ConnectLife Blog

Story as told by Michael's daughter, Nancy My dad was one of six children. Five of the six served in World War II. He was drafted into the Army Air Corp in 1945 at the age of 18. He was stationed with the 1388th AAF Base Unit in Newfoundland Base, but he did not see combat as he was drafted at the end of World War II. Family was the most important thing in his life. He was always very proud of his time in the service. He was an avid bowler, and loved the Buffalo Bisons, Buffa

Story as told by Rob's sister, Shirley My brother Rob passed away suddenly of a heart attack. While going through the end-of-life process, we found out my brother was an organ donor. Whitney from ConnectLife helped us through all the steps. And we were able to be by Rob's side until the very end. Rob’s life may have been taken too soon, but he saved two others in New York with the donation of his kidneys. Rob served four years in the US Navy and was a Veteran of the Desert St

My dad was Superman. He was incredibly smart and outgoing. He was the type of guy that was just really supportive. If you had a dream, he always was the first one to back you up and support you or help you out with whatever you needed.

Story as told by Kevin's mother, Kathy Lohr-Mead (Schneider) Kevin was loved by all. He was a wonderful son, grandson, nephew, and big brother. He was most proud of being a father to his son Hunter, and he was a devoted father! He was also a Christian and gave his heart to Jesus when he was young. Some of Kevin's favorite things to do were reading, playing video games, hunting with his grandfather, and watching movies. He worked for UPS as a driver, and before that was in ROT

David was a loving, loyal and generous person who was always looking for ways to give back and help those in need. He was a member of Local 42, an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, St Luke's Food Pantry, and the City Mission. David loved electronics and taking things apart to figure out how they ran. He was in the Navy right out of high school to further his electrical skills. From there he joined Local 42 and continued his studies by going to s

Peter Betz of Rome, NY became an eye and tissue donor upon his passing in September 2016. “Peter was a loving man, he gave all to his friends and family,” recalled his wife Irene. “He loved his motorcycle and helping me with our huge garden and vegetable stand. He always helped people.” Known to many friends as “Dickie,” he was a US Air Force veteran and a member of the American Legion. “At the wake, everyone said how he helped them when their loved ones passed,” said Irene.

Shawn J. McMullen was a courageous and caring man who served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army and worked to comfort and help others in his daily life. After his passing at the age of 26, Shawn's generosity continued through organ donation.

Jesse Smith of Buffalo was a loving husband, father and grandfather. “He enjoyed providing for the family,” said his wife Dixie. “He was an avid fisherman with the Eastside Angler's Fishing Club,” she remembered.

When he passed away on February 20, 2009, Raymond Ott was 78 years old. He became an eye and tissue donor.

Scott E. Lewis became an organ, eye and tissue donor upon his passing on July 31, 2009 at the age of 50. Mr. Lewis worked as a welder with the Operating Engineers Local 545 in Syracuse and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a father and grandfather. His daughter Tabatha shared this remembrance: My dad was a huge NASCAR fan. He wore many hats as to what he did for work. He was a welder and a heavy machinery mechanic. He was a father to four amazing kids. I want everyone to

Written by daughter, Margaret R. Debus. I donate to Unyts in honor of my father, F. John “Jack”Debus. Preceding his death on January 15, 2011, Jack had made arrangements with Unyts to donate his body. Giving back was always a priority for my dad who, with my mother, raised nine children. Jack was a WWII Navy veteran, a loyal employee to the Buffalo Forge Company for 45 years and a volunteer for over 25 years at the WNY Veterans Hospital. I give my blood for now, but when the

Our father, Vic to his friends, was an only child born and raised in Elizabeth New Jersey. His Father, Victor Winston Hamilton Sr. was killed in action during the Second World War. Even with this loss, he was surrounded by family. He was raised by his mother while living with his Grandparents and his beloved Aunt Manny. She filled in for his father attending all his school's Father and Son events. He loved the summers he spent with his family down the Jersey Shore playing Ske