Saturday, July 26, 2008

Death of John Heynoski - Class of 1980

John P. Heynoski "Loving and Devoted Husband and Father." John P. Heynoski, age 46, of McKean passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Hamot Medical Center. He was born in Erie on July 22, 1962 the son of the late Henry W. and Teresa A. Symanski Heynoski. John was a 1980 graduate of Ft. LeBeouf High School, where he was a PIAA State Wrestling Champion. He worked as an ironworker before becoming a master plumber for Local 47. John coached soccer and was a wrestling coach at McDowell. He was a Golden Gloves State Champion in 1982 and 1983. He was the World Arm Wrestling Champion in 1991 and avidly promoted arm wrestling in the Erie area for many years. He was currently promoting the arm wrestling tournament scheduled for August 9th. John was very devoted to kids athletics and their achievements and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Army CWO Edmund L. Heynoski. John is survived by his wife of 23 years Josie Bizzarro Heynoski; a son John Heynoski; four sisters: Judy K. Albert, husband Dan of McKean, Terry Farrell of Erie, Audrey Novel, husband Greg of McKean, Mary Moorehouse, husband Jeff of McKean; four brothers: Henry J. Heynoski, wife Cindy of Erie, Lou Heynoski, wife Cheryl of Erie, Anthony Heynoski, wife Theresa of Erie and David Heynoski, wife Peggy of Waterford; a brother-in-law Richard Farrell of Erie and mother-in-law, Rosalind Bizzarro of Erie. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are invited to call on Sunday, July 27, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 28, at St. Francis Xavier Church in McKean at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Thanks to Chuck and Alice Cowley for bring John's death to my attention.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Death of Richard R. Beatty FLBHS Class of 1978

Richard R. Beatty, 48, of Erie, died Sunday, August 3, 2008 at his residence, after an unexpected illness. He was born on August 7, 1959 in Erie, Pa., a son of Barbara (Lundgren) of Georgia and the late Harry R. Beatty. He was a graduate of Ft. LeBoeuf High School. Richard was employed as a service technician at the Thayer Power and Communication for 20 years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed riding motorcycles and especially spending time with his daughter, Michelle. He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Beatty. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Beatty of McKean and Katharine Joint of Erie and a son, Jared Joint of Erie. Two sisters, Mindy and Candace both of Georgia. Also survived by his close friends at the Greengarden Tavern. Friends may call at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St. on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service there on Thursday morning at 10:00. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneral.com. Burial with full military honors at Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Death of Nellie J. (Hull) Dennis - WHS Class of 1947

Nellie J. Hull Dennis, age 79, died on Monday afternoon, August 18, 2008. Born in Waterford, Pa. on July 10, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Cecil and Gladys Hull. Preceding her in death was her husband of 56 years, Franklin M. Dennis. Nellie graduated from the Waterford Academy in 1947 and met her future husband while working in the school office. They met in the fall and were wed in the spring of 1949. They resided in Summit Township. Nellie was an active participant in her local church, Summit United Methodist Church, the Garden Club, and the local chapter of the D.A.R. She was always generous with her canned goods and homemade breads and jellies, and she participated in community dinners and activities including Waterford Heritage Days and the Eagle Hotel Restoration. Surviving family members include her children: Eric and Margaret Dennis, Jody and Richard Freeburg, Will and Tracy Dennis, and Jebb Dennis; her grandchildren, Scott, Andrew, Brooke, Danielle, Brent, Matthew, Kristen, Garrett, and Megan; her brother, Cy and his wife Jean Hull; and her sisters, Rosanne and her husband Ronald Lewis, Marjorie Newell, and Kathleen and her husband Raymond Osborn; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her infant brother, Harry Hull. Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, Pa. on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be on Thursday at a time and location to be announced in Wednesday's newspaper. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

