U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-CurrentFloyd E. Seeley, Seal the Clown, 76
Floyd E. Seeley, age 76, local businessman and known to thousands of children and adults alike as “Seal the Clown,” died of cancer April 6, 2007 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Brockport.
Mr. Seeley, often referred to as Seal, was owner/operator of Seal’s Auto Parts, which had its beginnings in a traveling van, going from garage to garage to provide auto parts to his customers. As his business grew, he had storefront locations, first in the Brockport area, and finally in Spencerport. He also operated Seal’s Tours from 1981 to 1998, offering deluxe motorcoach trips to many locations throughout the country. His passengers were afforded every comfort possible and treated royally, according to many satisfied travelers. A lover of antiques and books, he was a shop owner at Craft Antique Co-op, at its original site in Hilton’s Canning Street Square as well as at its current location in Greece.
Generously sharing of himself and his personal time, Mr. Seeley is perhaps best known for his role as Seal the Clown. According to his wife, Helen, who he married in December 1953, Seal became interested in clowning in 1972, after joining the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. For many years he made weekly trips to local hospitals and nursing homes, delighting patients with his balloon creations and presenting many with stuffed animals or dolls. Every June, he arranged for special education children to enjoy an afternoon at the Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival. In December, he entertained children afflicted with Spina Bifida at a Christmas party at the Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post in Spencerport. For the last ten years, he amused children at Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport every weekend, from Mother’s Day until mid-October.
Seal was often seen at area parades, riding his motorized scooter along the parade route, stopping to chat with spectators.
A shy and humble man, Seal never sought recognition for his endeavors; in fact, he did what he could to avoid that. Nevertheless, his accomplishments and humanitarianism did not go unnoticed by the communities and people he touched.
In 1983, he received the Toastmaster International’s Communication Achievement Award for his dedication to the sick and handicapped, the elderly and firemen, and for communication excellence for his willingness to teach others the art of clowning. The Rotary Club honored him with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, given to community professionals in recognition of their outstanding contributions exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “Service Above Self.”
"Seal was a true Rotarian who put ‘Service Above Self,’ volunteering his talents as a clown to delight and amuse," said Brockport Rotarian Pat Baker. "He was a fixture at nearly every Rotary Ziti Dinner and numerous other club events."
In January of this year, the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the business community and for his generous contributions of time, energy and talents entertaining children and adults, especially those with special needs, as “Seal the Clown.”
A man of many talents, he could recite a poem or quote a verse on just about any subject. His cooking skills were known to many. When asked what the secret was to the wonderful flavor of his creations, he replied that good cooking comes from the heart. “It comes from in here,” he said, pointing to his chest.
Floyd Seeley was predeceased by his daughter, Debbie, in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, David of Waterloo; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Harry Love of Hamlin; his granddaughter, Chloe Louise Love, who was born April 4, just two days before his death; three step-grandchildren, Alex, Hailey and Sydney Love; brother, Donald (Margaret) Seeley of Webster; nieces and nephews. He was a member of Unity Lodge #479 F. & A.M., Etolian Chapter #308 Order of the Eastern Star, Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post #330, Rotary Club and Elks.
A Memorial Service was held at Sweden-Clarkson Community Center in Brockport on April 13. Contributions may be made to “Everybody Rides” FIDDSO, c/o Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420 or to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
Fry, Edison W., April 8, 2007 at age 75 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of 52 years; sons, Nathaniel (Lisa), Todd (Cindy); daughter, Pamela (Jay) Priest; two grandsons; two granddaughters; several nieces and nephews. He served in the Navy for four years on the USS Monterey Aircraft Carrier during the Korean War. He retired from the NY Telephone Co., Rochester Telephone Co, and its subsidiary, Rotelcom. In his retirement years, he volunteered his time at Fallone's Funtime Center on Whittier Road, as an all-purpose handyman.
A Celebration of his Life was held April 12 at New Comer Family Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, LaFayette Rural Cemetery.
