Richard (Dick) Granger `62 – 08/22/2022

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2022-09-07
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Richard (Dick) Olds Granger Sr was born in Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo, New York, on March 6, 1944 to Darrell and Leslie Granger. He graduated from Amherst High School in 1962 where he was a member of the school s varsity football team and rifle squad. He later attended State University at Buffalo. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Leigh Marie Truby on July 10, 1965. He made a career in the grocery business from 1960-1989 leaving as a Perishable Supervisor from Food Lion Inc. Dick later started and operated his own business, Lake Norman Sign Center, until his full retirement in 2006. He is survived by his wife Leigh of 57 years, son Richard and wife Pam, daughter Deborah Crane and husband Jeff, Sister Marcia Henze; six grandchildren: Kayley, Tyson, Erin, Miranda, Emily and Dillon, as well as two great grandchildren Hadleigh and Brantlee.

Services will be held on Thursday August 25, 2022 at Siler Presbyterian Church located at 6301 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel, NC 28104. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. with the service to follow at 3:00.

Original Obituary:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-granger-obituary?id=36298040

Arthur Richard (Dick) Franz `49 – 03/19/2022

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2022-08-26
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Arthur Richard (Dick) Franz, Age 91 went to be with the Lord peacefully at his home on March 19, 2022. He was Born on December 1, 1930 in Buffalo, NY to Ethel Beanard and A. Richard Franz Sr.

Along with his Parents, He is preceded in death by his sister, Jane (Mac) Mackenzie, In laws, Helen (Hoak) Russell W. Porter, Sister-in-Law, Maryanne Porter, Daughter, Sharon Leslie Marie Franz, Son, William Richard (Susan) Franz, Grandson’s Adam Michael Franz and Jaxon Martin McGee.

He leaves behind his High School Sweetheart, Loving, Adoring and Devoted wife of 70 years, Joanne Leatrice Porter Franz. Three blessed children, Gretchen (Jeffrey) Harmon, Russell (AnnMarie) Franz and Katrina (Steven) Spring. 11 Grandchildren, Amy (John) McGee, William (Emily) Franz Jr., Jessica Franz, Carrie (Jeffrey) Stann, Pamela (Jeromy) Fincher, Jordan Franz, Connor Franz, Randall (Kristen) Spring, Katelynn (Christopher) Smith and Kristina (Mark) George Jr. 34 Great Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grand Daughter. Sister-in-law Linda (Raymond) Braun, many cousins, nieces and nephews and very dear lifelong friends.

Richard served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a very proud Veteran.

Richard attended Amherst CSD, GCC, SUNY Brockport and Canton University to earn his degree and retired in 1995 from the Batavia City School District as the Schools Psychologist. A position he held with extreme devotion to the students he worked with every day.

Dick and Jo together were members of the Victims Assistance Program in Genesee County as they helped many families with their grief and loss of their loved ones. He also served on the Genesee County Conditional Release Program and served on the Town of Darien Tax Review Board.

Dick and Jo made their home in Darien for the past 65 years. Richard enjoyed life and brought so much joy to so many. His infectious smile, humor, gentleness, compassion, and love was very deep and most sincere. He always found his way into people’s hearts.

The family wishes to express a special thanks for the care and love shown by the staff at Johnny’s Angels for the past few years. Dr. Mary Obear and her staff for the kindness and care to assistance in his journey. Jeromy Fincher, (Grandson in law) for his devotion, dedication, and care for Dad.

Private service will be held for immediate family only.   

Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/buffalonews/name/arthur-franz-obituary?id=33808602

Joanne Leatrice Porter Franz `49 – 07/31/2022

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2022-08-26
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Joanne Leatrice Porter Franz, age 90, passed peacefully on July 31, 2022. She was born on Sept. 15, 1931, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Helen M. Hoak and Russell William Porter.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by the love of her life, devoted husband of 70 years, A. Richard Franz, who passed on March 19, 2022; her sister, Maryanne Porter; in-laws, Ethel Beanard and A. Richard Franz Sr.; daughter, Sharon Leslie Marie Franz; son, William Richard (Susan) Franz; grandsons, Adam Michael Franz and Jaxon Martin McGee.