Monday, Septemper 01, 2008

Death of Patricia Mary Czesnowski Marsh - FLBHS Class of 1958

Patricia Mary Marsh, age 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Born in Waterford on October 9, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Mary Danylko Czesnowski. Patricia was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in McKean and participated in the Sunshine Circle. She formerly worked at St. Francis Ushers Club and also was a school bus driver for Fort LeBoeuf School District for many years and a snow plow truck driver for PennDot. She was a member and past president of the Waterford Cemetery Association, and more important than all, she loved her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Marsh, who died in 1995. Survivors include her son Jeffrey Orbanick of Waterford; three daughters, Lorraine Frownfelter and her husband Larry of Waterford, Suzanne Stefansky and her husband Gary of Canonsburg, Pa., and Katharine Senger and her husband David, also of Waterford; two sisters, Rosanne Czesnowski and Darlene Beres and her husband John, all of Waterford; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and two sisters-in-law, Lois Galloway and Audrey Marsh. Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to attend the funeral service there on Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Shirley (Robertson) Sackett, Class of 1958, furnished an up-date for several members of the class of 1958. Thanks, Shirley for keeping me up-to-date!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The latest issue of the Bisonalities, Again Newsletter has been posted to the web site for your reading enjoyment - what there is of it! The newsletter this quarter is only three pages long and consists of Cat's Corner and a Letter to the editor. There are NO stories. If I do not received any stories this quarter I will discontinue the newsletter until I receive some. The web version of the newsletter may by found by going to here. The PDF, downloadable version may be found by going to here.

Wedenesday, October 01, 2008

Status of Walley Mahle, FLBHS Class of 1961

The following was received from Buck Davis, FLBHS class of 1959, in reference to Walley:

Walley needs our continued prayers. He has been in Hamot hospital for the past eight days as a result of pneumonia and other related problems and was moved into the ICU on Friday. Monday he was doing a little better so they moved him into intermediate care. He is very weak and sleeps most of the time and naturally doesn't want visitors. This doesn't look good for our ole friend.

Editor's note: Walley has been fighting throat cancer for some time now. He recently was inducted into the Syracuse University Hall of Fame and was honored at last weeks Fort LeBoeuf Bison football game. Walley, in my opinion, is one of the really great guys I have ever met and had the honor to call friend.. Please, extend to him and Eileen your prayers.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Death of Gary Peres, FLBHS Class of 1971

Gary C. Peres, age 54, of 7380 West Lake Road, Fairview, died unexpectedly on Sunday evening, September 28, 2008. Born in Erie on October 6, 1953, he was the son of the late Cornel "Corny" Peres and Lois Carter Peres. After his graduation from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1971, Gary served four years in the US Marine Corps. He spent most of his working years in partnership with his father operating Peres Auto Sales, both in Erie and Ocala, Fla. He also enjoyed racing stock cars and was a frequent driver at Eriez Speedway, as well as other local tracks. During his time spent in Ocala, Gary raced at Ocala Speedway where he was champion in 1991. Gary was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Nancy A. Naculich Peres of Waterford; his daughter, Holly Nogacek and her husband David of Erie; his granddaughter, Corinne Nogacek; his mother-in-law, Anna Naculich of Waterford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and one nephew. Services will be held at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Erie City Mission, 1017 French Street, Erie, PA 16501.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Sandi Clark sent me some pictures from a parade in Mill Village back in the 60's. I have posted them to the picture gallery for viewing.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Death of Christopher "Chris" Sanders, Class of 1992

Christopher L. "Chris" Sanders, age 34, of Waterford, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Born in Westfield, N.Y. on August 8, 1974, he is a son of Richard A. and Julia D. Weaver Sanders of Waterford. Chris graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School and formerly worked at Pyramid Industries in Erie. He enjoyed football, fishing, camping, and he loved his dog. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Heidi M. Shamp Sanders, whom he married April 23, 2005; two brothers, Eric A. Sanders and his wife Sheila of Timberlake, N.C., and Aaron R. Sanders and his wife Crystal of Waterford; his paternal grandfather, Richard D. Sanders of Sherman, N.Y.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Asbury United Methodist Church, Waterford on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Fetter officiating. Arrangements by Van Matre Funeral Home, Waterford. Burial will be in Waterford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Rev. William McCracken, class of 1967, furnished a new e-mail address.

November 09, 2008

Death of Mildred Wilmina Cross

Mildred Wilmina Cross, age 93, a lifelong resident of Waterford, died Friday, November 7, 2008 at Brookside Homes in Erie where she had resided for the past year. Born in LeBoeuf Township on November 11, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Maude Waterhouse King. She married Alton Cross on January 26, 1935, and he preceded her in death on April 15, 1993. Mrs. Cross was a homemaker who raised eight children. Her family was her lifelong priority, and she loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. Family gatherings and reunions were very special to her, mostly because she got to spend time with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her talents in cooking, canning, and baking, but mostly for her devotion to her family and friends. In addition to her husband, Alton Cross, she is preceded in death by three sons, Alton Cross Jr., Eugene Cross, and Norbert Cross; two brothers, Harold King and Joseph King; and two sisters, Charolet Fox and Marion Petrick. Surviving family members include five children, Marvin Cross and his wife, Janet, of Waterford, Ronald Cross and his wife, Sue, of Saegertown, Carol Cross of Erie, Arda McAndrew and her husband, Michael, of Butler, and Vincent Cross and his wife, Bonnie, of Union City; three daughters-in-law, Grace Cross of Billings, Mont., Raquel Cross of Erie, and Cindy Cross of Findley Lake, N.Y.; three sisters, Ruth Hasbrouck of Corry, and Louise Pifer and Irene Lewis, both of Cambridge Springs; a brother, Ray King of Venango; 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will take place there on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Waterford Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stancliff Hose Company of Waterford, or to the Mill Village Fire Department, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Death of William "Bill" Powell
Waterford Academy Class of 1951

