https://www.facebook.com/167244539955053/

Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center Street, Gowanda, NY (2026)

05/17/2026

Ruth Ann Krebs
PERRYSBURG

Ruth A. Krebs age 92 formerly of Jolls Rd. passed away early Sunday morning May 17, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in the Town of Dunkirk surrounded by family.

Ruth was born December 16, 1933 in Gowanda , the daughter of George and Ida (Stambach) Hascall

Ruth married Walter L. Krebs Jr. January 20, 1953. Walt passed away February 12, 2012.

Ruth was an avid reader, she enjoyed the Gowanda Free Library and after the Collins Public Library opened she was a familiar face there also. Ruth retired from the former JN Adam Developmental Center in Perrysburg where she worked in the nutrition / dietary service department . Her cooking skills went beyond her nearly 25 years of state employment with the state , she loved to bake bringing her baking skills home for her family to enjoy. Ruth and Walt spent many seasons family camping at Allegany State Park. A people person , Ruth’s antidote to happiness was a good conversation that ended with a smile . Ruth’s sense of humor and love for her family will be deeply missed.

Survivors include 6 children; Karen S (late Walter) Amacher of Springville, Barbara (LeRoy) Blackwolf of Fayetteville , NC , Kathleen Kinsey of Silver Creek, Laurie (John) Butcher of Collins , Walter ( late Margie Adkins) Krebs of Raeford , NC and Beth (Russell Sr.) Nechamer of Norfolk , Va. 26 grandchildren along with great grand and great great grand , 3 nephews and 1 niece also survive .

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents George and Ida Hascall, her husband Walter L. Krebs Jr. of nearly 60 years and her sister Jane Parent.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Gowanda Free Library 56 West Main St. Gowanda, NY 14070, the Collins Public Library 2341 Main St. Collins, NY 14034 or to the Dayton Volunteer Fire Dept. 9512 Rte. 62 Gowanda, NY 14070

A private family burial will take place in the Versailles Cemetery. A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be at a later date with the day and time to be announced.

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda, NY.

05/05/2026

Paul Alfonso Boccolucci
West Valley, NY

Paul A Boccolucci age 76 of West Valley passed away Monday May 4, 2026 at the Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, NY surrounded by family.

Born March 21, 1950 in Buffalo the son of Bruno and Josephine (Fasolino) Boccolucci .

Paul was a self taught artist-blacksmith, metal sculptor, welder and creator from West Valley, NY. For decades Paul transformed iron, steel and salvaged steel , and salvaged metal into color imaginative works of art along route 219 between Springville and Ellicottville.one of his crafted sculptures was displayed in front of the Schindler Funeral Home in Gowanda for years. This piece Schindler called “Digger O’Dell” and was certainly filled with parts that came together as a beautiful sculpture and conversation piece. Paul was talented. Paul and Deb (Cleland) ;with whom he shared his life with for many years , operated Real Stuff Gallery and Gifts; a unique family-based gallery known for handmade sculptures , stained glass, and works from local artisans and craftsmen. Paul’s creations became a familiar roadside landmark in Western, NY. Creations included giant sunflowers, dragons, animals, whimsical figures and custom ironworks that attracted many in their travels down Rte. 219. His work ranged from simple plant hooks, to chandeliers, sculptures and large public pieces . He had an artistic eye seeing projects come to life just through looking at the raw metal he had available, his works brought imagination and in some cases humor. Paul’s work was featured in public art settings including the 2003 Art on Wheels Buffalo-Niagara Project where his sculpture “by hammer and hand” … all things stand was displayed at Murphy Orchards. Paul also contributed his talent to the regional Arts and Crafts tradition, including sculpture work connected to the Roycroft Community through his his hands, tools, and vision . He left behind a body of work that reflected his creativity , hard work and his deep love for making things that brought people joy .

Besides Deb, Paul is survived by a son Paul D. (Tamara) Boccolucci of Harrisburg, NC , Deb’s children; Kelly, Kristina, and Aaron (Jessica) Cleland. Grandchildren; Lilly, Andrew, Gabriel, Samantha, Shianna, Rachel, Nathaniel, Jacob, Riley and Arizona. Great grandchildren ; Everleigh, Kinsley, Arthur and Lucy. Siblings Daniel (late Barbara) Boccolucci of Va. and Carl (Lynn) Boccolucci of Hamburg. Along with several nieces and nephews . Paul was also a dog dad as shown in his pic .

