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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Jeffrey. S. Eberhard, PhD
Aug 04, 2025Jeffrey S. Eberhard, PhD, passed away unexpectedly on August 4, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on November 20, 1964, Jeff was raised in Grand Island, NY, and most recently resided in Buffalo. A proud graduate of Canisius High School (Class of 1982), Jeff earned his bachelors degree from Canisius College in 1986 and went on to complete a PhD in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati in 1995. In his youth, Jeff was a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction he carried with pride throughout his life. Jeff had a passion for gourmet cooking and loved preparing meals for family and friends. He was a proud Buffalo Bills fan and an enthusiastic lover of 1980s new wave music, often reminiscing about nights spent dancing at The Continental. More than anything, Jeff cherished his role as a father, his daughters Emily and Annie were the greatest joys of his life. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stanley and Doris Klementowski and Adolf and Mildred Eberhard. Jeff is survived by his beloved daughters, Emily Eberhard and Annie Eberhard; his parents, Robert and Christine Eberhard; his brother Michael (Lindsay) Eberhard and their sons Mark, John, and Jack Eberhard; his sister Jennifer (Don) Keller and their sons Max and Nick Keller. He is also survived by his aunt Laurel (Don) Burger; cousins Melanie (Kyle) Kitchen and their children Cameron and Mikaela; Brad (Rhonda) Lunger and their children Misha and Ricky; along with many second cousins and extended family members. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 AM at St. Stephens Roman Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the church hospitality room. Jeffs warmth, intellect, and devotion to his family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Robert Stephen Fahning
Aug 04, 2025Robert Stephen Fahning of Grand Island, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, at 70 years of age. Robert was born on February 25, 1955, in Buffalo, NY. He is predeceased by his parents Donald Fahning (2006) and Margaret (Zillioux) Fahning (2009). Bob attended William Kaegebein elementary, Grand Island High School and went on to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. There, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1980, Bob purchased the Keller-Pedley Insurance Agency in Niagara Falls with his partner and dear friend Tony Brindisi. They ran and grew the business into a pillar of the community with the support of their dedicated staff for 45 years. Right up until his passing, Bob considered his colleagues, clients and customers his friends and treated them as such. Survived by his wife Anne (Edwards) of 35 years, his cherished sister Christine Fahning, daughter April (Bryan) Jenkins, son J. Michael (Brandi) Corcoran, grandchildren Jordan (Nick) Calaty, Olivia Corcoran, Sylvie Jenkins and Rowan Jenkins, great-grandchildren Graciana, Giovanni and Roman Calaty. Bob loved and was loved by his brothers-in-law George (Kathy), Bruce (Susan) and John (Trish Copeland) Edwards and sisters-in-law Maureen (Chuck) Olson, Jane Vicki and Mary (Dale) DeBacco, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles of the Fahning and Zillioux families. Bob lived a life full of passions and hobbies, hard work and deep friendships. He collected and restored numerous cars and boats over the years, where he was as comfortable behind the wheel as he was under the hood, understanding every single aspect, appreciating every nuance. Earning his Captain’s license, Bob generously donated many boat cruises for various charities. He guided friends and family on countless excursions sharing his passion for the open water and upper Niagara River. As an active member of the Rolls Royce Owners Club for 30 years (former president, Board of Directors member, and Chief Judge), Bob (always with his beloved Anne) traveled across the country every year for national meets and driving excursions, where they made lifelong friends. As a passionate student of classic cars and mechanics, he restored and led technical sessions, always disseminating his vast and expansive knowledge to others. He and Anne loved traveling, seeing many parts of the world, and just being together. Bob was a great supporter of the Grand Island Lions Club for over 25 years and served on the Board of Directors of Heart Love and Soul. Bob was always reading books, often several at once, remembering everything he absorbed. Bob was the person everyone went to ask about just about everything. Bob could often be found on Sunday mornings having breakfast with his tight knit group of friends or driving around with perhaps his closest friend, his dog Shadow. Papa Bob was adored by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom he showed immense love and would answer absolutely any question, always sharing his extensive knowledge on any topic. Bob was loved by so very many people for his kindness, generosity, humor and intelligence and will be deeply missed. A celebration of life is planned for October 11, 2025 from 1-5 PM at the Falconwood, 107 Beaver Island Park Drive, Grand Island, NY. You can RSCP at https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/83xKbRqsAY3nVxFBNBNpx .Donations can be made in honor of Bob to Heart, Love and Soul Donation, or the Grand Island Lions Club PO Box 71 Grand Island, NY 14072 or through their venmo QR code.
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Russell L. Certo
Jul 23, 2025Certo, Russell L., 95 of Grand Island, died July 23, 2025. Born in Niagara Falls, predeceased by beloved wife, Fayne McManus of Buffalo. He served 2 years in Military Intelligence Service during the Korean Conflict. A graduate of SUNY Cortland and Canisius College. He was an educator in the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District for 45 years and a swimming and football official throughout WNY for 30 years. Survived by his children Daneen Gallagher, Russell A. Certo, Jeffrey Certo, and Thomas Certo, along with 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Friends may call Sunday July 27, 5-7 pm at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, July 28, 2025, St. Stephens Church, Grand Island.
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Madelyn H. Manganiello
Jul 20, 2025Madelyn H. Manganiello, born February 14, 1936 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, entered into rest July 20, 2025. Mother of Deborah A. Bota and Thomas E. (Debra) Newton. Jr. Grandmother of Cory (Lindsay) Bota, Cortney (Ryan) Smith, Jenna White, Annie (Danny) Berger, Thomas Newton III and the late Ashley Newton. Great grandmother of Cecily, Mia, Cillian, Claire, Palmer, Rory and Avery. Daughter of the late Madeline and Biagio Manganiello. Sister of the late Charles Manganiello and the Helen (Doug) Seltzer. A prayer service will be held Friday, July 25, at 4 PM at St. Stephens Cemetery Columbarium 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, followed by an open house at 5 PM at Debs house. Please stop by for something to eat or a drink. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Buffalo.
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