tales parts 1 and 2" and more links).

What prompted this here post was the headline currently on the Buffalo News page...Fire :( From the current article: "

"LOCKPORT – Thick black smoke can be seen for miles and a number of roads in the City of Lockport have been rerouted as crews attempt to put out a fire this afternoon at the old Kohl’s Cycle Sales at 71 Gooding Street.

A number of fire crews have been called to the scene of the fire which is reportedly spreading toward a nearby railroad trestle and is dropping hot ashes into Scalzo Park.

The fire at the building was reported after 1:30 p.m. today.

Two ladder trucks could be seen dousing the building with water. Heavy fire could be seen inside the building at about 2 p.m.

City employees who happened to be in the area saw some young people running away from the scene just before the time the fire was reported, according to City Lockport Fire Chief Thomas J. Passuite.

The building, which is vacant, is owned by the city. It was originally constructed in 1875 and it covers 53,360 square feet. The assessed value of the structure is $50,000, according to city assessor Harry Williams."

 Update (of sorts): Many more photos and a fascinating story  about the "motorcycle graveyard", including the fact that a lot of the bikes (on semi-solid ground) had been mostly removed before the fire: http://dcclassiccycles.dynamitedave.com/graveyard.html and here http://rosatiphotos.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/motorcycle-graveyard-a-last-visit/ .

Clarence Teacher Rosalie Schmidt-Karkula RIP

Mrs. Schmidt was one of my English teachers back in the day. May she rest in peace.

From the Clarence Bee:

"Mrs. Schmidt-Karkula was a teacher for 42 years, 36 of which were at Clarence High School, where she served as head of the English department for many years.  She retired in 1990.

She also was involved with the Clarence Women's Club and the Contemporary Club.

Mrs. Schmidt-Karkula was a Eucharistic minister and member of Our Lady of Peace Church."


SCHMIDT-KARKULA  - Rosalie (nee LaDuca) July 2, 2013, of Clarence, NY, 87, wife of the late Stephen Karkula; beloved mother of Edward Schmidt (Karen Koepsell), Marilynn Schmidt, Gregory (Elizabeth) Schmidt and Brian (Michele) Schmidt; loving grandmother of Joe Clarke, Michael Ward, Kimberly Evans, Andrew Schmidt, Jeffrey Schmidt, Anthony Schmidt, Jonathan Schmidt and Halle Schmidt; also survived by four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday July 8, 2013 at 10 AM from Our Lady of Peace Church, 10950 Main St., Clarence. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alzfdn.org). Arrangements by SHEPARD BROS. FUNERAL HOME.

John Szulis - RIP

Clarence alumni ('63) John Szulis passed away June 20, 2013 (photo from fb)

SZULIS - John C. Of Clarence Center, NY, June 20, 2013, dearest father of John T.; son of the late Chester Szulis and the late Mary (nee Napora); brother of Dorothy (Vince) Durick and the late Robert (Patricia);l also survived by nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Sunday 4-7 PM at THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY (south of County and North French Rds.). Mr. Szulis was a member of NY Walleye Association and Friends of Auto Racing.

Robert Szulis - RIP

• 

Feb. 26, 1941 – June 13, 2013

Robert Szulis, a longtime Clarence farmer and owner of Szulis Florists & Greenhouses, died in his home Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 72.

Born in Clarence Center, Mr. Szulis was raised on Szulis Farms on Goodrich Road, where his parents, Chester and Mary, taught him at a young age how to grow vegetables and flowers.

He graduated from Clarence High School and then went on to study flower arrangement and design at the Canadian School of Floral Art so he could continue the family business.

Mr. Szulis took over the farm after the death of his father in 1985.

He enjoyed being a farmer and worked sunrise to sunset on the 300-acre farm and its dozens of greenhouses, family members said. He was a familiar sight at area farmers’ markets, including North Tonawanda, Elmwood and Bidwell, Super Flea, Buffalo Place and Clinton-Bailey.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, the former Patricia Gattie; a son, Robert Jr.; a daughter, Jennifer; a brother, John; and a sister, Dorothy.

SZULIS - Robert Of Clarence Center, NY, June 13, 2013, beloved husband of Patricia (nee Gattie); dearest father of Jennifer and Robert M. (Mary H.) of Florida; grandfather of five; son of the late Chester Szulis and the late Mary (nee Napora); brother of John and Dorothy (Vince) Durick; dear friend of Charlie Dirschedl; also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Services from THE URBAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6685 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY (South of County & North French Rds), Monday at 9:30 AM and from St. Mary's Chapel, Swormville at 10 AM. Visitation Sunday 4-8 PM.