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda

05/04/2026

Robert J. Steff
COLLINS
GRAVESIDE SERVICE THURSDAY MAY 7, 2026 @ 10am St. Martins Cemetery 10893 Sisson Hgwy in Langford (please assemble at cemetery )

Robert J. Steff age 65 of Collins passed away Saturday evening May 2, 2026 at the Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo.

Born in Gowanda, NY January 16, 1961 the son of Donald and Doris (Thiebolt) Steff.

Rob retired from the NYS Thruway Authority , at the time of his retirement in February of 2020 he worked as a Bureau Chief out of the Albany, NY barracks .

Survivors include his son Jonathan B. Steff of Averill Park, NY his chosen and extended family which included his God Daughter Lyndsey (Tessmer) husband Phillip Kiefer of Tenn. his siblings ; Marie (Ed) Kaczanowski of Eden, Lawrence (Cherie) Steff of West Valley, NY, Rosemary (Rob) Menshel of Perrysburg, Ron (Maria) Steff of West Seneca, NY, Wayne (Lisa) Steff of Collins, Janet (Todd Gasaway) Steff of Collins , Diana (Scott) Beckwith of Irving, NY along with many living nieces nephews and loving cousins.

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME ; Gowanda, NY

04/28/2026

Steven J. Pfleuger Jr.
HAMBURG, NY

Steven J. Pfleuger age 34 of Hamburg passed away unexpectedly Monday April 27, 2026 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in the Town of Porter in Niagara County .

Steven was born a twin September 27, 1991 in Springville, NY the son of Steven Sr. and Brenda (Miller) Pfleuger.

Steven graduated from Gowanda Central, the Class of ‘09. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2011, He continued his education at Bryant and Stratton in Buffalo then transferring to Hilbert College in Hamburg where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2018 . At the time of his death he was working for the United States Border Patrol Service as a Law Enforcement Specialist out of the Buffalo Sector of the Border Patrol. He just returned from Guantanamo Bay in November of 2025 with the National Guard. Steven had a kind soul and loved his family, especially his children Kyler Pfleuger and Harper Knapp. He also was close with his nieces and nephews being the fun Uncle. Steven’s death has left a hole in his mother’s Brenda Pfleuger of Gowanda heart as well as his Father Steven Sr. (Sarah) Pfleuger of Brocton . His absence will especially be felt by his siblings ; Cynthia (Warren) Lee of Gowanda, Christopher (Elizabeth) Miller of South Dayton, his twin sister; Stephanie (Melvin) Escribano of Gowanda, Malerie Kelsey of Brocton, William Eppinger Pfleuger of Brocton along with Rachael O’Dee with whom he shared his life with of Hamburg and her daughter Riley O’Dee. Steven made many friends on his short journey here and will be missed and remembered as the good friend he was. Steven will also be missed by his dog Willow. Steven was a member of Shotgun MC of Buffalo , his nickname was Wheelz.

Friends may call Friday May 1, 2026 from 2:00-7:00pm at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda. Steven’s funeral with full military honors will be held Saturday May 2, 2026 @ 11:00am from the Gowanda Free Methodist Church ; 149 West Main St. Gowanda (please assemble at church). Burial will follow where Steven will be laid to rest near his paternal grandparents Dana and Beverly Pfleuger.

Memorials may be made to any local veteran organization , being a proud veteran defined who Steven truly was .

04/20/2026

Ruth Pier Jones
GOWANDA

Ruth Pier Jones age 99 of Gowanda passed away early Sunday Morning April 19, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family .

