mark on January 22nd, 2013

FREDONIA:  Doris “Dorie” L. Mead, 52, of Christy Road, Fredonia, died unexpectedly, Sunday, January 20th, at her residence.  She was born in Silver Creek, on June 16, 1960, the daughter of Robert Frontuto, of Forestville and the late Frances (Clark) Frontuto.

Ms. Mead attended Forestville Central School and worked at The Home Depot, Dunkirk, for 8 years and at one time worked for Wal-Mart in Fredonia.  She enjoyed reading.

Survivors include a daughter, Amanda (Nathaniel) Rogers, of Hurley, NY and a brother, Brian (Mary) Frontuto, of Gowanda.  Also surviving is a granddaughter Emily Rogers.  Besides her mother she was predeceased by 2 brothers Joseph D. & Robert W. Frontuto.

There will be no visitation observed. Private Services will be at the convenience of family.  Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on January 19th, 2013

 

SHERIDAN:  Edmund S. Kulpa, 87, of Middle Road, Sheridan, died Friday, January 18th, at his residence, following a lengthy illness.  He was born in the Town of Sheridan on April 12, 1925, the son of the late John and Sophia (Jurczyk) Kulpa.

Mr. Kulpa attended the former St. Hyacinth’s and the former Dunkirk Industrial High Schools and he served in the U.S. Army during WW II.  Mr. Kulpa worked as a Steel Worker for the former Roblin Steel Industries, Dunkirk, for 20 years, retiring in 1985. He also worked for the former Alco Products, where he welded on the first submarines and owned & operated a small grape farm in Sheridan.  He was a member of the former St. John Bosco RC Church, Sheridan, a member of Sheridan VFW Memorial Post #6390, was a strong Democrat and enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, playing pinochle and was an avid Sabres fan.  He especially loved his dogs “Mick” & Pumpkin”.

Survivors include his wife Katherine “Katie”  (Matesevac) Kulpa, of Sheridan, whom he married February 18, 1950, in the former St. John Bosco RC Church, Sheridan, a son, John (Mary) Kulpa, of Derby, a daughter, Mary (David) Fick, of Grove City, OH and two sisters, Phyllis Knight and Irene Rozumalski.  Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, John Kulpa, Shannon Kulpa, David Fick & Michele Bozeman, 6 great grandchildren, John Kulpa, II, Derrick Kulpa, Kendra Kulpa, Jonah Kulpa, Jade Kulpa, Nathaniel Bozeman and several nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by 6 sisters, Mabel Byczyk, Sophia Jeske, Julia Raczka, Bernice Ward, Ella Burek and Eleanore Waite and by 2 brothers Frank Kulpa and Bronislaus Kulpa.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday evening from 6-8 pm, from where Prayer Services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 o’clock followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 o’clock from St. Rose of Lima RC Church, Center Street, Forestville, with Rev. Daniel F. Fiebelkorn, pastor officiating.  Private Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek.

The family suggests memorials be made either to Sheridan Fire Dept., PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135 or to the Sheridan VFW Memorial Post #6390, Rt. 20, Sheridan, NY 14135.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on January 15th, 2013

DUNKIRK:  Rose Mary Benson, 93, of Chestnut Road, Dunkirk, formerly of Forestville, died Monday, January 14th, at her residence.  She was born in the Town of Hanover, on September 11, 1919, the daughter of the late William and Salvatora (Sciolino) Grisanti.

Mrs. Benson was a graduate of Forestville High School, Class of 1937 and at one time worked for the former Curtis Wright Defense Plant in Buffalo.  She also worked as a waitress most of her life, including the former Rush’s Restaurant, the former Vineyard Restaurant, Shorewood Country Club, all of Dunkirk and the former Town & Country Restaurant in Dallas, TX, where she waited on Howard Hughes.  Mrs. Benson enjoyed meeting people and traveling.  She traveled through Europe and extensively across the United States.

