In Memoriam

We are sad to announce the passing of George Weiskerger, a longtime resident of Sunset Bay who was very active in our community.  George was a past president of the Sunset Bay Association Board and a board member for 30 years.  He served with the Sunset Bay Volunteer Fire Company for 50 years and his family continues his tradition of selflessly serving the community as active members of the Fire Company.  Our condolences go out to Dawn, his wife, and to his children and grandchildren.     

George H. Weiskerger, 76, of Irving, NY passed away on Sunday evening November 5, 2023 at the Buffalo VA Hospital with his family at his side. More...

Ed Koehler was a kind and unassuming man. Among other things, he cared about his family, the Buffalo Bills and Sunset Bay.  As a resident of Sunset Bay since 1988, he wanted to contribute to making life better for everyone who lived here.  He actively participated in the Association meetings and joined the Association Board as a director in 2013. 

We are very grateful for his contributions.  Our condolences go out to Ed's wife Gail and to all of their family and friends.  Go Bills!  

KOEHLER - Edward C. of Irving, NY September 17, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Gail L. (nee Toy) Koehler; More...

Our neighbor and friend Kim Gaylord passed away last month.  Kim lived in Sunset Bay since 1988.  You'd often see him and his wife Karen walking their sheep dogs around the Bay both sporting tie dye and smiles.  Or maybe you visited their annual garage sale where you could find a bunch of fun and unique items. Kim and Karen always seemed to be together.  Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen during this difficult time.  

Kim A. Gaylord, age 68, of Irving, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Friday afternoon Sept. 16, 2022, at his home in Sunset Bay. He is the son of the late Kenneth E. and Elizabeth J. (Russo) Gaylord. More...

Barry Russell was a man with a big heart, and it was evident in everything he did.  It showed in the way he'd look out for his wife Karen always making sure she was ok.  It showed in the way he looked when he talked about her or had a laugh with her.  It showed in the way he

acted when talking about his girls and the pride he had in them and their families.  It showed in the way he cared about his community and how he always wanted to make things better.  It showed in the volumes of friends he had and the ease in which he could talk to people.  He was a man with a big heart, and he will be missed by many but not long forgotten.  Our condolences go out to Karen, her family and all their friends. More...

Jim Clouden came from a big family.  He had 16 brothers and sisters, three kids of his own, nine grandkids, 4 great grand kids and numerous nieces and nephews.  When the whole family got together, chaos ensued.  But it was good chaos.  Jim's Sunset Bay "family" was just as big.  He influenced and will be missed by so many.  Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jim's immediate and extended family.

CLOUDEN - James P. Passed away on August 3, 2022. Beloved husband of Margaret (Gargala) Clouden.  More...

You may have seen George tooling around Sunset Bay on his scooter at the young age of 80.  You may have seen him mowing the lawn at the triangle as you were coming across the tracks into Sunset Bay.  You may have seen him taking notes at one of the Sunset Bay Association meetings where he sat as Secretary for many years.  You may have seen him at a fire call directing traffic.  You might have seen him helping out at a fire company event.  In any case, if you've been in Sunset Bay for even a few years, you've probably seen or met George because he helped everyone out.  We will always be grateful for his help and his friendship to so many people in Sunset Bay during his residency here.  We'd like to express our deepest sympathies to his family and his friends.     

Known to most of us as the "Self-appointed" Mayor of Sunset Bay, Ron Conover has been laid to rest.  Our hearts are with Sally, his beloved wife, and their children and grandchildren.  A longtime resident of Sunset Bay, Ron always had a story to share and was one to always remember to call you on your birthday.   We'll miss you, Ron.

Beloved husband of Sally Ball Conover; father of Timothy (Dawn) Conover of Chattanooga, TN and Brett Conover of Angola, NY; stepfather of Ronald Ball (Danica Caruso) of Crownsville, MD and Cynthia Ball of NYC; cherished grandfather of Keith, Nicholas and Meghan Conover; great-grandfather of Abigail and Axl Conover; uncle to his favorite numerous nieces and nephews. Well-loved friend to many including those from Buffalo Savings Bank. More...

Julie Wilcox was a resident of Sunset Bay since 1983.  She and her husband John and their two kids lived on Parkway and raised and sold the cutest bulldogs anyone has ever seen.  If you walked by their house in the summer months, chances are you would have seen the mother bulldog with her five or six pups and Julie would have let you hold one.  Julie also loved horses and raised on for a few years in their side yard.  Our condolences go out to John, her children John and Chelse, and her new grand baby Julien.  

