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Obituaries
Little Falls, New York
2001
January 24, 2001
M. Lucille Walo
LITTLE FALLS — Margaret Lucille Walo, 72, of 30 Summit Ave., Little Falls,
passed away quietly in her sleep on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at her home.
During her final days she was attended to and comforted by loving members of
the immediate family, Hospice and many wonderful friends.
She was born on Aug. 7, 1928, in Hart County, Georgia, the daughter of the
late Webb and Sallie Carey. Lucy was the 11th of 13 siblings. After completing
her education in South Carolina, Lucy moved to Norfolk, Va. It was there she
met her husband to be, Michael G. Walo, who was stationed in Virginia after
returning from combat duty in the Pacific during World War II. Lucy and
Mike were united in marriage on May 26, 1946, at Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church, Little Falls, with the Rev. George Billy officiating. The couple has
shared 54 years together.
In her early years as a Little Falls resident, Lucy readily accepted the
challenges of being a new wife and mother in her new surroundings. She
balanced those family roles while working as a waitress in and around the
Little Falls area. Many people will probably remember Lucy's pleasant smile
behind the lunch counter at Clemen's Drug Store on Main Street in Little
Falls and also at Capece's Restaurant in St. Johnsville. Lucy always made you
feel special!!! Later in life Lucy also worked at the Van Allen Nursing Home,
Little Falls and Valley Health Services, Herkimer, as a caring and loving aide.
Lucy loved the outdoors, gardening and crafts. Her uncanny skill at gardening
manifested itself every spring, summer and fall with colorful plants and
flowers that would bring her yard to life. Her beloved "hill" behind the house
on Summit Ave. was always provided a beautiful backdrop for family events
even in the winter when blanketed with snow, the hill seemed to be waiting
for Lucy's magic touch once again in the spring.
Lucy was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls, where
she was continuously involved with numerous church activities, specifically as
a long time member of the church choir, a member of the WELCA and for
eleven years as a member of the altar guild and started the funeral ministries
of the church. In the community at large, Lucy also spent countless hours
doing volunteer work for local hospitals and various organizations.
Lucy is survived by her husband, Michael, Little Falls; a daughter and
son-in-law, Scarlett and Carl Woolver, Little Falls; her son, Michael L. Walo,
Costa Mesa, Calif.; in South Carolina she leaves her brothers, Ted, Charles and
Webb Carey, and her sister, Frances McQuay. She is also survived by
grandchildren, Marian and her husband Patrick Ellis, Portsmouth, N.H.,
Michelle and her husband, Marc Billings, N. Attleboro, Ma., Jason A.
Woolver, Taberg, Jennifer and her husband, Jim Thompson, Carollton, Texas,
Jason M. Woolver, Rochester, and great-grandchildren, Samuel I. Ellis,
Portsmouth, N.H. and twins William F. and Abigail M. Thompson,
Carrollton, Texas; godmother to Cynde Kimbrell, Little Falls and Kenneth
Johnson, San Diego, Calif.; a brother-in-law, Paul Walo, Little Falls and a
sister-in-law Anna Johnson, Henderson, Nevada. Lucy is further survived by
numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, at 10 a.m. from the
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls, with Rev.
Roger Beiswenger, officiating. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity
Lutheran Cemetery, Little Falls, in the spring.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Chapman-Moser
Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann St., Little Falls, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, from
5-8 p.m. and to attend the funeral services Saturday morning.
In lieu of flowers it is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of
Lucy be considered to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Sue Campagna
Hospice of Herkimer County or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are
available at the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc. for this purpose.
The family would like to thank friends, hospice, church members and many
doctors, nurses and aides who befriended Lucy during her courageous and
dignified battle with cancer.
2000
Monday, December 11, 2000
Milan (Bill) Paul Sivak
LITTLE FALLS — Milan (Bill) Paul Sivak, 79, of Valley View Courts, 760 E.
Monroe St., Little Falls, passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2000, at St. Elizabeth's
Hospital, Utica.
He was born on Nov. 12, 1921, in Little Falls, the son of the late John and Anna
(Dudak) Sivak. Bill was educated in Little Falls schools and was a graduate of
the Little Falls High School, class of 1940. He was a lifelong resident of the
Little Falls area and was an active member of the Staff Sergeant Steve Stefula
VFW Post No. 4612 in which he served as past commander, a member of the
Pearl Harbor Survivors Group, the 25th Division, and the 65th Combat
Engineers. He was also a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church in Little Falls. The church was a very important part of Bill's life and
he had served it in many capacities over the years.
On Aug. 2, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to the former Wilma Hall Miller
in the United Methodist Church, Dolgeville. The couple had recently shared in
a union of 51 years.