Ruth Pier Jones was born on February 27, 1927, in Northeast, Pennsylvania, to Russell K. Pier Sr. and Helen Hunter Pier. She graduated from Ripley High School in 1945 and went on to build a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to her family.
Ruth worked for the Gowanda Psychiatric Center in Gowanda, New York, for 14 years before relocating to Maine in 1970. There she joined the staff of Faith School of Theology, where she faithfully served for 23 years. Her work, both in New York and Maine, reflected her steady character, her commitment to helping others, and her deep love for Christian ministry.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell K. Pier Sr. and Helen Hunter Pier; her husband, Ernest A. Jones Jr.; her son, David Brian Jones; two grandchildren, Michael Jones and Melissa Alt; one great‑grandchild, Kirsten Nicholas; and her siblings Stewart Van Pier, Milton Loyd Pier, Wentworth Laverne Pier, William Arthur Pier Sr., and Russell Kenneth Pier Jr.
Ruth is survived by her six children: Elaine (David) Weaver of Sun City Center, FL; Yvonne (Donald Sr.) Alt of Rochester, NY; Kathryn (Hazen) Emery of Sun City Center, FL; Russell (Jerrie) Jones of Hamburg, NY; Daniel (Rebecca) Jones of Fort Chiswell, VA; and Michelle (Danny) Davis of Gowanda, NY. She is also survived by her sisters, Pamela Ringer of Lakeland, FL, and Mary Jones (Ross) McNamara of Barnwell, SC; 19 grandchildren; 56 great‑grandchildren; and 11 great‑great‑grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and in‑laws. A graveside burial service will be held at Collins Cemetery in Collins Center, New York on Monday April 27, 2026 @ 11:00am followed by a luncheon and Celebration of Life at the Master’s Plan Community Church in Dayton.
Memorials if desired, may be made to her church, The Master’s Plan Community Church, 9586 Railroad St., Dayton, NY 14041, or to Faith Bible College International, 29 Main Rd., Charleston, ME 04422.
Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda

04/18/2026

Danny E. Weaver
DAYTON

Danny E. Weaver age 74 of Dayton passed away unexpectedly at the Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, NY surrounded by family Thursday April 16, 2026.

Danny was born in Salamanca , NY one of 7 children born to Vincent and Evagene (Betz) Weaver on June 8, 1951.

A Maintenance worker, Danny retired from Cresent Manfacturing in North Collins. He was the brother with the great sense of humor in the family, was known to find value in items and would repurpose or find a use for things most would discard. He always would lend a helping hand and valued friendships and had a no nonsense attitude. To know him was to love him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Danny was an integral part of the Weaver Clan. He is survived by Rosalie Gagliano, “Rose” with whom he shared his life with for the past 30 years, Cabic Rd . was home for many of them years . Danny is also survived by his children ; son, Brian (Kellie) Weaver of Little Valley, daughters; April Weaver of Cherry Creek and Rebecca Weaver of Gowanda. Grandchildren ; Donald (Kimmie) Frederick, Ashley Frederick, Kimberly Weaver, Adam weaver, Justin Weaver and Jesse Messmer. Danny is also survived by his favorite sister Anna (David) Garza of Lackawanna , brothers;
Joseph Weaver of Salamanca and Gary Weaver of Kiaton. Several nieces nephews, great and great great lso survive.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, and 3 brothers ; David, Don (Boogie) and Wild Bill Weaver.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family, Danny’s wishes were to not have any fuss made on his behalf and for everyone to carry on with their lives, a wish that for many is hard to do but to have a family get together with friends met along his journey would help reflect and remember his life and is planned for when the weather is warmer and an outdoor celebration could be had.

Memorials, if desired may be made to a local charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda, NY

04/16/2026

Veronica J. Halftown-Stevens
IRVING, NY

Veronica Halftown-Stevens passed away at home Thursday morning April 16, 2026 surrounded by family. She was 64 yrs old.

Veronica was born in Buffalo, NY into the Wolf Clan the daughter of Gilbert Halftown and Marilyn Huff on September 5, 1961.

Veronica was referred to as Jeannie by many family and friends, she worked as a cashier at Iroquois One Stop on the Cattaraugus Territory for several years.

Survivors include children; Samuel (Michele Schiefer) Twoguns of Gowanda, Paul Twoguns III of Irving, Eagle Eye (Cami Jones) Stevens of Perrysburg , Juanita (Carson Brant) Stevens of Irving, Christopher “Little Bear” Stevens Jr. of Irving , Ke’ya Stevens of Perrysburg and Damian Stevens of Irving. Eleven grandchildren also survive. Jeannie is also survived by her siblings; Michelle Mitchell, Gilbetine Halftown, Bergal Mitchell Jr. , Vickie Mercado, Brenda Halftown, Lee Harris Mitchell, Juanita Williams along with her Step father Bergal Mitchell Sr. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive .

