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)

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)

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. 

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Frederick Page RIP

Clarence alumnus ('73) Fred Page passed away December 13, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Friends shared many fond memories, and he will be missed by all.

Martin Root RIP

Clarence alumnus ('71) Marty Root passed away after a long illness on October 14, 2017.  He lived down the street from me in Clarence Center, and remained a fixture in town and at the Labor Day activities for life. He will be missed.

ROOT - Martin J. October 14, 2017; a lifelong resident of Clarence, NY; son of the late Arthur H. and late Eva J. (Elwell) Root; beloved brother of JoEllen (Peter) Swaine, David (Lora) Root, and Martha (Wayne) Dippold; also survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and many friends. A Memorial Service will be Thursday 1pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 9535 Clarence Center Road, Clarence Center, NY; flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Marty was a Army Veteran from 1976-1978. After an honorable discharge from the Army he worked as a Surveyor before taking a job with the Town of Clarence in the Engineering Department.

Condolences may be posted thru Shepard Brothers Funeral Home.

(photo by Y Massey, posted to Facebook)

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.