Bill, a World War II veteran, served in the U.S. Army, holding the rank of staff
sergeant. He enlisted on July 12, 1940, and was honorably discharged on July 1,
1945. During his time in the service, he fought in the Pacific as part of the
25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightening) in the 65th Engineering Battalion.
He was at Schofield on Dec. 7, 1941, when the bombing of Pearl Harbor took
place.
Bill was employed by Cherry Burrell in Little Falls for a short time. He then
joined Chicago Pneumatic in Utica and was employed there for almost 34
years, retiring in 1983.
Bill was known to his family and friends to be a very strong naturalist. He
showed warm affection to animals along with a strong devotion to nature.
Surviving are his beloved wife Wilma; two sons, James Sivak and wife Carla of
Groton, Mass., and Glenn Sivak of Youngstown, Ohio; six grandchildren,
Jennifer, Carey, Stephanie, Scott, Mark and Seth; one great-grandchild, John
Paul; his brother, John W. Sivak and wife Phoebe of Liverpool; in-laws,
Thelma and John Homrighaus, and Stanley Miller; nieces; nephews, and
cousins. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Stephen M. Sivak.
Funeral services will commence on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at 10 a.m. from the
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gansevoort Street, Little Falls, with the Rev.
Roger Beiswenger officiating. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity
Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.
Friends and relatives may call at the Enea Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 11,
2000, 5-8 p.m. Members of the Staff Sergeant Steve Stefula VFW Post are
asked to meet at the Enea Funeral Home on Monday evening at 7 p.m. for
services.
In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of the family that memorial contributions be
considered to the World Wildlife Fund or to the Holy Trinity Lutheran
Friday, November 10, 2000
Christine Vdoviak
JOHNSTOWN - Miss Christine Vdoviak, 89,
of Pineview Commons Home for Adults, Johnstown,
died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam,
after a brief illness. A resident of Johnstown for one year,
she had also lived in Palatine Bridge.
She was born in Little Falls on April 25, 1911,
daughter of John and Anna (Chrencik) Vdoviak.
Miss Vdoviak was a graduate of Little Falls schools
and was employed as a machine operator at Allegro Shoe Co.
of Little Falls. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Little Falls. A graveside service will be held on
Monday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
in Little Falls with Reverend Gail Wolling, pastor of
St. John's and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Canajoharie officiating.
There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls, NY 13365.
Tuesday, August 8, 2000
Anne S. Kovac,
niece of Michael Adamek and cousin of Beta A. Gifford, Anna A. Osley, Bess A. Babuska, and Steve Zeman.
MOHAWK — Anne S. Kovac, age 80, a longtime resident of 15 Marmet St.,
Mohawk, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at Little Falls
Hospital. Anne Kovac was born on Jan. 24, 1920 in Little Falls, daughter of
Stephen and Anna (Adamek) Sadlon. She was educated in Little Falls schools.
On May 1, 1937, she was married to Samuel Kovac in Trinity Lutheran Church
in Herkimer by Reverend Paetznick. Mrs. Kovac's funeral service will be held
Wednesday, Aug. 9 commencing at 1 p.m. at the Graves-Applegate-Day
Funeral Home, 48 E. Main St., Mohawk, with Reverend David Blank, pastor
of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls, officiating. Procession to
Mohawk Cemetery for interment will follow the service. Family and friends
are invited to visitation Tuesday, Aug. 8 (today) from 4-7 p.m. at the
Graves-Applegate-Day Funeral Home, Mohawk. In lieu of flowers, the family
would ask that any contributions be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of
Little Falls.
Tuesday, June 27,2000
LITTLE FALLS — George Mocko, 90, formerly of Box 102, Paradise Rd., Little
Falls, and more recent of Valley Health Services, Herkimer, passed away
Monday, June 26, 2000, at Little Falls Hospital where he had been a patient
since June 15, 2000.
He was born on May 10, 1910, in Mahanoy City, Pa., the son of the late George
and Suzanne (Thomasek) Mocko. He was educated in Mahanoy City and
Little Falls schools.
He was united in marriage to the former Anna Swancara on May 28, 1933, at
the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls. Mrs. Mocko predeceased him
on June 9, 1991.
Mr. Mocko was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls,
as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge 181 F&AM, Little Falls.
He was employed for many years by the former H.P. Snyder Mfg. Co., Little
Falls, retiring at the plants closing where he held the position of foreman in
the shipping and receiving department.
Mr. Mocko enjoyed hunting small game in the area around Little Falls and
was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates baseball fan.
He is survived by two sons, Rev. Dr. George P. Mocko, Bishop of the Delaware
Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and his wife,
Elizabeth, Baltimore, Md., and Ronald J. Mocko and his wife, Kathleen, Little
Falls; a daughter, Suzanne Perreault, Salamanca, N.Y.; a sister-in-law,
Suzanne Prestopnik, Little Falls; two bothers-in-law, John Swancara, S.