Sarah Wells Frank - RIP

Clarence alumna ('81) Sarah Wells Frank passed away on June 16, 2013. May she rest in peace.

FRANK - Sarah Wells February 25, 1963-June 16, 2013, passed away peacefully in her Clarence home, loving and devoted mother of Alexander James Frank; beloved fiance; of Jeffrey Frank Plewak; dear daughter of Carol Wells (nee Burkhardt) and the late Charles L. Wells; survived by her sisters Elizabeth Wells (James Rozanski), Carol J. Wells (William Browne), Cathleen (Joseph) McGreevy, and Allison Mac Kenzie (late Brian Mac Kenzie); loving stepmother of Brittany, Jeffrey R. and Andrew Plewak and grandmother of Alivia McMahon; ex-wife of Dennis Frank and stepmother of Emily, Dennis and Aubrey; Sarah is also survived by nieces and nephews, and many friends, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will be present to receive friends Wednesday 6-8 and Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 at BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5541 Main St. (at Cayuga Rd), Williamsville. Friends are invited to a memorial service at a date and time to be announced. Sarah was one of the co-founders of Orchard Park Antique Mall. Sarah loved children, animals, antiques, travelling, gardening and swimming. Graduate of Clarence High School and Buffalo State College. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Buffalo Zoo or The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Randy Capps - RIP

Clarence alumni ('72) Randy Capps passed away of natural causes on/about January 25, 2013. From the site of the funeral home, where you may go to leave condolences:

Randy's express wishes were for no services, but that he be cremated and scattered on a ski slope...Somehow I can just visualize that...Randy skiing off into the ultimate unknown...Rest in peace...

Back Again...Sorta

There was a valid reason why I took down the blog, at least in my opinion, but now there is a compelling reason for its return. People had said that one of the things that they would miss most is the notices of those who have passed, and I can understand that, and that is the reason for the revival, in a limited fashion.

You may or may not notice that a lot of stuff is missing, and that's by choice. I don't plan on writing at all, but that could change...sometimes I have need to dole out some eye roll moments! Pictures of places too, always have more of them!

One note: no pictures may be reused without permission (except for most RIPs, as most of that has been published elsewhere already...when in doubt, ask) ; some have been okayed for my use here, but not necessarily for other people, while most of the rest are my own.  Thank you for your consideration!

Clarence Teacher - Robert Vehar RIP

Clarence teacher Robert Vehar passed away December 31, 2012. Many are mourning his loss, but yet celebrating the memories of his time in their lives. From the Buffalo News:

Robert R. Vehar, noted voice teacher, choral director Nov. 29, 1936 – Dec. 31, 2012

 Robert R. Vehar, a music teacher who developed and directed award-winning choruses at Clarence High School for 35 years, died Monday in Mercy Hospital after a short illness. He was 76.

 In school and in private lessons, Mr. Vehar inspired and trained two generations of singers and teachers. He was the first voice teacher for several singers who went on to careers on Broadway, with the Metropolitan Opera and with major orchestras. Scores of others became teachers and conductors and sang with orchestra and church choirs.

 He was a music teacher and choral director at Clarence High School from 1966 to 2001 and taught vocal music at Potsdam State College and Canisius College. He also gave seminars and instruction on improving speech and voice quality.

 He lectured on voice, vocal sight-reading and choral matters at Ithaca College, Roberts Wesleyan College and Geneseo State College, for the Music Educators National Conference Eastern Division and for numerous school districts and annual conferences of music educators.

 Born in Gowanda, he was a graduate of Gowanda High School. He earned a degree in music education from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in music from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, which he attended on a full-tuition scholarship.

An Eggertsville resident, Mr. Vehar served on the board of trustees of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and was given the orchestra’s Margaret C. Ballbach Memorial Award in 2007 for outstanding fundraising efforts. He was a member of the board of trustees of the New York State School Music Association and a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. He also was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Williamsville.

An avid organic gardener, he grew outstanding tomatoes and bumper crops of squash and parsley.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, the former Persis Parshall, a composer and pianist; a son, Jonathan; and a daughter, Gabrielle.