President's NoteObituaries... 100th Anniversary Who is the founder?First RSD Alumni SongRSD Buildings

News & Events > Obituaries...

Stanley Benowitz - June 3, 2009 (Class of 1944)

HENDERSON HARBOR — Stanley (Benny) R. Benowitz, 82, of Ben's Cove Road, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (June 3rd), at his home. The services will be private and internment will be made at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with the Carpenter-Stoodley funeral home, Belleville. He was born in Rochester June 23, 1926, the son of Harry B. and Hazel Himes, Benowitz. He married Marceille Carter on May 27, 1950 in Washington, DC. He is survived by his wife, and two children; Steven R. (and Kelly) of Missouri, and JoAnn B. of Adams. Also five grandsons, Sam, Cody and Hunter Benowitz of Missouri, and Michael (and Ashley) Hollingsworth, stationed at Moody AFB in Georgia and Benjamin Hollingsworth of Pulaski. A sister, Virginia (and Sharon) Fisher of Rochester. Mr. Benowitz graduated from the Rochester School for the Deaf in 1944 and went on to pursue college degrees from Gallaudet University in 1949, Ohio State University in 1953 and Creighton University of Omaha, Nebraska in 1963, also he was a member of the Kappa Gamma Fraternity. In 1948 he was named in the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Mr. Benowitz was also involved in many deaf organizations in different states and sat on many Boards, one of them being NRCIL in Watertown. The Benowitz were seasonal residents of Henderson Harbor for 21 years and became year round residents after his retirement as a professor at Gallaudet University in 1993. Donations may be made to either Rochester School for the Deaf, 1545 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621 or to Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002.
Condolences may be made online at www.carpenterstoodley.com.

Robert Lyle Vincent Sr. (former RSD student) - April 18, 2009

Robert was born on October 18, 1929 in Rochester, New York. The son of Sherman and Naomi Vincent, he had 3 sisters including 3 half brothers and 5 half sisters.  He attended Rochster School for the Deaf, then in 1957 moved to California.  He is remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He is survived by his soul mate and best friend Lora Vincent.

Iona (Rosenworth) Kruse - April 4, 2009 (Class of 1937)

Gates: Saturday, April 4, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Edwin G. Kruse; daughters, Sharon (Bernie) Horwitz and Gail (Ronald) Smithski; four grandchildren, Robin (Maureen) Horwitz, Dina (David) Zeplin, Tina (David) Flynn and Brenda Horwitz; four great-grand-children, Danielle Zeplin, Zachary Flynn, Aiden Flynn and Xavier Horwitz; Iona's very special childhood friend, Alice Merle of Attica, NY. Iona went to Attica Central School in Attica, NY, and transferred to Rochester School for the Deaf. She graduated from RSD in 1937. Iona was a member of Rochester School for the Deaf Alumni Association, and also was a member of the Methodist Church in Attica, NY, where she was born. At her request, calling hours will not be observed, and the courtesy of no flowers. All services will be private with family only in Attica, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be directed in her memory to the Rochester School for the Deaf, 1545 St. Paul St., Rochester, NY 14621. To share a special memory, please visit: www.NewcomerRochester.com

Helen M. Spencer - March 17, 2009 (Class of 1946)

Spencer, Helen M. (class of 1946) Greece, NY: On March 17, 2009, age 83. Predeceased by husband, Joseph L. Spencer Sr.; 2 brothers, Donald & William Stickler; sister, Dorothy Aunkst. She is survived by 3 sisters, Janet (John) Mandrino of Victor, NY, Shirley (Cecil) Thomas of Waterloo, NY, Betty (Peter) Bowerman of Victor, NY; several nieces & nephews. Retiree of Bausch & Lomb Optical Company. Helen attended the Rochester School for the Deaf. Those wishing may make contributions to the Rochester School for the Deaf in her memory.

 

 

 

David E. Stickler - November 24, 2008 (Class of 1958)

Canadice: November 24, 2008 at age 68. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; sons, Dwayne (Kristen Hawley) and Dale Sickler; daughter, Maybelle Sickler. Grandchildren, Dawson, Dominic and Derrick Sickler; god daughter, Trisha Sickler-Sherman and good friend Robert Sherman.

