Mark E. Leffler
Jun 16, 2025Of Grand Island, Husband of Dixie (Dunbar) Leffler. Father of Jillian (Ryan) Gott and Jacob (Jenna) Leffler. Brother of Jonathan and Matthew (Maureen) Leffler. Mark is also survived by a niece and a nephew. Friends may call Thursday from 4-8 with a Funeral Service at 8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd.
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Charles Alfred Blowers, Sr.
Jun 14, 2025Charles Alfred Blowers, Sr, 86, of Grand Island went to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 14, 2025. He was born July 5, 1938, in Schenectady, NY, to Grant and Katherine Blowers. Charles served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1962, and married Jeannie (Comstock) Blowers on June 15, 1963. He graduated from Gordon College in 1966, and worked as a research chemist until his retirement in 1999. Charles served in his churches as a deacon and vocalist, and was a life-long lover of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He is survived by three children, Chris (Christine) (NY), John (Christine) (TX), and James (Jean) (IL); seven grandchildren, Craig, Clarrisa, and Caleb (NY), Nathaniel (China), Ben and Emily (IL), and Bryan (TX); three great grandchildren, Daniel, Max, and Eileen (NY). His family and friends mourn the loss of him, but rejoice that he is where he belongs with his Heavenly Father! A memorial service will be held at Bible Presbyterian Church, 1650 Love Rd. Grand Island at 11 AM on Wednesday June 18th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peniel Bible Conference in Lake Luzerne, NY. Interment will be in Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton, NY.
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Nina A. Tortorice
Jun 09, 2025Nina A. (nee Insana) Tortorice, Born August 3, 1946, entered into eternal rest June 9, 2025, a Grand Island, resident. Beloved wife of Samuel R. Tortorice for 57 years. Loving mother of Kimberly Dynko and Nicole (Jeffrey) Sullivan. Proud Nana to her grandchildren Ryan Dynko, Sophia Sullivan and Zachary Sullivan who were her pride and joy, and deceased Brooke Dynko and Kyle Dynko. Daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (nee Provenziano) Insana. Dearest sister-in-law of Joyce (Charles) Dean. Also survived by many cousins and godchildren. Nina was born and raised on the west side of Buffalo, where she attended Public School 73 and attended Grover Cleveland High School. After college graduation, Nina immediately began her teaching career at St. Florian Catholic Elementary School in Buffalo. While Sam was in the service, Nina taught at schools on the bases of Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Benning, Georgia. Nina returned to teach at St. Florian until she left to raise her children. She worked part time at Tops Friendly Markets as a baker and cashier, and occasionally helped at Jack and Jill Community Preschool on Grand Island. In 1988, Nina took over as its Director and Teacher until she retired to take care of her dad. Nina was a Daughter, Wife, Mother, Nana, Teacher and Treasured friend. Nina accomplished all these roles with love and a passion for life. Beyond the love of her family, Nina cherished her Catholic faith. She was also a member of the Womens club of Grand Island. Family and friends may call on Friday June 20 from 4-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 21 at St. Stephens Church at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association of WNY.
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Dr. Richard Seibert
Jun 05, 2025In Loving Memory of Dr. Richard Dick Seibert. With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Dick Seibert, who left us just shy of his 89th birthday. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher and friend, Dick lived a life defined by love, compassion, and quiet strength. He was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Bev, whose memory he cherished deeply after her passing. Their enduring partnership and love were a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew them. Born and raised in Defiance, Ohio, he was the youngest of six children of Genevieve and Frank Seibert. After graduating from Defiance High School, he earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Bowling Green State University, and then began his teaching career at nearby Perrysburg High School. In 1964, he moved with his family to Grand Island, NY, and later earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Buffalo. For 33 years, Dick was a beloved professor at Buffalo State College, where he was known for his intellect, empathy, and unwavering commitment to his students. His work focused on the sociology of the family and violence, and he led the departments internship program for many years. He received New York States highest teaching honor, the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching, and played a foundational role in creating the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) program, serving on its early board and leadership team. His humor, warmth and steady presence shaped the lives not only of those he loved, but also of everyone around him. A lifelong reader and traveler, Dick also enjoyed golf and had a wide-ranging love of music, from classical to Dixieland. Father of Terri (Mark) Bellanca, Chris (Mark) Bonn and the late Scott Seibert. Grandfather to Kevin (Jennica) Bellanca, Karen (Kyle) Belles, Jeff (Stephanie) Bellanca, Eric Bellanca, Zak Seibert, Tyler Seibert and Katie (Mike) McFarland. Great grandfather of Connor, Bryce, Elsie, Iris, Cameron, Sophie, Olivia and Mikey. A celebration of life memorial will be held at Trinity Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo. Dr. Dick Seibert will be remembered always for the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the enduring love he gave so freely. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
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David Allan Wright
May 26, 2025David Allan Wright, 87, of Grand Island, NY, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025. David was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Sharon Lee Wright (Tomlinson). David is survived by his children David E. (Kelley), Amy and Andrew (Suzanne), and four grandchildren. David was an Army veteran, former Detroit PD police officer, and U.S. Customs Special Agent, culminating in his appointment to Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo, NY office. Following his 34 year career in law enforcement, David became a member of the Judges and Police Executives Conference of Erie County and the WNY Police Pistol league. A Celebration of Life will be held July 6 from 3-6 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
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