Julie E. Wilcox, 64, of Sunset Bay, Irving, N.Y., died Friday morning (Oct. 22, 2021) at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 8, 1956, in Wigan, England, the daughter of the late Ronald P. and Edith (Lewis) Wright. A lifelong resident of the area, Julie was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, class of 1976. More...

Ken Gerspach became a resident of Sunset Bay in 1976 just before one of the coldest winters in history and just before the epic storm, the Blizzard of '77, buried Buffalo in snow piles higher than some buildings.  Almost 200" of snow fell that winter season. 

We're sure Ken was glad he had Sunset Bay to come to when the snow finally melted that year.  Ken was a plumber, and he had a great sense of humor as evidenced by the sinks and bathtubs and even the toilet he'd use to decorate his garden and show off his beautiful flowers.  He was a quiet, kind man who was really easy to talk to.  Go in peace Ken.  You will be missed.

Kenneth V. (Ken) Gerspach passed away on September 4, 2021, in Buffalo, New York at the age of 86 after a valiant battle with cancer. More... 

We're sorry to announce that Sam Zambito passed away in his home in Sunset Bay after a long battle with cancer.  Sam and his wife Rita lived on Shady Dr. since the 1970's. You would often see Sam cruising into Sunset Bay in his orange Pantera automobile.  He had many hobbies including collecting unique cars, hunting, fishing and traveling.  During the summer months, if Sam wasn't in Sunset Bay, you could most likely find him across the lake at his hunting cabin.  if you spent time with Sam, you'd be regaled with his many varied and interesting stories.  Our sympathies are with Rita, their family and their many friends.        

Salvatore A. Zambito started out working for his brothers' construction company, but after a short stint in magazine sales, branched out into his own businesses, from dry cleaning and a bakery to real estate. Mr. Zambito, known as Sam, died in his summer home at Sunset Bay after the recurrence of cancer that had been diagnosed 11 years earlier.  More...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's wife Jane and to the rest of his family.  Bill Greene, a resident of Sunset Bay lived on South Shore Dr since 1995.   Bill and his wife Jane were wonderful people, both caring and generous to all of those around him. His generosity will live on in the hearts of many families for many years to come.  We are proud to call him a neighbor and a friend.

William H. Greene III fought a tenacious six-year battle with small cell lung cancer. In gratitude for his care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, he and his wife Jane funded the Bill and Jane Greene Transplant & Cellular Therapy Center. But Roswell was only one of hundreds of places Mr. Greene supported. More...

"Neighbor Carl" moved to Sunset Bay in 1993 and soon embedded himself in the hearts of most everyone in the Bay.  He'd keep you entertained with the news of the day; was willing to share whatever he had with his friends and neighbors; without asking, would plow the driveways of neighbors in need; walk you home from the bar to keep you safe; or babysit your kids on the beach.  His enormous tips put the rest of us to shame.  He truly was a generous neighbor.  Carl also was the photographer of the logo of the Sunset Bay Association.

The sun set one last time for Carl unexpectedly on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY. He was born into this world on August 23, 1959 in Buffalo, NY, the loving son of the late Samuel and Lorraine (Trost) Impastato. Loving brother of Daniel J. Impastato, Donna (Albert) Schaffer, Charles (Diane Piasecki), Mark (Denise Lundunski) and Kevin (Laura Debicki) Impastato. Carl was the fun uncle of thirteen much loved nieces and nephews. He was also a wonderful friend to many people through the years.  More...

Bobbie Buchnowski was laid to rest on May 3, 2020.  Our condolences go out to her son Marty and daughter Barb who still live in Sunset Bay and are very active in the community.  Bobbie and her husband Jim Egan lived in Sunset Bay since the mid-1990's.  You may have met her on her many walks around the Bay or perhaps you had a yoga instruction with her at her studio or if you were lucky, you attended one of their many lively pig roasts over the years.  Our condolences go out to Bobbies children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Bernice (Bobbie) had an exceptionally wonderful life! Born and raised in Western NY to Edith Shea and William O’Brien. Her parents were small business entrepreneurs and taught her that hard work and being grounded is what it takes to be successful in life. More...

We are sorry to announce the passing of Paulette Williams, a neighbor of ours since 1987. Those who knew Paulette will remember her dazzling smile, her quiet demeaner and the love she had for her family.  Our sympathies go out to her husband Dave, her daughters and grandchildren and the rest of her family and friends.  