Survivors include a son, Angelo (Laura) Benson, of Erie, PA, a nephew James T. (Darlene) Scavona, a niece Shirley Scavona both of Erie, PA and several cousins.  Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband George F. Benson, who died August 12, 1979, by a sister Martha Scavona, by 2 brothers Frank J. and Bennett J. Grisanti and by an infant son William Benson.

There will be no visitation observed.  Private Services will be at the convenience of the family from Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville and Private Interment will be in Forestville Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society, PO Box 12, Fredonia, NY 14063.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on January 13th, 2013

DUNKIRK:  James Arthur “Jim” Muck, 74, of Washington Avenue Dunkirk, formerly of Forestville, died peacefully in his Dunkirk home Saturday, January 12th, after waging a year-and-a-half battle against esophageal cancer.  He was born in Buffalo, on April 9, 1938, the son of the late Norman C. and Dorothy (Gassman) Muck.

Mr. Muck moved to Forestville as a young boy and spent much of his life there, graduating from Forestville Central School in 1955.  He survived polio as a child and was told he would never walk again.  But he defied the odds and fully recovered from the disease, earning 10 varsity letters by the time he graduated from high school.  Mr. Muck excelled in baseball, basketball, football and track & field and he kept his passion for sports alive as an adult through softball, bowling and the occasional game of golf.  He was a member of the Forestville & Jamestown Old Timers Baseball organizations and was elected to the Western New York Softball Hall of Fame in 1991, with a lifetime pitching record of 347 wins, including 13 no-hitters and 3 perfect games.

He played on several teams, including Aldrich Dairy, First Ward Falcons, Ralston Purina and Kosciuszko Club.  Mr. Muck also successfully coached the Forestville Twins Little League Team, which his sons Steve & “Chip” played, to 2 back to back championship seasons.  He was an encyclopedia of sports information and followed many teams throughout his life, with his all-time favorites; the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs.  As much as he enjoyed professional and college sports, and more recently, fantasy sports leagues, he loved most; his time on the pitching mound and could recount details of games played decades earlier right up until his death.

He worked as a Driver for Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels, Dunkirk, up until last fall, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the staff and loved visiting his clients throughout Chautauqua County, whether at their homes or at the Forestville Fire Hall.  For many years, he and his trademark baseball cap, could be seen sitting in a certain corner of Tim Horton’s on Route 60 with his coffee club, a select group of retirees who solved the world’s problems and discussed sports every morning for many years.  Mr. Muck also worked as a vehicle operator for more than 20 years with ConRail and was a part-time driver for the former Tri County News, for nearly a decade.  He was an avid reader and expert extraordinaire at his daily crossword puzzle and Jumbo puzzle.  Mr. Muck was a loyal friend and a champion of the underdog, willing to give the shirt off his back or his last dollar to friends who’d fallen on hard times.  He’ll be remembered by his family and friends as a champion athlete with a big heart who kept a low profile and did not seek out attention.  Mr. Muck was a humble man with a love for animals and a generous nature, and he’ll be deeply missed.

Survivors include two daughters, Patti (Denny Angelle) Muck, of Richmond, TX, Traci Koch, of Dunkirk, two sons Steve (Sandy) Muck, of Forestville, Nelson “Chip” (Michelle) Muck, of Cedar Park, TX, a step daughter, Jennifer Salerno,

a step son, Eric Botticello, a brother, Al (Patty) Muck, of Silver Creek, a sister, Sue (Gerald) Olsen, of Forestville, a half brother, Vern West, of Rochester, the mother of his first 3 children Gerry Bartlett of Richmond, TX and 2nd wife Kathy Berek of Silver Creek.  Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his stepmother Agnes (Kingsley) Muck and by his wife Mary “Debbie” (Kondolf) Muck, who died in 2004.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Wednesday morning, at 11 o’clock, with Rev. James D. Hankey, pastor of Forestville United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dunkirk.  The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels, 200 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 28th, 2012

FORESTVILLE:  Eleanor L. Kline, 93, of King Road, Forestville, formerly of Lake View, died Thursday, December 27th, at TLC/HN-Lake Shore Hospital, Irving, following a short illness.

