Brian H Brady RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) Brian Brady passed away of natural causes back in 2005, but I felt it was important to remember him here. Sometimes when you're looking for contact information for a missing classmate, you find sad news instead.

Brian H. Brady (10/26/54-7/19/2005) of Buffalo died July 19 at home of natural causes. He was 50. 

A city native, he graduated from Clarence Senior High School and attended Manatee Junior College in Florida and the University of Florida at Gainesville and Jacksonville. Mr. Brady enjoyed gardening, helping neighbors, and spoiling his nieces and nephews. 

His love of travel led him to live throughout the United States, including in Florida, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii and Colorado. He camped for more than a year on a mountain in Colorado. He had lived in Buffalo for the past eight years. 

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Eva Mae and Thomas Harris of Palm Harbor, Fla.; two brothers, Bernard Brady of Buffalo and Andrew Harris of Clarence Center; and two sisters, Lisa VanHoff of Orchard Park and Mary Rokhvadze of Oneonta. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Forest Lawn.

Russell Allan RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('70) Russell Allan passed away on January 20, 2022 after a battle with cancer. My memories of him in later years consist of him working at the hot dog/hamburger stand near the beer tent entrance at the Clarence Center Labor Day Fair along with other family members. 

Russell C. Allan of Alden, NY January 20, 2022. Former spouse of the late Pamela Allan; dear father of James (Beth Miller) Allan, Kelly (Troy) Baker, Aaron Allan and Donna (Robert) Laudico; loving son of Leona and the late James Allan; grandfather of Zachary, Emily, Garrett, Payton, Andrew, Matthew, Kaitlyn and Nicholas; "friend of Bill W."; brother of Stephen (Sharon), Michael (Terri) and Jeffrey (Donna) Allan. 

Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Tuesday, January 25th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held at the Town Line Lutheran Church, Alden, NY Wednesday, January 26th at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc.

Alan Cole RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('72) Alan Cole has passed away. May the memories of his family be a comfort to them.

January 3, 2022, age 68, beloved father of Erin (Jason) Voss, Ryan (Lynne) Cole, Meghan (Christopher) Hyde; loving grandfather of River, Andrew, Dominic, Ethan, Owen, Addison, and Jacob; dearest brother of Sharon (Mark) Gordon and Timothy (Susan) Cole; also survived by nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10am-11am at the (Harris Hill Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8440 Main St. (near Harris Hill Rd.), where services will follow at 11:00am. Interment to be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to American Stroke Association, Vascular Dementia, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. 

Share memories and condolences on Alan's Tribute Page at www.AMIGONE.com

Michael Stafford RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('72) Michael Stafford passed away on December 13, 2021. He was a devoted member of his volunteer firefighting community.

 

December 13, 2021, age 68, beloved husband of Jean (nee Leising) Stafford; dear brother of David Stafford, Jeffrey (Stacey) Stafford, Suzanne (Richard) Evans and the late Jason and Jacob Stafford; brother in law of Cletus (Paula) Leising, Eileen (David) Leeds, Bernice (Wayne) Clough and Peter (Marianne) Leising; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Michael was a 40 year member of Swormville Fire Co. and past member of Harris Hill Fire Co. Services will be held at a later date. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com 

 And from his fire company: 

It is with great sorrow that the Swormville Fire Company reports the passing of firefighter badge number 017, Michael Stafford, on December 13th, 2021 . Michael has served the Swormville Fire Company for 42 years, joining the company on February 4th 1980. 

Prior to joining Swormville, Michael was an active member for 9 years with the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Michael was a very active member of the Swormville Fire Company. 

He was known throughout the towns for his love and devotion to the bowling team and to the fire police. Michael was dedicated to serving the community and he will be missed. The Swormville Fire Company is mourning this loss.

John Fassel RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('73) John Fassel passed away November 20, 2021. Known to many as half of "John and Kim" in high school, he continued as a prominent part of the community. From his obituary:

Age 66 of Clarence, NY, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 20, 2021. Beloved husband of 43 years to Kim Fassel; devoted father to Stephen (Lindsay) Fassel and Lauren (Joseph) Davis; loving Grampy to Jackson and Adelyn Fassel, and June and Henley Davis; son of Joyce and the late John Fassel; brother to Barbara (John) Carlson, Laura Thomas and Patricia Fassel; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. 

A loyal union electrician for 41 years out of Local 237 in Niagara Falls, John owned his own electrical contracting business for five years. He obtained a Master Electrician License for Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY. An avid golfer and lover of warmth and sun, he enjoyed spending some of his winter months in Florida. He also loved spending time with his family and friends. 

Donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc.

Bill Lutz RIP

 Clarence alumnus ('72) Bill Lutz passed away on July 29, 2021. While I'm copying the words, if you go to the link provided there is a really nice video of his life. Rest in Peace.

https://www.rossakron.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Lutz

William J. Lutz “Bill” surrounded by family on July 29, 2021. He was born in Buffalo, New York on November 5, 1954 to the late William and Anne (Roberts) Lutz. Bill was a 1972 graduate of Clarence High School. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing, and trapping in his spare time. Bill especially loved horses and was kind of a cowboy at heart. He made his living as a carpenter, and was very good working with his hands. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Pauline (Cummings) Lutz; beloved father of Tammy (late Arron) Colletti, William Lutz, Brandy (Chris) Lutz, James Schoenwetter, Jeffery (Kelley) Schoenwetter and Mary (Brian) Hamm; cherished brother of Becky (Paul) Leahey, Linda (Lutz) Petroci and Ann (Andy) Black; foster brother of Mike Smith; grandfather of thirteen. Bill is predeceased by a grandchild, Jacob Colletti.