She leaves behind three blessed children, Gretchen (Jeffrey) Harmon, Russell (AnnMarie) Franz and Katrina (Steven) Franz Spring; 10 grandchildren, Amy (John) McGee, William (Emily) Franz Jr., Jessica Franz, Carrie (Jeffrey) Stann, Pamela (Jeromy) Fincher, Jordan Franz, Connor Franz, Randall (Kristen) Spring, Katelynn (Christopher) Smith and Kristina (Mark) George Jr.; 34 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter; sister, Linda (Raymond) Braun; many cousins, nieces and nephews and very dear lifelong friends.

Joanne attended Amherst CSD, Class of 1949, where she met her high school sweetheart, Richard. Joanne is a graduate of Rosary Hill College. She retired in 1995 from the Batavia City School District working as a teacher aide, a position she held very dear to her heart with extreme devotion to the students she helped, guided and taught every day.

Joanne, along with her husband, Richard, were members of the Victims Assistance Program in Genesee County as together they helped many families with their grief and loss of their loved ones. Together they made their home in Darien for the past 65 years.

Joanne had the ability to connect and communicate, to educate, guide, counsel and advise. Her simple devotion, joy and love for others and steadfast beliefs were her gifts in life. Her stern and simple ways left a powerful impact that sustained all who knew her. Mom was most proud of her children, family, and the legacy both her and Dad leave behind.

Private service will be held for immediate family only.

Arrangements made by C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, N.Y.

https://www.thedailynewsonline.com/obituaries/joanne-leatrice-porter-franz/article_d15f82b0-7343-5a01-a906-575c6db792b0.html

Samuel “Sam” Frank Johnson `63 – 07/14/2022

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2022-08-24
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Anacortes – Samuel “Sam” Frank Johnson, 77, of Anacortes, passed away July 14, 2022, at Island Hospital. Sam was born May 3, 1945, in Olmsted, Minnesota to Harvey and Maureen Johnson. He was the third oldest of six children. He grew up all over the United States: Maryland, California, Virginia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New York. He graduated high school in 1963, and then attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY for undergraduate, joined the Navy, attended SUNY Buffalo for dental school, and completed his residency in Syracuse, New York. In the Navy, Sam served as a dentist attained the rank of Commander. He traveled the world and retired from the Navy in 1993. Then he opened his own dental practice, Harbor Square Dentistry, in Oak Harbor in 1994 and retired in 2021. Sam had five children: Megan, Ashley, Charity, Ani, and Lili, who were raised in Anacortes. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. Sam enjoyed boating, fishing, woodworking, dentistry, canoeing, scouting, and the outdoors. He was generous, caring, personable, and a great storyteller. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Maureen Johnson; sister Gail Johnson; nephew Tom Stolberg; and grandson Henry Biehl. Sam is survived by his five daughters; Megan Roth of Ogden, UT; Ashley (Adam) Pollock of Newbury Park, CA; Ani Johnson and Lili Johnson of Mount Vernon, WA; Charity (Kurt) Biehl of Meridian, ID; four siblings Karen (John) Celi, Martha Stolberg, Patty (Gary) Trotter, Tom Johnson, and nine grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Anacortes (3720 H Avenue). A burial ceremony will be performed by the US Navy at sea. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Sam, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Aug. 3 to Aug. 4, 2022

Thank You for Making the 92nd Anniversary and All Class Reunion Celebration Weekend a Success!

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2022-08-11
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Dear Amherst Alumni and Friends of Amherst Central Schools:

It is with gratitude that we thank you for your support and participation during the Amherst High School 92nd Anniversary and All Class Reunion Celebration Weekend.

Whether you played golf, enjoyed a wonderful meal at Glen Oaks, went “Back to School: walked through the High School or around Snyder with author and historian, Julianna Fiddler-Woite, maybe you listened to …Dave & Cyn or had a treat at Sweet Melody’s or the Daily Bread Food Truck…THANK YOU!

If you rode the “Best of Buffalo” Double Decker Bus Tour with Officer O’Connor on Saturday morning, or joined us for the “Main Event” at Resurgence Saturday night, again we THANK YOU!

Amherst is a special place for all of us and we enjoyed spending the weekend with you. Please feel free to share pictures and comments to our Facebook page. Also, remember to show you appreciation to our many sponsors who helped to make the Reunion Weekend possible.

Sincerely,

Marilyn & Nicole
Co-Presidents, ACAF, Inc.

Click here to view photos from the 92nd Anniversary and All Class Reunion Celebration Weekend—>

Please consider a donation to the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation. Click here for more info—>