She was born in Buffalo on January 31, 1919, the daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Marshall) Robinson.  Mrs. Kline enjoyed sewing.

Survivors include her husband Martin D. Kline, Sr. of Forestville, two daughters, Linda (Stan) Jennings, of Hamburg, Charlene Papoi, of Corfu and a son, Martin D. (Hilda) Kline, Jr., of Orchard Park.  Also surviving are 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm.  Private Services will be at the convenience of family.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 25th, 2012

FORESTVILLE:  Alfred “Butch” Frontuto, 77, of Eagle Street, Forestville, died Sunday, December 23rd, at TLC/HN-Lake Shore Hospital, Irving, following a short illness.  He was born in Manton, MI on December 19, 1935, the son of the late Rocco and Violet (Haveman) Frontuto.

Mr. Frontuto served in the U.S. Army alongside Elvis Presley.  After leaving the military, he worked at Niagara Therapy in Brocton and then worked as a Looper for the former Al-Tech Specialty Steel Corp., Dunkirk, for 30 years, retiring in 1997.  Mr. Frontuto was a member of the South Dayton American Legion Post #1593.  He bowled in many leagues, loved to play cards, socialize with his friends, ride around the countryside and watch football.

Survivors include eight brothers, Robert Frontuto, of Forestville, Gerald Frontuto, of Batavia, Joseph (Helen) Frontuto, of Ripley, Charles Frontuto, of Jamestown, Peter (Carol) Frontuto, of Jamestown, Paul (Marsha) Frontuto, of Forestville, Edward (Dorothy) Frontuto, of Brocton, Elmer (Pat) Frontuto, of Jamestown, two sisters, Betty (Joe) Lansky, Jr., of Monroe Falls, OH and Rosealie Braymiller, of Silver Creek.  Also surviving are many nieces & nephews, 2 of which he served as a father figure to – his niece Diane Perkins & his great niece Ashley Hale.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother William “Buddy” Peter Frontuto, by a sister Evelyn Brown, by 2 nephews Joseph D. Frontuto and Robert W. Frontuto and by 2 great nephews Joey Kunch and Ricky Hale.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Thursday from 3-5 & 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Friday morning, at 11 o’clock, with Pastor Molly Golando, of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in Forestville Cemetery.  Graveside Military Services will be conducted by members of South Dayton American Legion Post #1593.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 25th, 2012

Fredonia:  Agnes C. Wdowiasz, 74, of Straight Road, Fredonia, died Sunday, December 23rd, at her residence, following a lengthy illness.  She was born in the Town of Villenova, on October 16, 1938, the daughter of Helen (Lawton) Ostrye, of Forestville and the late Frank Schneider.

Mrs. Wdowiasz was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1956 and was formerly active with the Sheridan United Methodist Church.  She was a member of the former Busy Bee’s Home Bureau and had a very strong faith in God.  Mrs. Wdowiasz made & distributed over 2,000 beaded angels to various people throughout the area as a secret ministry and enjoyed making & giving wedding cakes over the years.  She had a special way of making anyone who married into the family, feel like they were one of her own children.

Survivors include her husband, Robert M. Wdowiasz of Fredonia, whom she married on November 16, 1957, in the former St. John Bosco RC Church, Sheridan, three daughters, Cheryl (Robert) Pokoj, of Dunkirk, Wendy (Brian) Crosato, of Tarpon Springs, FL, Kimberly (Bart) Scheer, of Falconer, a son Wayne (Lynette) Wdowiasz, of Silver Creek, three sisters, Ida Carter, of Sarasota, FL, Vicky (Edward) Schafer of Forestville, Theresa Ann Ostrye, of Dunkirk, three brothers, Milton (Dorothy) Schneider, of Forestville, Nicholas (Coralee) Ostrye, of Sarasota, FL and Michael Ostrye, of Forestville.  Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.  Besides her father she was predeceased by her stepfather Raymond Ostrye.