William (Bill) Bailey Powell, age 75, of Waterford, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was born July 11, 1933, a son of the late Bailey Simon and Kathryn Middleton Powell. He was a 1951 graduate of Waterford Academy where he participated in all sports. He received an honorable discharge after serving four years in the U.S. Navy. After his tour with the Navy, Bill worked at GTE in Erie where he retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. His hobbies included being a volunteer fireman for many years, vacationing with family, gardening, meeting with his friends for coffee, and his pets. His greatest joy was his time spent with his oldest granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Lee, and his newest granddaughter, Kendall Eileen Powell. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary Sue Nelson Powell; a daughter, Christy Ann Lee of Erie; a son, Robert (Bob) Powell and his close friend, Heather, of Waterford; and two grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Lee of Erie and Kendall Eileen Powell of Waterford. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard Powell and his wife, Vera, and David Powell and his wife, Darlene; a brother-in-law, William (Bill) Nelson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. There will be no funeral service. Memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 336, Waterford, PA 16441.

Condolences may be sent to:

Mary Powell
P.O. Box # 232
128 Chestnut St.
Waterford, PA 16441

Friday, November 14, 2008

Carri (Mallory) Hicks, class of 1986 furnished information on the death of a classmate, John Gebler. The class of 1986 web page has been up-dated.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Linda Baughman McCall, class of 1965, sent me her e-mail address. It has been added to the class of 1965 and her husband, Mike has been added to the class of 1962. Thanks for furnishing your information!

Monday, December 08, 2008

Death of Robert John Terrill - FLBHS Class of 1960

Robert John Terrill, 67, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Friday December 5th at the St. Vincent Health Center surrounded by family. He was born October 16, 1941, in Erie, Pa. and graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1960, where he was inducted into their Wall of Fame in 2004 for his excellence in football and wrestling. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Little Rock and later attended Gannon University. Bob worked for over 35 years as an engineering technician at Lord Corporation, and following his retirement worked as a substitute teacher for Mercyhurst Prep High School. This past summer he fulfilled a life-long dream and worked as the train engineer at Waldameer Park. Bob belonged to numerous organizations. He was an active member of Holy Rosary Church. He was a Eucharistic minister for both church and the homebound, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, achieved the highest honor at Toastmasters, and was a PIAA Wrestling Official for over 25 years. He coached football and wrestling at Holy Rosary, and also coached Boys Baseball and youth soccer and was a former president of the Cathedral Prep Baseball Boosters Club. He was also a member at the Siebenberger Club. Bob loved his faith, family, and friends more than anything and will be deeply missed by all. He had a passion for golf and enjoyed woodworking. He loved to perform magic and tell jokes, and he always brought a smile to the faces of friends and strangers alike. He is survived by his lovely wife of 40 years Mary (Pfister) Terrill, and also by his mother Mary (Sirak) Arlt (husband Ray). He is also survived by his sons Rob Terrill (wife Angela) of Lima, Ohio, John Terrill (wife Neko) of Pawcatuck, Conn., Mark Terrill (wife Jenny) and his daughters Kristin (Terrill) Stravinsky (husband Jason) and Noelle Terrill. He is further survived by 12 grandchildren and his brother Joe Terrill (wife Clare) and sisters Mary Eliason (husband Al), Judy Kula (husband Joe) and Linda McFadden. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Robert M. Terrill. Friends are invited to call at the A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home LLP, 845 East 38th Street, Tuesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m and are invited to attend Prayer Services there on Wednesday at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the family c/o A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home. Condolences to bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Death of Walley Mahle - FLB Class of 1961

It is with regret and deep sadness that I inform you of the death of a man I called friend, Walley Mahle. Walley died, at his home, after a long and courageous fight against cancer.

