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).

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.