Stephanie Sham
Aug 14, 2025Stephanie Sham (nee Graziano). Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, and friend, passed away on August 14, 2025.Born on June 8, 1932, Stephanie was known for herhonesty, humor, wisdom, the occasional and surprisingbut always hysterical out-of-nowhere F-bomb, and the undeniable love and passion she brought into the world. Stephanie will be lovingly remembered by her three adoring sons, Peter, Michael, and Norman Sham, Peters wife Kirsten, and their children Olivia and Orlando, Normans wife Debbie, and their children Laura-her husband Sebastien and sons Jules and Theodore, and Simon, and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, to whom she was affectionately known as Aust Stevie. She is joining in rest her husband Norman Sham Sr who passed away in 1994, as well as her mother, Antonia Graziano, her father, Ignatius Graziano, her brother and sister, Gus Graziano and Eleanor Giglia, her sister-in-law Christine Noah, and her dearest nephew Paul Noah, along with many other loved ones throughout her life. Her sons are especially comforted to know that she will also be joining Jesus, Mary and Joseph, whose names she has invoked on a regular basis. Amoung Stephanies most significant accomplishments was raising her three boys, whom she held as her pride and joy. A graduate of Nardin Academy in 1950, and Buffalo State Teachers College in1954, she was also a creative, nurturing, and inspirational presence in the classroom, serving for many years as a first and second grade teacher at St. Stephens School in Grand Island, NY and in her later years, at Prince of Peace in Lackawanna. Stephanie loved playing games, making ceramic crafts, and engaging in word play of all kinds, but one of her favorite pastimes was her avid and intense passion for the Buffalo Bills, which she imparted to her entire family. Stephanie certainly faced her share of challenges, but her indomitable spirit and positive attitude always got her through the tough times, and her example was a guiding light to everyone she knew and loved. Her legacy is one of unwavering kindness and generosity. Her life served as a testament to her philosophy that its never as bad as it seems, and that life always finds a way to work out. A visitation for Stephanie will be held on Friday August 22, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd. in Grand Island. A graveside service will follow on Saturday August 23 at 11:00 AM St. Stephens Cemetery 2100 Baseline Rd., also on Grand Island. All wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life will be welcomed. Stephanies loss is deeply felt by her extraordinary family and all those who knew and loved Her. She will continue to live on in the memory of her quiet strength, enduring intellect, infectious laughter and that astonishing and beautiful, one-of-a-kind smile. She was never a fan of goodbyes, it was always Goodbye, for now. We love you mom, and we will see you soon. Goodbye... for now ❤
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Anthony J. Colucci
Aug 12, 2025Colucci, Anthony J., August 12, 2025, of Grand Island. Husband of Judith Colucci. Father of Christine Munoz, Tina (James) Wedge and the late Richard Briganti. Grandfather of Angelina Colucci, PJ and Isabella Munoz, Hannah and Nicholas Wedge. Great grandfather of Nevaeh, Angelo and Santino. Brother of Marianne (Dr. Robert) Glover and Lorraine Mies. Son of the late Lawrence J. and Frances Colucci. Lifelong dear friend of Joseph Sbarbati. Friends may call Friday 4-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Stephens Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ProjectPlayWNY.org.
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Walter Harold Hawthorn
Aug 09, 2025Husband of Loraine (Colucci) Hawthorn. Father of Amy Hawthorn and Nicole Hawthorn. Grandfather of Mia Hawthorn. Brother of the late Harriet Hawthorn, late Samuel Hawthorn, late Jane Zawodzinski, late Sue Colligan, Karl Hawthorn, Dennis Hawthorn and William Hawthorn. Walter is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-7 with a Memorial Service at 7 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.
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Joan Ann Burd
Aug 06, 2025Burd, Joan Ann, August 6, 2025, of Grand Island. Wife of the late Roy Burd. Daughter of the late Paul Perkovich and the late Ann (nee Toth) Perkovich. Sister of Irene (nee Perkovich) Smith, Paul Perkovich Jr. and Peter (Colleen) Perkovich. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A private Celebration will be held at a later date.