Lawrence W. Dickinson "Larry" - November 17, 2008 (Class of 1950)

Ontario: Mon., Nov. 17, 2008, age 77. He leaves his loving wife of 57 years, Beulah; daughters, Gail (Laura Kremer) Dickinson, Joyce (Bruce Mackin) Dickinson-Mackin & Janet (Jerry) VanBell; grandchildren, Rob & Colleen VanBell, Ashley Mackin; brother, Bruce (Mary) Dickinson; sisters-in-law, Isabelle Raymor, Viola DeLass, Argetha (Dean) Newcomb; brother-in-law, Chester (Arethea) VerDow; several nieces & nephews; and his beloved pets, Cocoa & Whitney. Larry was a devoted farmer who loved working the land. He was a 1950 graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf.

Janet Alice Harvey - October 14, 2008 (Class of 1938)

October 14, 2008; Pittsford, NY: Janet was born September 14, 1917 and passed away October 13, 2008. She was predeceased by her husband, Dorman Harvey. She is survived by her niece, Dee Doty and step-daughter, Gail Smithski. Janet was a graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf. She was an accomplished Artist, Sculptor and Photographer. She was a resident at the Highlands at Pittsford for the past fourteen years.

Ellen Mary Hamilton - August 29, 2008 (Class of 1940)

Gates, NY: Died peacefully, on August 29, 2008. Predeceased by her husband, Robert 11 months earlier. She is survived by her 4 children, Robert L. (Antonia), Elbert, Judy Annis and Donna (James) Hinchcliffe; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren. Ellen was an adored matriarch to her large family and was widely known and loved within the deaf community. The family knows that Ellen will find happiness in Heaven by reuniting with her husband of 65 years, Robert.

No prior visitation. A Memorial Mass will be Saturday 9:30 AM at the Emmanuel Church of the Deaf at St. Monica's, 831 Genesee St. Inurnment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rochester School for the Deaf.

Margaret E. (VanGelder) Davison - August 23, 2008 (Class of 1948)

Hornell, N.Y. -

Margaret E. (VanGelder)?Davison, 80, of 7111 N. Main St. Ext., passed away Saturday (Aug. 23, 2008) in Whiteville, N.C.

 

Born in Rochester Sept. 2, 1927, the daughter of Jim and Dorothy (Wilson)?VanGelder, she had resided in Hornell most of her life. She had made her home with Bonnie Dibble VanScooter for 38 years. She was a graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf class of 1948. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hornell American Legion, the VFW and loved her family, the beach, shopping, puzzles, traveling and dogs. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her husband, Earl Davison, in 1970; a set of twins; one brother, Jim Rickolt; two sister, Vicki Masonbacher and Jeanette VanGelder.

 

She is survived by one son, Bruce (Bev Kellogg) Davison of Arkport; one daughter, Vicki Davison-Mastin of Whiteville, N.C.; foster daughter Bonnie (Rodney)?VanScooter of Hornell; her special children, Linda Leader of Florida, Jon Norton of Maryland, Lisa (Paul)?Hoad of Bath, Tina (Marty)?Simpson of Bath and Shawn Mastin of North Carolina; several grandchildren; and one great-grandson, Ayden.

 

The family will be present to receive friends from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Bender-Brown &?Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St., Hornell, where funeral services will follow calling hours at 4 p.m. with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Hornell Rural Cemetery. Following services, a reception will be held at the Hor nell VFW.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com.

 

Nicholas A. Miceli - August 8, 2008 (Class of 1946)

Rochester: Died comfortably at his daughter's home in Wisconsin on August 8, 2008 at age 83. Preceded in death by his dear wife, Margaret; parents, Joseph and Josephine. Survived by his loving wife, Ruby Feland-Miceli; his children, Fred, Viega, Audri, Peggy and Nick; his sister, Melchiora R.S.M.; and brother, Charles.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 13th at 1 PM at New Life Family Church, 3100 Rochester Road, Lakeville, NY

 

Pearl C. Vaughn - December 22, 2007 (Class of 1955)

Pearl c. Vaughn, of medina left to be with our Lord on December 22, 2007 at the Medina memorial hospital, following a coutrageous four year battle with cancer.

She was born December 6, 1935 in Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late Fred A. and Alma (Appleton) Vaughn.

A 1955 graduate of the Rochester School for the Deaf, She was active in many school activities and was a lifelong active member of the Rochester Club for the Deaf.  She was employed by fisher Price Toys for 25 years and volunteered at the medina Railroad Museum, American Red Cross and Medina clothing Depot.

Survivors include her son, Jeffery (Sara) Gonzales of Medina; her daughter, Debbie Flerro of Fort Worth, TX; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Don (Joan) Vaughn; four sisters, Wilma Taylor, Beatrice Childs, Mabel (Don) Dixon, Alice Zachers; several nieces, nephews; her sign language interpreter, Donna Brown; friends, especially at Roswell park , and her loving pets, Chico, McKinley and Shamus.  She predeceased by her daughter, Gloria in 1968; brothers, George, James, Robert and Myron Vaughn and sisters, Eva parker and Mary Smith.