Carolina and Dusan Osley, Little Falls; eight grandchildren, David Mocko and
his wife, Susan, Paul Mocko and his wife, Ann, and Elissa Vaughan, all of the
Baltimore, Md., area, and Chris Mocko and his wife, Kathy, New Castle, Del.,
Sarah Mocko and Ryan Mocko, Little Falls, Thomas Perreault and his wife,
Elisa, and Robert Perreault, Albany; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces
and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Anne M. Dolne and Suzanne
M. Rojance.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial services to be held on
Wednesday, June 28, at 7 p.m. from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, E.
Gansevoort St., Little Falls with Rev. David M. Blank, pastor, officiating. Final
interment will take place in Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Little Falls.
Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann St.,
Little Falls. There are no calling hours.
It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mr. Mocko be
considered to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls. Envelopes are
available at the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc. for this purpose.
Saturday, June 24
LITTLE FALLS — Mr. James Celebi, 76, of 1255 Top Notch Rd., Little Falls,
passed away Friday, June 23, 2000, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Utica.
He was surrounded with the love and compassion of his family at the time of
his passing.
James was born on May 16, 1924, in Little Falls, the son of the late Samuel
and Margarita (Bono) Celebi, and received his education in Little Falls. He
was last employed with R.K. Casadonte Heating and Oil in Little Falls as a
service technician with 43 years of dedicated service. Jim was admired by all
he worked with at Casadonte's for his excellent work history. He also worked
for Gilbert Knitting Factory, Melrose Slipper and National Automotive Fibers,
all former prominent Little Falls businesses.
He was united in marriage to Olga Slabe on Oct. 23, 1948, in the Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church in Little Falls with the Reverend George Billy officiating.
The couple recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this past
October.
He also was a life member of the Little Falls American Legion Post 31, a
member of the Staff Sergeant Steve Stefula VFW Post No. 4612 and the
American Association of Retired Persons.
James was very proud to serve our country during World War II with the U.S.
Army Air Corps. He entered service on Jan. 25, 1943, serving basic training in
Miami Beach, Fla. He then went on to aerial gunnery school in Tyndall Field,
Fla., as well as airplane and engine mechanic school in Sheppard Field, Texas.
James was overseas with the 7th Air Force for a long period of time having 40
missions as an airplane mechanic/gunner on B-24's. He was honorable
discharged from Maxwell Field, Ala., on Nov. 6, 1945. Upon relief from active
duty, James proudly held the Good Conduct Medal, an overseas service bar,
Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with Bronze Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf
Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross and the New York State Conspicuous
Service Cross.
A dedicated father and grandfather, James loved to spend time with his family.
The love he shared with them was placed above all else. He enjoyed making
special dishes with his wife, Olga, and loved the outdoors in which he spent
much time gardening and fishing. He was very creative and held a unique
mechanical ability. Jim was very proud of his home, which he built in 1955,
and maintained throughout the years taking on many home repair projects.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Olga; his children, Susan Coville along with
her husband, Charles, of Rome, Mary Celebi DeLuca along with her husband,
Anthony, of Little Falls and James S. Celebi Jr. and wife, Mary S., of
Rochester; his cherished grandchildren, Jaime Coville, and Charles Coville Jr.,
Sarah and Rachel DeLuca and Jessie Celebi; and many nieces, nephews and
in-laws. James was preceded in death by one brother, John Celebi, and two
sisters, Mary Grainer and Angelina Buccafurno.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service for
James at St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, on Sunday, June 25, 2000,
at 10:30 a.m. Full military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army. There are
no public calling hours and all funeral services will be private and held at the
convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the
Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls.
For those wishing, donations in memory of Jim may be made to either the St.
Elizabeth Medical Center Cardiology Unit, American Heart Association or a
charity of one's choice. Envelopes may be obtained from the Enea Funeral
Home, Little Falls.
Friday, June 23,2000
DOLGEVILLE — Mr. William C. Steciak, 84, of 69 S. Helmer Ave., Dolgeville,
died Thursday, June 22, 2000, in Little Falls Hospital after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 24, 2000, at 10 a.m. at the
Roberts-Buck Funeral Home, 3 Faville Ave., Dolgeville. Rev. David M. Blank,
pastor of the United Lutheran Presbyterian Parish of Dolgeville, will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Salisbury Rural Cemetery. Calling hours are today
form 5-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Little Falls Hospital
Development Fund or to the Dolgeville Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps in
his name.
Monday, April 17,2000
LITTLE FALLS — George D. Mucica, Jr., 65, of 318 W. Monroe St., Little Falls,
passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 14, 2000, at his residence.