Veronica was preceded in death by her father Gilbert Halftown, her mother Marilyn Mitchell, along with her siblings; Barry Halftown, Christal Halftown, David Mitchell, Natalie Halftown, Vanessa Halftown, Theresa Halftown , and Sharon Tallchief.

Friends may call after 2:00pm Sunday April 19 and all day Monday April 20th at the family residence 12546 Rte. 438 Irving ,where here funeral service will be held Tuesday April 21, 2026 @ 10:00am.
Burial will follow at the Halftown Family Cemetery on Rt. 438.

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda.

04/12/2026

Herbert C. Cook
GOWANDA

Herbert C. Cook age 93 assed away Saturday evening April 11, 2026 at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, NY where he had been admitted the previous day.

Born in North Collins January 28, 1933 the only child to Herbert and Adeline (Eckhert) Cook.

Herbert graduated from North Collins Central School , Class of 1951. After graduation Herb enlisted with the United States Army , he honorably served his country during the Korean War. He married the former June Hancock in North Collins September 15, 1958. Herb retired from the New York State Highway Dept. he retired as a foreman within the department. After retirement Herb continued with his passion of auto mechanics. He could fix anything, and had the skill of being a brilliant troubleshooter to anything brought to him . He skills went beyond auto mechanics and could be considered or referred to as McGyver when it came to building a part from scratch or duplicated a part no longer available. Many people in town have seen his Radio Flyer (wagon) automobile he built, this vehicle was seen in many parades and was enjoyed by many car show enthusiasts . Herb and June moved to their “country home “ in the Town of Collins from North Collins. They surrounded themselves with good neighbors that were considered their extended family.

Herb was the loving husband of June A. (Hancock) Cook of nearly 68 years. His passing will be felt by many in the community and a major loss ,he will be missed.

Friends may call Thursday April 16, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda where funeral services will be held Friday April 17, 2026 @ 11:00 am

Memorials, if desired may be made to a local charity of one’s choice.

04/07/2026

Joshua R. Gernatt
WEST VALLEY, NY

Joshua Ryan Gernatt; age 42, passed away unexpectedly due to a house fire at home in the early morning hours of Monday April 6, 2026.

Joshua was born October 5, 1983 in Springville.

Beloved son of the late Richard and Cheryl (Cole) Gernatt. Loving brother of; Cody (Amanda) Gernatt of West Valley and Trevor Gernatt of Collins Center. Grandson of; Richard Gernatt of Perrysburg. Aunts ,Uncles, and cousins also survive as do many friends that he would be glad to see and visit with.

Joshua was preceded in death by his mother Cheryl , father Richard , “ Nessie” , maternal grandparents Bud and Elaine Cole , his paternal grandmother Joyce Gernatt and his Uncle Dennis Gernatt.

A Celebration of Josh’s life will be held at a later date .

Arrangements by SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda, NY.

04/07/2026

Lillian M. Farner
COLLINS

Lillian Marie Farner, 82, of Gowanda, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Gowanda Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Lillian was born November 21, 1943, in Gowanda, a daughter of Herbert and Della (James) Tingue.

In 1972, she married Wayne Farner. They built a beautiful family of five children who will keep her legacy alive.

Lillian worked tirelessly to raise her children plus provide day care for other children. She also had a housekeeping position at Peter Coopers. Lillian was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a massive heart, always had a smile, was accepting of everyone and would do anything for the people she loved. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and bragged about them any chance she got. She loved lawn sales, Elvis, and chocolate!

Remaining to cherish Lillian's memory are her children, Holly (Tom) Droney of Orchard Park, James (Karla) Farner of Gowanda, Kimberley (Wilbert) Steffy of Cattaraugus, Christopher (Terri) Farner of Hamilton, ON, Herbert Farner of South Dayton, 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Welcoming Lillian home in heaven are her husband, Wayne Farner, her parents Herbert and Della Tingue and her brother, James Tingue.

A Celebration of Life event will occur in May, and further details will be sent.
Donations in Lillian's memory may be directed to the Collins Volunteer Fire Company, 2365 Main St, Collins, NY 14034.

Arrangements by Schindler Funeral Home Gowanda NY

Schindler Funeral Home

05/17/2026

05/05/2026

05/04/2026

04/28/2026

04/20/2026

04/18/2026

04/16/2026

04/12/2026

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category