WILLIAMS - Paulette K. (nee Kiefer) of East Amherst, entered into rest on August 7, 2019. Beloved wife of David E. Williams; devoted mother of Cheryl (Robert) Aroesty, Jill (Karl) Wagner and Jennifer (Peter) Gargano.  More...

Jim Egan and his wife Bobbie Buchnowski bought a lot in Sunset Bay in 1995 and built a beautiful home surrounded by peaceful gardens and then settled in.  If you visited them there you could spend a few hours in easy conversation and leave feeling uplifted and happy.  Memories such as these are the legacy of love.  Our wishes to Jim's family are that those happy memories carry you through during difficult times.  

James H. Age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at home surrounded by family in Irving, NY. He was born April 22, 1930 in Buffalo, NY to James and Jule Egan. More...

I don't think that Liz Sly ever missed a sunset during the 40 years she lived in Sunset Bay.  Every evening you would find Liz taking her daily trek down W. Erie, past the pond and down to the beach where she'd stroll along the shore soaking in the sunset and the evening air until she made her way back home to Pleasant Ave.  Our warm and heartfelt sympathies go out to Ed Sly, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  We hope her afterlife is filled with beautiful sunsets.    

Elizabeth A. “Liz” Sly, 90, of Sunset Bay formerly of Tonawanda, NY passed away Monday May 21, 2018 at her residence in Irving, NY. She was born in Buffalo, NY on February 21, 1928 the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary (McWilliams) Schmitz. She married Edwin C. Sly on April 7, 1951 in Buffalo, NY and together they raised five children.  More...

Joan and Bob have been our neighbors since 1985.  They were inseparable sweethearts, married for 57 years, and a wonderful team.  Parties in Bob and Joans back yard was always a good time for them and their many friends.  Sometimes they'd reminisce about the days they first met, cruising around in Bob's hotrod. It seemed like the movies, and it wasn't a stretch to think of them as movie stars.  They were a talented dance team and always got noticed by the crowd at Calico Jacks.  Joan's laugh was wonderful, and Bob would always joke around to elicit her laugh.  Our sincere sympathies go out to Bob, their family and many friends.         

Tamulski, Joan Marie (nee Florczak) of Irving, NY entered into rest September 15, 2017, age 77. Beloved wife of 57 years to Robert S. Tamulski; dearest mother of Susan (Glenn) Cummings, Nancy (David) Tackley and Thomas (Imee) Tamulski. More...

We are sorry to announce the passing of Ron Kmiotek, a friend to so many of us in the Bay.  Ron was a builder.  He built a beautiful home on Iola on a postage sized lot that no one thought could ever hold a home, but Ron proved us wrong, and the result was amazing.  He built his home, then built an addition to his family, then built friendships that we'll all cherish.  Our sympathies go out to Dee, Ron's beautiful children, his family and all of his friends.

KMIOTEK, RONALD E., Jr. June 24, 2017; of Irving, NY; Unexpectedly; Beloved father of Nicole (Paul Osborne), Brandon, Christopher and Aaron Kmiotek. Dearest grandfather of Eli and Everett Osborne. More...  

If you'd ever met Hank Wojda, you would remember him.  He was a friendly person with an outgoing personality that always had you laughing.  He ran the marinas here in Sunset Bay since the early 1960's and he and his family have been a large part of the Sunset Bay community for all of that time.  Our sympathies go out to Elaine, his wife of 54 years, his sons Kurt and Lance and his daughter Carrie and her husband Dave Newman who are all now running the Hidden Harbor Marina just as if Hank was still calling the shots.  Enjoy the afterlife as much as you enjoyed this life, Hank. 

Henry "Hank" Wojda, 78, Marina and Roller Rink Operator.  Hank Wojda of Sunset Bay died at his winter home in Labelle, FL on Monday, April 17, 2017, at 78 years old.  Born in Buffalo, Hank's family moved from the Broadway Fillmore area to Angola when he was in elementary school. He graduated from Lake Shore High School in 1957.  More...

Ed Priester lived on Iola since 1989.  On Friday evenings, chances are, you would find him at the VFW Post in Silvercreek with a bunch of the boys for a fish fry and maybe a little shenanigans.  He was a wonderful man who never had anything bad to say about anyone.  Our hearts go out to his family and his friends.    

Edward J. April 2, 2017, at the age of 79, dear father of Mary Jane Priester, Michael (Susan) Priester, Anne Marie (Jeffrey) DiRado and Mark (Cristin) Priester. More...

We are sorry to announce the death of Sylvia Smith of Ontario Rd.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Earl and her daughters Melinda Weiskerger and Melissa Smith.  

