Death Notices for the week of July 7, 2003

Glenn Boetcher, Ogden Parks and Recreation Director, 51

Ogden Parks and Recreation Director Glenn Boetcher died suddenly Saturday, June 28. He was 51.

Mr. Boetcher developed the extensive recreation and fitness offerings for which Ogden has received praise and been imitated. “Many programs that Glenn organized and offered the community are models for other towns,” Ogden Supervisor Gay Len-hard said.

From a few offerings 26 years ago, Ogden Recreation’s programs grew over the years to make full use of new facilities such as the Community Center gym and the town’s showpiece, Pineway Ponds Park. He delighted in the opportunities for programs which the recreation facilities would allow, a chance to offer child care programs such as Latch Key, a wrap around school program, as well as other day care programs, and a fitness center for adults. He was thrilled that the community -- children and adults alike -- would have a place to come to for fun, relaxation and learning, a comfortable place to play and workout.

Sandy Zingaro, a 16-year employee of the recreation department, characterized Glenn Boetcher as very energetic -- “even when on vacation he’d come in to the office, check things out, see what was going on.” She said he encouraged employees and the community at large to suggest new programs or courses. “Happy Feet Soccer (for children ages 5 to 13) was one of his favorite fall programs,” she said. and was one he and Dan Hickey created. It is now in its 18th year.

Ogden Recreation’s other popular programs begun under Mr. Boetcher’s direction included extensive swimming lessons, summer camp, a lacrosse league, music and theater workshops and numerous sports camps, to name a few.

“Glenn had great creativity -- he always had ideas to offer to expand and refresh programs,” Lenhard said. Through his department’s efforts in securing grant funding, the town added a new playground structure at the Community Center and, several years ago, an enormously popular spray pond at Pineway Ponds Park. He had a unique and successful way of spreading enthusiasm for the park by involving various groups in its development. The first equipment installed there was a wooden playground built as a community project inspired and organized by the Kiwanis Club of Spencerport, one of the first steps in development endorsed by Mr. Boetcher and the town and ultimately a building block for the complex of fields and facilities found there today. Through the years, Spencerport Lions and Rotary clubs have added scoreboards and pavilions, built a skate park, and BOCES heavy equipment classes have contributed construction time and expertise. Recently, two Day of Caring groups contributed time and effort at the park. Glenn’s unique skills to liaison with individuals and groups who would in turn become park supporters and helpers made expansion of the area possible, and aided the budget allocated for facilities.

“The park was his baby,” Zingaro said, and many in the community found it most fitting that Mr. Boetcher’s memorial service was held there.

Another tremendous benefit to the Spencerport area that Glenn assisted on was Canal Days, said Westside News Inc. Publisher Keith Ryan. One of the five original committee members, he oversaw the 10K foot race that was part of the Canal Days event for many years, as well as other planned activities such as bocce tournaments.

Glenn Boetcher was a well-known community member, due especially to his position as the town’s recreation program director which put him in touch with a broad section of residents. Friends and associates remember his good sense of humor and easy going style. “He never had a cruel word for anyone,” Zingaro said. “He was a kind, gentle man. He welcomed suggestions and ideas from staff and the community and tried to accommodate new concepts into the offerings.”

His good friend Jack Schuth characterized Glenn as “a man who always smiled, was always caring, always happy, a good family man … and one of my best friends. He enjoyed being outside on the golf course and being with people.”

To say Glenn Boetcher was an avid golfer would be understatement. He owned Gone Golfin’, a company which organized golf tours, including ones in the recent past to Canada, Florida and Ireland, and played the game whenever he could. Jack Schuth and Mr. Boetcher played golf together for over 20 years, 15 years in a Thursday night league. “He was a very, very good golfer,” Schuth, of Salmon Creek Country Club, said.

“His death leaves a big hole in our organization,” Lenhard said. “Personally I will miss him terribly as a friend.” New projects were continually evolving, the town supervisor said, having recently discussed two or three in beginning stages which were “in his head when he died,” she said.

He loved the community and he loved working with children and adults in the programs,” Jack Schuth said.

Mr. Boetcher is survived by his wife Kate (Kirchner) Boetcher; his children Nicolas and Katie Boetcher, Scott Alan Brown, Brandon and Ian DeLaPorte; his sisters Diane (Marty) Eusepi, Carol (Art) Haney and Judy (Ralph) Plouman; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held July 2 at Pineway Ponds Park, Spencerport. Contributions can be made to Spencerport Lions Club in his memory.

HOLLEY

•Penna, Joseph A., age 18, died suddenly June 25, 2003. He was born June 13, 1985 in Brockport, a son of Joseph L. and Lisa (Minuto) Penna. Joe was a member of St. Mary's Church and the Italian Society and had received a scholarship from the Italian Society. Joe graduated from Holley High School class of 2003 and was a car enthusiast, loved music, and was known for his sound system. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Donald V. Penna. In addition to his parents, Joe is survived by a brother, Anthony and sister, Kristy both at home; parental grandmother, Nancy Penna of Holley; maternal grandparents, David Minuto of Bethany, Sandra Bay of Honeoye; uncle and godfather, Donald Penna of Holley; aunt, Tricia Hering of Albion; cousin, Katie Penna of Holley; girl friend, Ariel Rafkin of Brockport; godmother, Deb DeLorenzo; several great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was said June 30 at St. Mary's Church. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the family to establish a fund in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Boetcher, Glenn L., Suddenly, June 28, 2003 at age 51. He is survived by his beloved wife Kate (Kirchner) Boetcher; his beautiful children Nicolas and Katie Boetcher, Scott Alan Brown, Brandon and Ian DeLaPorte; his sisters Diane (Marty) Eusepi, Carol (Art) Haney and Judy (Ralph) Plouman; several nieces and nephews. Glenn was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Ogden for 26 years and was the owner of Gone Golfin' Tours.

Funeral Services were held July 2 at Pineway Ponds Park, Spencerport. Contributions can be made to Spencerport Lions Club in his memory.

•Hysell, Robert, age 19, of Oakland, New Jersey, formerly of Rochester, died suddenly June 26, 2003. Attended Spencerport High School, moved to Oakland four years ago and just completed his first year at Villanova University. Beloved son of John and Amy Hysell, 3 Winding Ridge Road, Oakland, New Jersey 07436. Also survived by sister, Kristen and brother, Daniel; grandparents and other relatives.

Funeral Services were held July 1 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Oakland, New Jersey. Donations can be made to Living Hope Mission, P.O. Box 8696, Naples, Florida 34101 in his memory.

•Penders, Anna Mae, June 27, 2003 at age 88. She was predeceased by her husband, John W. Penders. She is survived by her son, Gary J. Penders of Spencerport; her daughter Patricia A. Hoefler of Greece; several brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews. She was a retiree of the Spencerport School District.

A Funeral Mass was said July 1 at St. John's Church, Spencerport. Interment St. John's Cemetery. Contribu-tions can be made to the Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department or to the Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance in her memory.

•Ricotta, Marilynn A. (Vallone), June 29, 2003. Survived by her children, Brian J. (Melissa) Ricotta, Kevin M. Ricotta, Jose A. Rivera; granddaughter, Samantha Ricotta; brother, Charles (Debbi Butterworth) Vallone; several nieces, nephews, cousins and aunt.

Funeral Services were held July 2 at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Inc. Private burial, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to Salvation Army, 10 Franklin Street, Rochester 14604 in her memory.