Memorials may e made to the knights/kaderti memorial fund or Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Online register at www.cooperfuneralhomemedina.com.

 

 

Betty M. Conole - December 3, 2007 (former RSD student)

Irondequoit: December 3, 2007. Predeceased by husband, Henry. Survived by son, Michael Sr. (Donene) Conole; grandsons, Michael II (Julia) and Daniel Conole; great-grandchildren, Michael III, Crystalyn Taylor and Sienna Nevaeh.

 

 

Joe Divita - November 11, 2007 (Class of 1938)

 

 

Gloria (Johnston) Noel - November 11, 2007 (Class 0f 1946)

 

 

Shirley A. Dennison - October 1, 2007 (Class of 1958)

Rochester: October 1, 2007, Suddenly at age 68. Predeceased by her parents, Minter & Angelina; brother, Roy and sister, Dorothy. She is survived by her sister, Marie Landers; nieces & nephews, Matthew Landers, Marc (AnaClaudia) Landers, Michele (Jason) Trautwein, Lisa (Michael) Michalek, David (Nina) Dennison; aunt, Teresa Tardi; sister-in-law, Bonnie Dennison; many great nieces & great nephews, cousins and friends in the Deaf Community.

 

BARTOLOMEO & PEROTTO Funeral Home, Inc., 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.) where Shirley's visitation will be Saturday, 9-11 AM followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at Most Precious Blood Church (Stenson St.). Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The family gratefully declines flowers.

 

 

Robert G. Hamilton - September 29, 2007 (Class of 1940)

Gates: Peacefully, on Sept. 29, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen; his four children, Robert L. (Antonia), Elbert, Judy Annis and Donna H. (James) Hinchcliffe; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren. Robert was a retiree of Lawyers Publishing Co-Op. Robert was an active and well-respected member of the deaf community.

No prior visitation. A Memorial Mass will be Friday, 10 AM at the Emmanuel Church of the Deaf at St. Monica's, 831 Genesee St. Inurnment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rochester School for the Deaf.

 

ALVAH HALLORAN & SON - Published in the Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on 10/3/2007.

 

 

Lila M. Weiland - September 26, 2007 (Class of 1965)

Mrs. Lila M. Weiland, of Rochester, died suddenly Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at the medina memorial Hospital.

 

Mrs. Weiland was born in Schroeppel, NY, December 11, 1946, a daughter of Natalie (Martin) Sixberry and the late Grover Sixberry, Sr.  She resided in Piffard, NY for most of her life and was employed by chloride, Inc. in Caledonia, for many years.  She loved spending time with her three grandchildren.

 

Survivors include her husband, Francis c. Weiland of Rochester; two daughters, Marion (Lee) Campbell of Shelby and Joy (James) Zeitz of Lyndonville; a son, Robert Weiland of Rochester; three grandchildren;  her mother, Natalie Sixberry of Fulton; a sister, Sharon Kitney of Connecticut; four brothers, John, Grover Jr., Steven and David Sixberry, all of Fulton; several nieces and nephews.

 

 

Dr. James H. Galloway - July 18, 2007

Dr. James H. Galloway, the third Rochester School for the Deaf superintendent, died July 18, 2007, in Deerfield, Florida. Dr. Galloway was 101. He led RSD from 1943-1966. After undergraduate studies in music, Galloway taught at RSD from 1929 to 1931, before attending graduate studies at University of Rochester, Gallaudet, Niagara and Louisiana State Universities. In 1938 Galloway joined the staff at New Jersey School for the Deaf, and in 1941 he accepted the principal post at Louisiana School for the Deaf. Dr. Galloway's post-war leadership brought financial, departmental, and staffing stability to RSD. He expanded RSD facilities to include Denton Hall for early childhood programs, and the addition of a vocational wing on to the main school building. Dr. Galloway organized the NYS Association of Educators of the Deaf and chaired the CEASD committee on accreditation of schools for the deaf. He reformed the long-standing practice of boarding all students at a school for the deaf for the entire academic year. Galloway encouraged greater family contact and involvement for local students who returned home each evening, and for out of town students who went home on weekends. During the Kennedy and Johnson administrations Galloway secured funding to replace and modernize costly pieces of educational, classroom equipment at RSD.