Walley Mahle, 65, an Erie County Hall of Fame athlete and coach who made a positive impression on anybody who knew him, died Saturday at his home in Waterford after a two-year battle with throat cancer.

Mahle, born May 24, 1943, in Flemington, W.Va., was a multitalented athlete who starred at quarterback for Fort LeBoeuf from 1958 to 1960 and at Syracuse from 1962 to 1964. As a senior, he led the Orange to the Sugar Bowl.

After being picked by Green Bay in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL Draft and making the Packers' taxi squad that season, Mahle spent five seasons as a Syracuse assistant from 1969 to 1973.

He coached high school football for 30 years in New York, Maryland and West Virginia before returning to Waterford.

A member of the Erie Times-News Erie County League all-time football team, Mahle taught physical education and coached football at Fort LeBoeuf and most recently was an assistant to Matt Shesman at North East until the debilitating disease took away his ability to walk and talk.

"My bench press has dropped off,'' Mahle joked in an Aug. 21 story in the Erie Times-News after the 6-foot 4-inch Mahle had dropped from 240 pounds to 145. "I needed to lose a little weight, but not that much.''

Joe Shesman, 75, the former Fort LeBoeuf football coach who still assists his son Matt, said as a young teacher at the Waterford high school he knew Mahle as a seventh-grader in 1955.

"In all that time, I never heard Walley say a negative word about any player or coach he was associated with,'' said Shesman, who visited Mahle earlier this week. "He was a special man that when you met him, you would be touched by his positive attitude.''

When North East defeated Fort LeBoeuf 35-7 at North East on Oct. 9, Mahle, who had assisted at both schools, was honored before the game. Grape-pickers quarterback Curtis Bailey, who received invaluable teaching from Mahle, wore No. 10 instead of his No. 2 in Mahle's honor.

"I talked to him before the game, and I just know he loves us so much,'' Bailey said after the game. "I just told the team to be strong for him, because he means so much to us.''

Don Rybar, who taught at Fort LeBoeuf from 1960 to 1998 while coaching basketball, baseball and track, said Mahle excelled at everything he played.

"We didn't have a track and field program when he was there, but I'm sure he would have been as good at that as he was in football, basketball and baseball,'' Rybar said. "We became close friends, and he was a special man in all aspects of life.''

Shesman said that the outgoing Mahle, who was one of the Erie Times-News Erie County Athletes of the Century, could talk about any subject.

"Walley was such a well-rounded individual who seemed to speak volumes about any subject,'' Shesman said."But the one trait that stands out is his loyalty to the teams, friends and families he has been associated with. He never forgot his roots.''

Friends of Mahle didn't forget him. While Mahle was visiting the Cleveland Clinic for his treatments, his wife Eileen said she and her husband were astounded by the help of the Waterford community.

"I swear Walley could be the mayor of this town,'' Eileen Mahle told the Erie Times-News in August. "Everybody in this town has loved him all his life. He's the kind of person who goes to the post office and is gone for an hour because he meets so many buddies and friends.''

Before the season began, LeBoeuf football coach John Campbell and his team visited Mahle at his home to give him a "rah-rah talk," Eileen said.

"Mr. Mahle had a profound impact on my coaching philosophy,'' Campbell said at the Walley Mahle Day celebration at the Fort LeBoeuf gymnasium on Sept. 19.

"First and foremost, I've always been a Bison,'' Mahle said to the assembly.

Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin sent letters praising Mahle.

Coughlin, who played wingback at Syracuse in the late 1960s, described Mahle as "tough and durable, as well as superb at managing both the huddle and the game.''

Coughlin praised Mahle the person.

"Walley has remained the quintessential nice guy, who carries himself with distinction and grace,'' Coughlin said.

Mahle, a two-time Syracuse student-athlete of the year, was honored along with former Syracuse stars like Jim Brown and Larry Csonka at halftime of the game with Penn State on Sept. 13.

Before the visit to Syracuse, where he also was honored at "The Night of Distinction" on Sept. 11, Mahle had an injection into his larynx that enabled him to speak more clearly.

"I've been a talker my whole life, and I want to give a speech at Syracuse,'' Mahle said.

As an athlete, coach and friend, Mahle had already been heard, loud and clear.

In addition to a successful teaching career, Walley was a clinician for the America Fitness Foundation and was appointed to the Maryland Governor Council on Physical fitness, pioneering adult fitness programs in corporate environments for 13 years. He was a charter member of the Fitness Directors in Business and Industry, and a member of the Erie Metropolitan Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame.