He was born on May 29, 1934, in Little Falls, the son of the late George and
Frieda (Gower) Mucica. He was a graduate of Little Falls High School, as well
as a graduate of New York State Technical School at Delhi and received his
teaching certification from Oswego State.
He was first united in marriage to the former Constance Jurewicz of Little
Falls. He was later united in marriage to the former Agnes Murphy Lytwynec.
George was a devoted member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little
Falls. As well as a member of the Bricklayer's Union for the Albany - Syracuse
Area, North Branch Gun Club, Red Camp and numerous area fish and game
clubs. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 181, F&AM, Little
Falls.
He was a lifelong resident of Little Falls area, never wanting to move to
another area because of his special love of the North Country, camping and
the out of doors sports that he enjoyed.
George was an avid sportsman throughout his entire life. He was especially
happy at his camp at Piseco Lake. He enjoyed many ours of fishing, tending to
his garden, hunting and making homemade wine. He was very hard working
and known for his precise masonry work.
George was a well talented mason, known throughout the Mohawk Valley. He
was last employed as a masonry superintendent for the George Nole & Sons
Construction Co., Utica, retiring in 1995.
He is survived by his wife, Agnes; he and Constance's children, Glenn D.
Mucica and his wife, Wendy, Little Falls, Cindy Hearn, Little Falls Elaine
Bronson and her husband, Timothy, Davie, Fla., and Mary-Beth Mucica,
Rochester; he and Agnes' daughter, Melissa Mucica, Little Falls; his four
step-children, Anne Lytwynec, Brian Lytwynec, Patty Lytwynec, and Beth
Kiszka; five grandchildren, Andrew Mucica, Kaitlyn Hearn, Christopher
Stephanie and Kathryn Bronson; two brothers, Robert M. Mucica, Camarilla,
Calif., and James J. Mucica, Greece, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews. He
is also survived by his canine companion, Spot.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 19 at 10 a.m. from Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church, E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls, with Rev. David M. Blank,
pastor officiating. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity Lutheran
Cemetery, Little Falls.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Chapman-Moser
Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann St., Little Falls, on Tuesday, April 18, from 5-8
p.m. and to attend funeral services Wednesday morning.
It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of George be
considered to the Holy Trinity Church. Envelopes are available at the
Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc. for this purpose.
Members of the Masonic Lodge 181 F&AM, Little Falls will call in a body at
the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. to conduct their ritualistic
services.
DESOTO, Texas — George E. Helmer, 71, of 617 Ray Andra, DeSoto, Texas,
formerly of Little Falls passed away unexpectedly Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at his
residence.
He was born on Jan. 3, 1929, in Little Falls, the son of the late Philip and Ella
(Petrie) Helmer. He was a graduate of Little Falls High School Class of 1947,
as well as a graduate of the Utica School of Commerce.
He was married to the former Dorothy Kovac Helmer, Little Falls, and was
later married to the former Judith Dunn Helmer of Cortland.
Mr. Helmer was a veteran of the U.S. Army entering the service on June 30,
1947, in New York City and served during the Korean Conflict. He was the
recipient of the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and the Combat
Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant First
Class on Dec. 30, 1953.
He was of the Lutheran faith. He was a member and past commander of the
American Legion Post 81, Duncanville, Tx.
Mr. Helmer was the business administrator for the Little Falls City School
District form 1966-1975. He then relocated to Carmel, N.Y., where he served
that school district in the same capacity from 1975-1980, and for the Cortland
School District from 1980-1988 when he retired. After his retirement he was
the interim business administrator of the Jamesville-DeWitt School District,
Syracuse, for 20 months and later, interim business administrator for the
Cazenovia School District for three months, finally retiring in 1996, and
relocating to Texas.
He is survived by his son, John Helmer and his wife, Maria, Little Falls; two
daughters, Kay Oelgeschlager and her husband, Rolf, Highland, N.Y. and
Susan Judd and her husband, Troy, DeSoto, Tx.; a sister, Sally Izzo and her
husband, Angelo, Little Falls; six grandchildren, Justin and Kaleigh
Oelgeschlager, Ian Helmer-Judd, Kiernan Judd and Joshua and Sara Helmer;
a sister-in-law, Detta Helmer, Little Falls; a dear friend, Ann Bleaking, Little
Falls and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Philip
(Pete) Helmer who died on Dec. 30, 1985.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. from the
Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann St., Little Falls with Rev.
David M. Blank, pastor of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls,
officiating. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Town of Little
Falls in the spring.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Chapman-Moser
Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday, Feb. 11 from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral
services at 7 p.m. and to attend the services to follow.
It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mr. Helmer be
considered to the Little Falls Hospital. Envelopes are available at the
Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc. for this purpose