Thomas Hoehman RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) Tom Hoehman has passed away. He lived a few blocks away from me in Clarence Center growing up, was a regular at the Labor Day Fair for years, and was in contact through Facebook with myself and others more recently. Peace and comfort to his friends and family.

Thomas Howard Hoehman of Homosassa, FL passed away at Citrus Memorial Hospital on May 29, 2021 at the age of 66. 

He worked as a truck driver throughout his life and enjoyed riding motorcycles in his spare time. Thomas also enjoyed traveling, fishing and camping. He was a big fan of racing and had been a stock car racer for a time. He made Citrus County his home in 2008. He was a Christian by faith and attended worship services at Sun Coast Baptist Church in Homosassa. 

Those left to mourn Thomas’ passing include his partner of 5 years, Catherine (Segura); his daughter, Kristen Hohensee and her husband Dennis; son, Thomas Hoehman; stepchildren: Jessica May Gawrich and Amy Lynn Smith; brother, Joseph Hoehman; and 2 grandchildren. Cremation care by the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.

Michael Rebrovich RIP

Alumnus Michael Rebrovich ('70) has passed away. I recall that he was active in sports in high school...football, wrestling, baseball...May he rest in peace.

Michael David Rebrovich, born December 13th, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away May 4th, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio at 67 years old. He was preceded in death by his father, Emil Rebrovich and is survived by his mother, Edith Rebrovich of Clarence, New York; siblings, Gary Rebrovich of Vermont and Michele Oseroff of Colorado; sons, Kevin and Daniel of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandson, Shane; nieces, Sarah and Courtney and nephews, Jason and Nathan.

He was a graduate of Clarence High School in New York and Hiram College in Ohio where he was an all-state football player, and received a Master’s in counseling from the University of Cincinnati. His hobbies included the Buffalo Bills, golf, his pet dogs and cats, and good food. He worked as a therapist and counselor for most of his life, helping people for many years.

After a serious illness in 2016, he embraced a second chance at life by becoming a “Community Advocate” in Pleasant Ridge. He volunteered for numerous organizations including the Pleasant Ridge Community Council, the Cincinnati Public Library and The Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church. He was honored to have been recognized as a Pleasant Ridge Community Treasure last October for his efforts. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cincinnati Public Library Foundation at 800 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 or The Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church at 5950 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213.

(photo borrowed from the Clarence yearbook of 1970)

Don Maurer RIP

Clarence alumnus ('72) Don Maurer has passed away. He was a large part in the lives of many, and also active with previous reunions. Condolences to all.

MAURER - Donald F. February 6, 2020, age 65; beloved husband of Susan M. (nee Tillman) Maurer; devoted father of Ryan (Ashley Cieslewicz) Maurer and Sarah (Andrew) Wojcik; loving grandfather of Averie, Sean, Jenna, and Ryley; dear brother of Bruce (Rita), Robert (Cathy), Stanley, and Allen (Beverly); also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.


(photo borrowed from facebook)

The Hogans RIP

Most of us who were around in the 70's remember when Ross Hogan ('72) left us. It was jarring, to say the least.

Then, in 2009 older sister Kathleen ('70) passed on. Even though I didn't know her, I know she was friends with many. Her wonderfully written obituary is here. A short quote from it:

"Kathleen passed away on Friday, January 23, 2009 after spending 7 years upending medical knowledge as we know it. Her fierce determination to live and her resilience in her illness gave those who knew her many more years to love her than we should have been allowed."

This all came up because someone on social media was looking for Jim Hogan ('74).  He was found, via a beautiful heartfelt obituary written by his daughter, posted here. A bit from it:

"There’s no way to even begin to encompass everything that my dad was, the good and the bad, in this brief space. But they say life is fragile. And as my dad aged, he could be fragile too. But I think they’re wrong about life. Life is not fragile, but fierce. But life is fleeting. And I, my sisters, my sons, and especially my mother, are so grateful for the time we were lucky to share with Jim Hogan."

And then...with too much time on my hands and google, I looked for Patty ('72), Ross's twin sister, only to find that she passed away in July. Her obituary is here. And then a few months later the father passed away.

It's almost like a book closed, but not really. The next generation is already making their mark in this world, blessed to be a part of the Hogan family.

Now, I don't have a photo of Ross, just some really blurry group photos in a yearbook, so I'm not including any of the rest of the family...they can be found if you click on the links above. However, I did decide to include one of all of the Hogans that I borrowed from one of the links...simpler times. May they all rest in peace.

Pamela Riedel Allan RIP

Clarence alumna ('70) Pamela Riedel Allan passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. Many may remember her not only from school, work, or otherwise, but at the Labor Day weekend picnic, working at the hamburger/hot dog stand that was on the right hand side just as you entered the beer tent! It was a family thing, many relatives worked there at one time or another. Pam will be missed...

Allan-Pamela S. (nee Riedel) December 31, 2019. Former spouse of Russell Allan "Friend of Bill W."; dear mother of James (Beth Miller) Allan, Kelly (Troy) Baker, Aaron Allan and Donna (Robert) Laudico; grandmother of Zachary, Emily, Garrett, Payton, Andrew, Matthew, Kaitlyn and Nicholas; daughter of the late Edmund and Margaret "Peggy" Riedel; sister of Paul (Patricia) Riedel and the late Edmund "Don" (late Barbara) Riedel, former daughter-in-law of Leona Allan and the late James Allan.

Funeral Services were held at the Town Line Lutheran Church, Alden, NY. Mrs. Allan was an employee at the Erie County Home, Alden, NY. for 27 years. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Roswell Park.

Michael Sharlow RIP

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

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

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

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

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

(photo borrowed from Facebook)

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 :)