He was a past vice president of the Lions Club International, and received the Lions Club Melvin Jones service to community award. He attended the Waterford First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Eileen Torbet Mahle, whom he married 40 years ago in 1968; three sons, Clint Mahle and his wife Carrie of Salisbury, MD, Scott Mahle and his wife Jane of Ayer, MA, and Lee Mahle and his wife Carolina of Morgantown, WV; two grandchildren, Cameron and Kendall Mahle; his brother, Jerry Mahle and his wife Sunshine of Zelienople, PA; his uncle and aunt, Harvey and Mary Mahle of Erie; and many other relatives and friends.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, corner of West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Tuesday from 6-9pm and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will take place in Webster, WV, at the Grafton Wesleyan Holiness Church on Friday at 12:30pm. Friends and family will be received at the church from 11:00am until time of the funeral service. Burial will follow at Mount View Cemetery in Phillippi, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lodge, 11432 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, or to Fort LeBoeuf High School Athletic Administration, 931 High Street, Waterford, PA 16441.

Anyone wishing to send condolences to Eileen and family the following is furnished:

Mrs. Eileen Mahle
638 Cherry Street
Waterford, PA 16441-7878

(814) 796-9059

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Death of Lyle R. Weilacher - FLB Class of 1978

It is with sadness that I pass on to you the death at the young age of 48, Lyle Weilacher, Fort LeBoeuf Class of 1978

Lyle R. Weilacher, age 48, of Erie, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. He took ill at his place of employment and was pronounced deceased at Hamot Medical Center. Born on February 20, 1960 in Erie, Lyle was a son of Olive Slaugenhaupt Weilacher and the late Robert John Weilacher. Following high school graduation, Lyle worked in the area as a laborer with his last employment being at Lincoln Foundry in Erie. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and also following the National Football teams. Preceding him in death were three brothers, Vincent, Norman, and Kenneth Weilacher.

In addition to his mother, Olive Weilacher, who now resides in Union City, he is survived by five sisters - Helen Lee and her husband, Carl of Union City; Mabel Weilacher of Erie; Debbie Fitch and her husband, Jeff of Union City; Kathy Schroeder and her husband, Mark of Erie; and Tanya Spencer of Erie; four brothers - Elmer Weilacher and his wife, Brenda of Frewsburg, NY; Tim Weilacher of North Carolina; Lloyd Weilacher and his wife, Johnna of Clearwater, FL; and Leslie Weilacher and his wife, Sylvia of Colorado; he is also survived by two brothers and three sisters - Robert Weilacher of Palestine, TX and David Weilacher and his wife, Debbie of Gainesville, Fl, Susan Hazen and her husband, Alan of Athens, OH; Margaret McGee and her husband, Jack of Sarver, PA; and Nancy Reed of Jamestown, NY; also many nieces and nephews.

There will be no services and a private burial will take place at Waterford Cemetery.

Thanks to Connie Shaffer Stull, FLB class of 1978, for furnishing the above obituary!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Death of William G. Hovis, FLB Class of 1965

William G. Hovis, age 61, died unexpectedly and was found at his home on Mystic Road, LeBoeuf Township on Thursday, December 18, 2008. A lifelong resident of the Waterford area, he was born November 29, 1947 in Erie, the son of the late Ernest W. and Mary Pender Hovis.

Bill retired from General Electric after 35 years of employment. He loved animals and was an avid motorcyclist and a member of the Midnight Brotherhood. Bill was an talented musician and many years ago played with various local bands. He served in the US Navy from 1966-70 and was a member of the American Legion Post 285 of Waterford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Hovis, and a sister, Deborah Hovis.

Survivors include two sisters, Sharon Pieri and her partner Heidi Wigham of Westfield, NY, and Lorie Watson and her partner Betsy Sauers of Erie; his estranged wife, Amy Hovis; his stepson, Jesse Shields and his wife Janna and their children; several nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Pam Hovis Rapoza and Ed Weary.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Sunday from 3:00pm until the time of the funeral service at 6:30pm. Rev. Dennis Fetter, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church of Waterford, will officiate. Burial will be in Waterford Cemetery.

Thanks to Alice Shaffer Cowley, FLB class of 1965 for furnishing the above obituary!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Nancy and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Healthy, Happy 2009! Please, be safe and keep in touch!

Friday, January 01, 2009

The Winter 2008/2009 Issue of the Bisonalities, Again Newsletter has been posted for your reading and/or downloading. The web version of this issue may be found by going to issue 37.html. The pdf/printable version of this issue may be found by going to Issue 37-10-2.pdf.