 

 

Ruth A. Leach (Hedberg) (Hamilton) - June 12, 2007 (Class of 1936)

Life Dates:	September 6, 1915 - June 12, 2007
Pre-deceased by:	Predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Hedberg and daughter, Betty Lou Morris.
Survived by:	GREECE: June 12, 2007 at age 91. She is survived by her husband, Clifford Leach; son, Dan (Maureen) Hedberg; grandchildren, Kim (Charlie) Farr, Mark (Ann) Hedberg, Kevin (Jodi) Hedberg, Matthew (Nancy) Hedberg, Michael Heerkins, Brenda (Mark) Weber; 9 great grandchildren, Justine & Joclyn Shults, Russell, Jacob, William, Katie & Mary Grace Hedberg, Tyler & Matthew Weber; 1 great great grandchild, Haybe Corcoran; brother, Robert (Ellen) Hamilton; son-in-law, Jim Morris; several nieces, nephews and many friends in the deaf community.
City of birth:	Elmira, NY
History:	Ruth Ann was born on September 6, 1915 in Elmira, NY to Ernst & Mildred Hamilton. She graduated from the Rochester School for the Deaf in June, 1936. She married her first husband Lawrence Allen Hedberg in September, 1936. He passed away in 1954. Ruth worked for Stromberg Carlson for 26 years from 1952-1978. She married her husband Clifford Curtis Leach on January 25, 1975. Ruth was a baptist and a member of Alpha Lutheran Deaf Church on Clinton Ave.
Donations:	In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s Memory to the Rochester School for the Deaf, 1545 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14621.
Services:	BARTOLOMEO & PEROTTO Funeral Home, Inc. 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.) where Ruth’s visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 PM. All are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Friday at 10 AM in the Funeral Home. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

David Lee Howard - March 3, 2007 (Class of 1986)

A former RSD student, David Howard, died over the weekend. He graduated from RSD...way back 1986. 

He was married to Mavis Holloway, another RSD graduate. David had been involved in PRIDE.

 

Suddenly, March 3, 2007 age of 41. Survived by wife, Mavis Howard, sons, David Howard, Jr. and Dimico Price, daughter, Monae; parents, Ozell Webb, Alexander Howard, Sr. & Carrie Holmes; brothers, Derrick, Rodney and Alexander, Jr. sisters, Alicia Weaver, Lakeysha Holmes, Sonya Fulton, grandfather, Arthur Jones, Sr., other relatives and close friends.

 

 

 

Emma M. Coletta Tarby - January 10, 2007 (Class of 1937)

Emma M. Coletta Tarby died on January 10, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  She went to be reunited with her beloved husband of 52 years, Harry Tarby, who died in 1992.  Emma was born in Elmira, NY on September 23, 1917 to the late Nicholas and Jennie (Rossi) Coletta.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother James Coletta, sister Filamena Coletta Santora, former daughter-in-law Sharon Tarby; and great-granddaughters, Madison and Dakota Miller.  Emma is survived by her four sons:  Michael (Faith) and Nicholas (Porky) of Elmira, Harry of Nunda, NY and Thomas of Big Flats, NY.  Emma’s grandchildren are John (Marianne) Tarby of Sherman, CT, Jennifer (Donald) Barry of Fulton, NY, Monica (Paul) Tauroney of New Hartford, NY, Melissa (Jeremy) Wasko of Royersford, PA, Nicholas (Mary Fran Troccia) Tarby, Darcy Tarby, Jeffrey (Melinda) Tarby, Tina Smith and Kristie Griffin, all of Elmira.  Emma had 26 great-grandchildren in addition to several nieces and nephews.  Emma was a life long resident of Elmira.  She received most of her formal education at Rochester School for the Deaf, where she met her husband Harry.  Emma was an active member of the deaf community and had established many friendships in Elmira, Corning, Auburn and Rochester.  In her younger years, Emma enjoyed bowling and often accompanied her husband to various bowling tournaments.  She enjoyed crocheting and knitting.  Emma made a multitude of beautiful afghans which grace the homes of her family members.  During most of her adult life Emma lived at her home on Second Street.  Later, she lived at Bragg Towers for 6 years then moved to The Courtyards at Bethany Village in 2000.  As she enjoyed being in the social limelight, Emma was blessed to receive that attention from family and friends. 

 

Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Sunday, January 14, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 11:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Elmira.  Interpreting will be available at the church service.  Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.  

 

Emma’s family wishes to thank Dr. John Schiavone for his many years of care to Emma.  They also wish to thank the the staff at Bethany for the care and kindness given to Emma during her residency there.  The staff of 3D at St. Joseph’s Hospital deserves special thanks for providing care in her final days.  Emma’s family also invites family, friends and acquaintances to attend services to celebrate her life - Emma expressed concerns about nobody being at her funeral!

