All Obituaries

Richard J. Martin, Jr., passed away on October 10, 2021. He was born in Buffalo, New York on December 9, 1950 to the late Richard J. and Frances (Nerthling) Martin. Richard was a 1968 graduate of Hutch Tech High School and then went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force. He married Gina (Strasser) July 14,1973 and they had four children together. Dickie worked as a machine operator for Upstate Niagara Coop for over 36 years. He enjoyed collecting toys and was an avid fan of...

Ciera Marie Schwartz, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 6, 2021. She was born in Bethesda, Maryland on July 25, 1995 to David Schwartz and Lisa (nee Hohensee) (James Roehling Jr.) Schwartz. Ciera was a 2013 graduate of Akron Central High School and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Event Planning. She worked as an event planner and helped run The Olde Farmhouse and Country Store on Tesnow Rd, making sure everything always ran smoothly and perfectly. She was a...

David A. Ross peacefully passed away on September 12, 2021. He was born on April 22, 1939 to the late Adrian and Mary (Slack) Ross. Dave was a graduate of Akron High School, Niagara University, and Simmons Mortuary School and went on to join his father in the family business. He was a funeral director for over 50 years, mentoring two of his sons and a granddaughter into the field. In addition to his decades of service as a funeral director, David spent time working as an Erie County...

Shawn Sundown, of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation died suddenly on September 12, 2021, He was born in Batavia on September 25, 1966 to Grant Sundown, Sr. and Sharon (Printup) Brayley. Shawn graduated from Oakfield High School and worked in the construction industry until the time of his death. He was a member of the Turtle Clan and loved listening to his favorite bands, the Rolling Stones and Guns & Roses. Shawn is survived by his children, Lokota (Sam) Martin, Shawn Sundown and Shana...

Flavel Shawn Tobin passed away peacefully on September 10, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1968 to the late William and Dianna (Blakeslee) Tobin. Flavel was a 1986 graduate of Akron High School.  He and Luann Jago were married on March 19, 1994 and they had four children together. Flavel worked for KT Construction in Tonawanda for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time. He especially loved doing crossword puzzles and watching wrestling with his son. Loving...

Richard W. Van Buren “Dicky” passed away peacefully on September 10, 2021. He was born on April 24, 1949 in Batavia, New York to the late George E. and Agnes (Hebeler) Van Buren. Dicky was a 1967 graduate of Akron High School. He went on to work at Harrison Radiator in Lockport for 30 years and retired at the age of 48. He loved collecting many different things and especially enjoyed going to flea markets. Dicky is survived by his sisters, Nancy (John) Lang, Cynthia Van Buren,...

Robert F. Johnson “Bob” passed away on September 10, 2021. He was born in Akron, NY on October 7,1936 to the late Floyd and Alice (Glena) Johnson. Bob served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He then worked over 40 years for Culligan Water, retiring as the service manager. Bob was a proud member of the American Legion Post #1377 and the Navy Club in Lockport. In his free time, Bob loved watching old western movies and listing to older country...

Lawrence “Poacher” Wittmann of Akron, passed away on September 5, 2021. He was born in Buffalo, New York on November 11,1949 to the late Bernard and Mildred Wittmann. He honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Lawrence worked most of his life as a painter in the union, and then owned Nick’s Repair in Akron. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans USA Motorcycle Club Chapter “B”. In his spare time, Lawrence loved...

Michael Koegl of Basom, passed away on September 5, 2021. He was born in Buffalo, New York on July 15,1957 to the late Carl and Florence (Ohlson) Koegl. Michael honorably served our country in the United States Army. He worked many odd jobs for most of his life, most recently at 49 Express Pit Stop. He enjoyed watching birds and especially loved trains and steam engines. Loving father of Shawn Koegl; cherished brother of Kenny (Sandy) Koegl and Carl (Beverly) Koegl. He is also...

Trevor Dean Jones, a Seneca, member of the Hawk Clan from the Tonawanda Seneca Territory born on August 9th 1977. Trevor passed peacefully into the spirit world on Friday September 3, 2021 in Niagara Falls, Ontario where he resided. Trevor was a well-known and prominent singer and dancer, that traveled all over Turtle Island sharing songs and dances of the Haudenosaunee and Powwow ways of life. He was always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom of the Indigenous cultures in hopes of...