There will be no visitation observed.  Private Services will be at the convenience of the family, interment will be in Forestville Cemetery.  The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc. 20 W. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, NY 14750.  Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 22nd, 2012

FORESTVILLE:  Herbert L. Gage, 76, of Rt. 39, Forestville, died Friday, December 21st, at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, following a short illness.  He was born in the Town of Hanover, on August 1, 1936, the son of the late Lyman and Margaret (White) Gage.

Mr. Gage owned & operated a Dairy Farm on Rt. 39, Forestville, for 50 years.  He was a member of Upstate Milk Cooperative and enjoyed coon hunting.

Survivors include his wife Carol (Webber) Gage of Forestville, whom he married 50 years ago, on December 8, 1962, in the Perrysburg United Methodist Church, a son Arthur Gage, of Forestville, two daughters, Karen (Mahlon) Sommers, of Forestville, Patricia (Bruce) Hawkins, of Dunkirk, a brother Ralph (Donna) Gage, of Gowanda and a sister Mary Test, of Brocton.  Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother Allen Gage.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm from where Funeral Services will be held Thursday morning, at 11 o’clock, with Rev. Bruce M. Ellis, pastor of the Forestville Wesleyan Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in Forestville Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 15th, 2012

SILVER CREEK:  Blanche M. Williams, 95, of Ward Avenue, Silver Creek, formerly of Canandaigua & Bradford, PA, died Saturday, December 15th, at her daughter’s home on Ward Avenue.  She was born in Titusville, PA on October 10, 1917, the daughter of the late James Hindman and Lucille (Himes) Hindman Stover.

Mrs. Williams was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church Silver Creek and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, jigsaw puzzles and card games.

Survivors include two daughters, Leilaunie (Larry) Setera, of Silver Creek, Beverly Fink, of Millsboro, Delaware and a brother, Edward (Darlene) Stover, of Limestone, NY.  Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.  Besides her parents she was predeceased by her stepfather Scott Stover, by her husband James C. Williams, whom she married in 1936 in Bradford, PA, by a sister Lorraine Stover and by a grandson Ronald Fink.

There will be no visitation observed.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, 165 Central Avenue, Silver Creek, on Monday afternoon, at 1 o’clock, December 17th, with Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn officiating.  PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH!  Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Silver Creek Emergency & Rescue Squad, 162 Central Avenue, Silver Creek, NY 14136.  Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.   To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

mark on December 9th, 2012

IRVING:  Arline B. Turnbull, 77, of TLC/HN-Nursing Facility, Rts. 5 & 20 Irving, formerly of Angola, died Saturday, December 8th, at her residence.  She was born in Buffalo, on April 4, 1935, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Lorretta (Busch) Hollmer, Sr.

Mrs. Turnbull was active with the Evans Center Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed crafts & traveling.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane (David) Meinzer, of Silver Creek, Barbara (John) Velzy, of Silver Creek, four sisters, Joan (Jack) Sturm, of Angola, Marilyn (Calvin) Boseine of Lawtons, Carol Zablonski, of Hamburg, Edie (Paul) Sterner, of North Evans, two brothers, Lawrence “Skip” Hollmer, Jr., of Irving and Richard (Ellie) Hollmer, of Seattle, WA.  Also surviving are 7 grandchildren Justin, David, Jr., Damien, Dakota, Summer, Dominique & Paul and several nieces & nephews.  Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband Edwin W. Turnbull, whom she married on May 2, 1959, in St. Vincent DePaul RC Church, North Evans and by a sister Lorretto Hollmer.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm, from where A Catholic Burial Service will follow at 8 pm, with Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, Silver Creek, officiating.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.