 

Alice Marie Ellis - December 8, 2006 (Class of 1980)

 

Alice Marie Ellis (August 2, 1961 - December 8, 2006)

 

At age 45. Forever cherished by her sons, Adrian and Tyrone Johnson; fiance, Don Agne; her father, Carlee (Katherine) Ellis Sr.; brothers, Carlee Jr., Allen, Matthias (Michelle), Andrew (Kimberly) Ellis, Rawn (Carla) Mitchell, Darby and Lashawn Ellis; sisters, Rouby (Julius) Bryant, Gail (Greg) Berkes, Novel Ellis, Toshia Mitchell, and Glenda Wise; special memories are left with her Rochester School for the Deaf family and many other relatives.

 

Alice's calling hours will be held on Wednesday, 2-4 & 7-9PM at the funeral home where her life will be remembered and celebrated on Thursday at 11AM. Pastor Keith Allen, officiant.

 

 

Olive L. Barrigar - November 14, 2006 (Class of 1944)

HORNELL – Olive L. Barrigar, 81, of 7111 North Main St. Ext., passed away Tuesday (Nov 14, 2006) at ST. James Mercy Hospital.

 

Born in Oswego, Dec 14, 1924, the daughter of Curtis and Louise Mills, she had resided in Hornell for the past 10 years and had previously live in Friendship and Rochester. Olive graduated from the Rochester School for the Deaf, class of 1944 and had worked for Panny Farmer Candy Company. In 1957, she married Ralph V Barrigar, who predeceased her June 17, 1999.

 

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her sister, Marilyn Dramas; and her brother, Robert Mills.  
  
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Sickler of Springwater; a son, Charles (Mary) Barrigar of Rochester; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her special niece, friend and caretaker, Bonnie Dibble.

 

 

Calvin W. Blake - July 8, 2006 (Class of 1954)

Calvin W. Blake, 70, passed away early Saturday morning (July 8th) at the daughter's home in Waterloo. 
 
There are no public calling hours or funeral service and burial will be at the convenience of the family.
 
Calvin was born march 30, 1936 in Fillmore, the son of the late Mable M. (Hall) and Willard S. Blake.  He worked as a contractor until 1988.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling.
 
Calvin is survived by two daughters, Ruth (Michael) Atkachonis of Waterloo and Kathleen (Marco) Valdez of Texas; two sons, Calvin (Sally Marrero) of Florida and John (Chris Magovero) of Rochester; eight grandchildren; four brothers, Robert (Barbara) of Fairport, Curtis of Arizona, Jordon (Linda) of California and Daniel (Linda) of Florida; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
 
Calvin was predeceased by his wife Shirley (Strassner) who passed away Nov 27, 1987.
 
Arrangement were entrusted to Mull Funeral Home, Waterloo.

 

Lewis M. Bianco - January 17, 2006

UNION SPRINGS - Lewis M. Bianco, 84, of Fox Lane Apartments, Union Springs, walked hand and hand with the Lord into eternal haven on Tuesday, Jan 17, 2006.

Mr. Bianco was born in Auburn, the son of the late Anthony and Jenny Dicenza Bianco, and has resided in the Cayuga county area all of his life.

He graduated from the Rochester School for the Deaf, and he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and bowling.  Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy A. (Perkins) Bianco of Union springs; two daughters, Janet (William Blank Jr.) Killian of Union Springs and Cornelia (Aziz Bardi) Bianco of Geneva; grandchildren, Jayson Killian and his wife, Cheri, of Scipio Center, Erick Killian of Scipio center, kayla, Amberly and Calvin Blank of Union Springs, Michael Bianco of Geneva, and Brian and Matthew Morris of Auburn; great-grandchildren, Jazmen Wilbur, Krissy Riddle and Jacen Killian; one brother, Carmen (Bibi) Bianco of Auburn; one sister, RoseAnn (Bob) Giusti of Port Byron; several nieces and nephews; special niece, Tammy (David) Perry of Moravia; brother-in-law, Robert (Susanne) Perkins of Genoa; sister-in-law, Cornelia marks of Moravia.

Mr. Bianco was predeceased by an infant daughter, Polly Ethel Bianco in 1963; and three sisters, Theresa, Mary and Sue; and one brother, Joe.

Friends are invited to call 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at the Brew Funeral home, 48 South St., Auburn.  A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan 21, at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Joseph's cemetery, town of Fleming.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Rochester School for the Deaf, 1545 St. Paul Street, Rochester, Ny 14621, in memory of Mr. Bianco.

To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.