James E. Nowicki
Dec 06, 2019Veteran broadcaster James Nowicki passed away Friday, December 6. A Grand Island resident for most of his life, Jim loved the Island, only living elsewhere when his first love demanded it. Radio was Jim’s real passion. Hestarted his career here in Buffalo, but spent the mid-70s in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he had the most popular radio show in the city for several years. Returning to this area, Jim worked as a disc jockey, producer and promotions director on stations up and down the dial: WYSL, WPHD, WBEN, WJYE and WBFO (maybe a few others.) In the early 90s Jim joined Metro Networks as a traffic reporter, airing on multiple radio and TV stations at once, including WKBW Channel 7.
Jim took what radio people would call a regular job in 2003 working for Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition. Broadcasting never let gothough, as he continued to provide on-air traffic reports for Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.
Jim was a recognized expert on the Beatles, early rock ‘n roll and Hank Aaron. He would drive hours not alwaysto see Braves games, but sometimes just to get close enough to hear one on the radio. Even his interests were tangential to broadcasting. “He had great pipes”, as they used to say in the business. And he loved using them. The last thing Jim would want in his remembrance is a moment of silence. He’d want you to hear in his voice, “thanks for shopping the Jim Nowicki show.”
He was the brother of Catherine (Robert) Shivinsky, John Nowicki and Judith (the late Michael) Martineck. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Son of the late Frank and Kay Nowicki. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday December 20 at 10 AM at St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 baseline Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SPCA. Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home. Online condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
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Julia A. Goodwin (nee Vinovrski)
Dec 02, 2019Goodwin, Julia A. (nee Vinovrski), December 2, 2019, of Grand Island. Mother of Teresa (Jerrett) Fancher and Kristina (Timothy) Powers. Survived by 7 brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister. Friends may call Thursday 3-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church (Old Church). Julia was a teacher to hundreds of students over her 20 year career. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Condolences at www.kaiserfuneral.com.
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Gary Burkhart
Nov 17, 2019Burkhart, Gary R., November 17, 2019, of Grand Island. Husband of Hania (nee
Przystal) Burkhart. Father of John Burkhart, Cheryl (Sean) McCormack, Robin
(Kathy) Szyprowski and Michael (Alicia) Szyprowski. Grandfather of Casey, Jason,
Skylar, Madison, Abigail, Keirsyn, Lucas, Samantha, Malina, Hailey and Mason.
Brother of Nancy, Rick, Patti and the late Brian. Friends may call Friday 4-8 PM
at the Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Memorial Mass
will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Lucille Floss (nee Hillock)
Nov 13, 2019Lucille Floss (nee Hillock), of Grand Island, entered into rest November 13, 2019 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, after a brief illness. Wife of Richard Floss. Mother of Rene (Lars) Nilsson, Rustie (Steven) Dimitriadis and Cheyenne (Dugald) Campbell. Grandmother of Karin, Anna, and Alexander Nilsson, David, Jonathan, and Rachel Dimitriadis, and Luma Campbell. Sister of Lawrence (Dawn) Hillock, Robert (Cynthia) Hillock, John (Linda) Hillock, Linda (Harold) Clark, Randon (Susan) Hillock, Hilary Balderas and the late Editha (survived by husband John) Kapoor. Daughter of the late John and Beatrice Hillock. Lucy lived all but three years of her life on Grand Island, but enjoyed time with family in Chicago, Kansas City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and Scotland. One of her favorite places on earth was Allegany State Park, where her family spent many wonderful summers. As a young woman, she attended cosmetology school and enjoyed synchronized swimming, listening to music, and riding motorcycles. Lucy loved gardening, bird watching, metal detecting, genealogy, bonfires, Bills games (when they won!), Agatha Christie mysteries, and watching NCIS and Hallmark Christmas movies with her husband. She passed on a love of reading, board games, and garage sales to her three daughters. Lucy had a creative side, which she expressed through poetry, embroidery, crocheting, tie dye, painting, and other crafts. She was an amazing cook, often perfecting recipes until they suited her. She was endlessly generous and loved celebrating holidays with her family. She loved the smell of lilacs, the company of her kitties, and was rarely without a cup of tea. This wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Friends may call Friday (Dec 6) 4-7 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (Dec 7) at 10 AM at St. Stephens Church. Flowers gratefully accepted. Monetary donations may also be made in Lucys memory to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the Alzheimers Association of WNY.
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