Hauck, Andrew J., PFC age 19, died suddenly April 2, 2007. Andy loved life and loved being a member of Det. 1, Co.B, 3\126 Aviation of the National Guard. Andy is a 2005 graduate of Brockport High School and a 2006 graduate of the Army Aviation Logistics School, Ft. Eustice, Virginia. Andy is survived by his loving parents John and Theresa Hauck; sister, Maryanna; grandparents Bob and Barb Hauck of Irondequoit and Eileen Fitzpatrick of Hilton; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Andy is also survived by many devoted friends and his girlfriend Tiara. Predeceased by his grandfather and buddy, Harry J. Fitzpatrick.
A Funeral Mass was said April 10 at The Nativity Church of the BVM, Brockport. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Veterans Outreach Center, 459 South Avenue, Rochester 14620 in his memory.
Heath, Thomas W., On April 10, 2007 at the age of 92. Predeceased by his wife, Helen. Survived by his daughter, Karen (James) Niles of Brockport; grandchildren Tara Niles of Baldwinsville, New York and Thomas (Katie Brace) of Rochester.
Funeral Services were held April 13 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment, Garland Cemetery, on April 17 at 10 a.m. Contributions can be made to the Lakeside Health System in his memory.
Seeley, Floyd E., "Seal the Clown," died April 6, 2007 at the age of 76. Predeceased by his daughter Debbie. Survived by his wife Helen Alpaugh Seeley; son David of Waterloo; daughter Mary (Harry) Love of Hamlin; granddaughter Chloe Louise Love; step grandchildren Alex, Hailey, and Sydney Love; brother Donald (Margaret) Seeley of Webster. Floyd was a member of the Masonic Lodge 479, Eastern Star Chapter 308, Rotary, Elks, the American Legion Ferris Goodridge Post and a Korean War veteran.
A Memorial Service was held April 13 at the Sweden Clarkson Community Center. Contributions can be made to "Everybody Rides" FIDDSO c/o Fowler Funeral Home Inc., or the American Cancer Society in his memory.
Bater, Ronald Stuart, April 6, 2007, at age 74. Survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Eleanor; father of Brian (Janice Griffin) Bater and Karen (Tom) Wheeler; brother of Gene (Mary Louise) Bater and Joan Liles; brother-in-law of Richard (Ann) Gearhart, Lois (Bob) Morris; grandfather of four grandchildren.
Private Services were held April 13. Contributions can be made to Byron Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 210, Byron 14422, American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Amherst, NY 14226 or American Heart Association, 2113 Chili Avenue, Rochester 14624 in his memory.
Blossom, George E., April 7, 2007 at age 88. He is survived by his sister Altha Lucille Blossom of Tempe, Arizona; brothers Lyell (Dorothy) Blossom of Pinellas Park, Florida, Allan (Bernice) Blossom of Hilton; several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced. Interment, Garland Cemetery. Contribu-tions can be made to Twin Butte Baptist Church, 7202 South 48th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85042-6424 in his memory.
Wilcox, Scott L., Age 49, April 6, 2007. Survived by his brother Steve; mother, Joan (Winghart) Sullivan; father, Norman (Annette) Wilcox and many loving cousins.
A Funeral Service was held April 9 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hilton. Private interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 158 East Avenue, Hilton in his memory.
Gardner, Shirley H., On April 5, 2007. She is predeceased by her son, Thomas. Survived by her husband, Thomas and son, Stephen.
A Memorial Service was held April 15 at United Methodist Church of North Chili, 2200 Westside Drive, North Chili.
Wieme, Hurlen A. "Herb," April 7, 2007, at age 78. He was predeceased by his parents Gustav and Wilhemena Wieme and his sister Marian Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Betty Wieme; his children, David (Karen) Wieme, Don (Debbie) Wieme, Jamie (Joy) Wieme, Linda (George) Giordano and Frannie (Tom) DeMonte of North Carolina; his brother Robert (Gaye) Wieme; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was a member of Teamsters Local #118, a retiree of the Town of Ogden Highway Department, a Marine veteran of Korea and a Life Member of Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post #330.
A Funeral Mass was said April 11 at St. John's Church, Spencerport. Interment, St. John's Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post #330 Scholarship Fund in his memory.