Sylvia J. Smith

Sylvia J. Smith, 68, of Ontario Road, Irving, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at home. She was born in Dunkirk, NY on February 1, 1948, the daughter of the late John and Betty (Read-ing) Bemis. Sylvia married the love of her life, Earl Smith, on April 15, 1962. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Earl Smith; a son, Jon Smith of Dunkirk, NY; two daughters, Melissa Smith and Melinda (Kevin) Weiskerger of Irving, NY; two sisters, Debbie (Joe) Conte of Hamden, Ct., and Mary Mello of Cranston, R.I.; six grandchildren, Cherish Grundhoefer, Alissa and Austin Smith, Justin and Nicholas Mays and Kaelee Weiskerger; and five great-grandchildren.  More...

We have lost a good friend and neighbor.  It is with much regret that we inform you of the death of Puggy Boucher, a longtime resident of Sunset Bay.  Our hearts go out to her many family members and to her many friends.

BOUCHER - Mary Ann "Puggy" (nee Adymy) Of Buffalo, entered into rest April 7, 2016, beloved wife of Richard "Ducky" Boucher; loving daughter of the late Anthony S. and Rose M. Adymy; dear sister of James (Shirley) Adymy and the late Rose, George (late Dorothy), Anthony and Lawrence (Deborah) Adymy; also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends - More... 

Helen Reitz, 88, of Allegany Road, Irving, died on March 28, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.  A longtime resident of Sunset Bay, she was born on September 13, 1927, in Munich, Germany, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helene Benkhauser. More...

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jeff Tarrant, a longtime resident of Sunset Bay. Our condolences go out to his wife Janet and to their children and grandchildren.  Jeff's smiling face will be missed by many of us in the Bay.

TARRANT - Jeffrey G. Age 75, of Irving (Sunset Bay), NY, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016, after a six-month battle with cancer. He died peacefully, at his home, in the company of his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet (Mandell) Tarrant; three sons, Scott (Olga) Tarrant of New Market, MD, Alec Tarrant of Irving, NY and Kyle (Jessica) Tarrant of Hamilton, VA; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, Connor, Kristina, Nicholas, Peyton and Ashlyn; sister, Connie Weitenstien of San Jose, CA; cousin, Gregory Kulaw of Silver Creek, NY; and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Laura (Arent) Tarrant. Donations in his memory can be made online at www.hospicechautco.org. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life Memorial in May, time and date to be announced. Arrangements by HOLE-PARKER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Silver Creek, NY. More... 

Jeannie Davis, tall, blonde and beautiful of both body and soul.  Jeannie and her family moved to Sunset Bay when she was just a child.  What a wonderful childhood that must have been with days at the beach and fun at the amusement park taking in all the rides and playing pokerino and skeeball. She met Bill Davis and fell in love.  They got married and had 4 kids who also got to enjoy the wonderful world of Sunset Bay.  What a life she led.  Jeannie was loved by everyone she knew in Sunset and her loss is deeply felt.  Our sincerest condolences to Bill and their family and many friends.    

DAVIS - Jeannie Marie (nee Leatherbarrow) August 12, 2014 at age 73, of Depew and Sunset Bay, NY; beloved wife of William (Bill) Davis. More...

We are sorry to announce the passing of Janet Schaper, a friend to many of us who was always so full of life. We'll remember all of the laughs we had over the years.  Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Janet's husband Greg, their beautiful children, their family and all of Janet's friends.  You have left us much too soon.  

SCHAPER - Janet L. (nee Caves) August 22, 2013, of West Seneca. Beloved wife of Gregg Alan Schaper; dearest mother of Stephanie (Frank) Giumpa, Gregg, and David Schaper. More...

She was probably one of the funniest people I had ever met.  Spending time with Linda meant your face was going to be sore the next day from laughing so long.  She owned and managed Calico Jacks, what is now Cabana Sam's.  She created the Pirate Raid where groups of people would get on their boats and head to Angola to raid Mickey Rats and attack them with water balloons and water pistols.  She created the boat burning, a huge bon-fire at the end of the season where you celebrated the summer, said goodbye to friends until next season, and remembered those who passed on before us.  She was a legend in Sunset Bay who left a legacy that will not be long forgotten.  We raise our glasses (or cups) in one last toast to Linda. 

Linda M. Monforte, of Hamburg, a restaurant owner known as “the Queen of Sunset Bay,” died Friday after a four-year battle with lung cancer.  More...