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Halbert Edmond Pierce III
Aug 06, 2025Halbert Edmond Pierce III, age 90 of Grand Island, New York passed away peacefully in his sleep. Halbert was born in Lynn, Massachusetts and the son of Halbert E. Pierce, Jr. and Alice W. (Cross). He was a native New Englander who grew up in Millbury and Needham, Massachusetts. During his youth, Halbert happily spent summers with his family at their vacation home on Ramshorn Pond in West Millbury where he enjoyed fun-filled adventures going camping, canoeing, fishing, and swimming on the lake. During college, he was a summer nature counselor at Camp Union in Greenfield, New Hampshire. Halbert was a graduate of Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at WPI. Upon his college graduation, he built a prolific and prominent professional career working many years for Hooker Chemical Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy), IsleChem, Aceto, and Actylis. He earned his Qualified Environmental Professional certification and operated his own environmental engineering consulting business serving various companies. His specialties included SAFER, SARA, New York State Air Regulations, and Chemical Bulk Storage. He was remarkably renowned for his brilliant intellect, keen knowledge, and technical expertise in his chosen field. Hal was active with United Way, UNICEF, and other nonprofit organizations over the years in various capacities. He was a board member of the Air and Waste Management Association Niagara Frontier Section (AWMA NFS) holding leadership positions as Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Director of Reservations, and Badges. He received the William A. Faust Award in 2006 for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions. He assisted with the judging process and awards presentation at the Buffalo Future Cities Competition for several years. Hal was an active Scouter. Growing up as a Scouter in Massachusetts as a young boy, he continued his mission when he moved to New York for employment. He was the Explorer Advisor to Post 7 in Niagara Falls in the 1960s, Scoutmaster to Troop 254 on Grand Island from 1976-1979, Explorer Advisor to Post 254 on Grand Island in 1979-1996, and a district member of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts from 1996-2018. He is the recipient of the Eagle Scout Award, the Silver Beaver Award, the 70 Year Veteran Award, and the Spark Plug Award. Over the decades, he has remained close friends with his Boy Scouts throughout their adulthood. On a funny note, due to his camping trips frequently encountering rain, the Scouts dubbed him with the nickname of RAINCLOUD which Hal wore proudly with glee. He was a member of St. Pauls Methodist Church in Niagara Falls. He was a long-term member of Trinity Church on Grand Island where he volunteered his invaluable technical expertise on the Finance Committee. He enjoyed attending musical and theatrical playhouse productions at The Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, Western Door Playhouse, and Towne Players of Ken-Ton. Hal was a fervent Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed watching intriguing mysteries, howling at hilarious comedies, concentrating on challenging crosswords, and piecing together complex jigsaw puzzles. Hal relished the great outdoors and loved camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. He nurtured nature with its breathtaking beauty by cultivating a glorious garden with flourishing flowers and thriving plants. He was content watching woodland wildlife and fluttering feeder birds in his relaxing backyard retreat. He delightedly took scenic drives around Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island to amazingly gaze at Canada Geese, white swans in the Niagara River, and happily spot hopping bunnies, nesting ospreys and eagles. He traveled extensively to visit family members across the country. He developed close connections with friends and neighbors, and remained in continuous contact through correspondence, calls, and social gatherings. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Phyllis Ann (nee Handley), and daughter, Susan E. Pierce. He is survived by his son, David H. Pierce (Robin) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Amy S. Pacini (Anthony) of Land O Lakes, FL; brother Alan C. Pierce (Carol) of Fryeburg, ME; brother-in-law Robert W. Handley (Debi) of North Tonawanda, NY; sister-in-law Mary Jane Handley of Dublin, OH; and many cousins, nieces, a nephew, close friends, co-workers, and Scouters. Hal was loved by many who knew him and he was always there for them. He was a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and hospitable neighbor who will be forever cherished and fondly remembered for his congenial warmth, benevolent heart, adventurous spirit, exuberant energy, humorous wit, lively laughter, and beaming smile. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church on Grand Island at a future date.
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