Police Pensioners' Association of Niagara

LEONARD, Laurie Guy
Retired Sergeant, Niagara Regional Police

The family of Laurie Leonard is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing into the presence of the Lord on May 28, 2026.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife, Mary; his daughters, Lauren and Emma (Luc); and his stepsons, Gordie Bell (Lori) and Craig Bell (Nicole).
“Papa Sarge” was a proud and devoted grandfather to four beloved grandchildren whom he cherished dearly. Laurie is also survived by his children Jennifer Good (Thomas), Sarah Chandler (Jim), Rebecca West (Matt), and Joel Leonard (Kim), along with 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Rosemary; his brother, Eric (Pierre); and his extended family, including his in-laws Cathy De Simone (Marcello), Lynn Bowie (Sam), and John Brown (Cyndy).
Laurie proudly served with the Niagara Regional Police for 35 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he was named Officer of the Year on three occasions and was honoured to be seconded to the Office of the Solicitor General of Ontario. He concluded his service overseeing the Community Services Unit, where he played a key role in developing impactful programs such as Crime Stoppers, Victims Services Unit, and Safety Village; leaving a lasting legacy in the community he loved.

In keeping with Laurie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at Pleasantview Funeral Home on June 15 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Alexander Church in Fonthill on June 16 at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon following Mass. Please pack Toronto Blue Jays attire to wear at the luncheon in honor of Laurie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to SickKids Hospital, the Juravinski Cancer Centre, or St. Alexander Church would be appreciated by the family.
May he rest in eternal peace and be forever remembered with love.

David Henry NELSON

Retired Niagara Regional Police (Welland) Constable David “Knuckles” Nelson is 10-7 (out of service).

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dave at 10:07 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He is now reunited with Rosemarie Bakos (née Walker), his partner for 22 years.

He will be sorely missed by his children, Terry Nelson and Virginia (née Nelson) St-Denis (Normand); stepson, Mike Bakos (Tamara née Mckinley); and step-grandchildren, Justin Wimmer, John Bakos, and Kelly Lang, who called him “Pops.”

Dave enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1961 and served for three years with the Provost Corps. One of the original members of the Niagara Regional Police Service, he served for 31 years before retiring in 1996.

After his retirement, he enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to the West Coast and then the East Coast. He was a member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Dave was also a member of the Greater Niagara Model Railroad Engineers, which includes Nelson Heights in their layout. He enjoyed building and working on his own model railway, which featured several family names and businesses.

Cremation has taken place. Burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Interim Long-Term Care section of the Extended Care Unit at the Welland Hospital. They took such good care of him during his four years there, especially during his last few weeks.

It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of Albino at his home on Saturday, January 31st, 3 days after celebrating his 75th birthday, surrounded by the love of his girls. He is finally reunited with the love of his life Lynda Cornies (d. 2015). He was the proud and loving father of Cecilia “Lea” (Billy) Hogue, Stephanie Gicante (Dennis Steingart) and step-father of Ian Wilsher (Terri-Lynn Woodhouse); even prouder grandfather of Nevah, Alyssa, Chiara, Emma and Ashley. He was the dear brother of the late Carmen (Corrie) Gicante, Gino (Kathy) Gicante, the late Carlo (the late Colette) Gicante, and Dan (Rebecca) Gicante; brother-in-law of Bill (Sharon) Cornies. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Albino was born in Rocca d’Evandro, Italy to Gaetan and Clelia (nee Abbruzzese) Gicante. He proudly served his community as a Niagara Regional Police officer for 30 years as a dedicated and honourable officer. After his retirement in 2002, he spent his time traveling the world with Lynda and enjoying the company of his closest friends, Harry and Dilys Nesbitt, and Linda and the late Neil Klop. You could usually find Al in his backyard sipping a “cold one” and enjoying the occasional cigar. Albino’s life was defined by loyalty, responsibility and a quiet strength. His impact as a husband, father and grandfather will not be forgotten. He will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. M. Torigian, Dr. E. and Rachel Liu, Dr. Y. Essaji, Dr. J.Goffin, Dr. L. Lee and nurse Nicole, Dr. C. Manser and nurse Colleen and all the staff and volunteers at the Walker Family Cancer Center for the exceptional care our father received.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Albino’s name may be made to Hospice Niagara or The Walker Family Cancer Center.

Cremation has taken place with private family arrangements entrusted to Pleasantview Funeral Home (647-692-4018). A celebration of Al’s life will take place in April and he will be laid to rest at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens.

After a brief illness, at NHS-St. Catharines on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 74 years of age. Loving husband of Sandra (nee Wallis) for 54 years. Loving father of Andrew (Melissa) and Katie (Spencer) Roberts. Proud Grandfather of Matthew, Grace, Sydney, Patrick and Jack. Dear brother of Susan (John) Peavoy. Predeceased by his parents, Len and Mary (nee Snow). Peter was a longtime member of the Niagara Regional Police Service retiring as an Inspector in 2000, after 30 years of exemplary service to his community. Following his retirement from the Niagara Regional Police Peter spent his next few years as the Director of Security for Ridley College.

At Peter’s request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a future date for Peter’s family and many friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca

L-R Larry P – Ernie P – Scott M – Jim R – Centre – Peter Gill

MASSEY, Ronald “Ron” Edward – passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the age of 93 years. Beloved husband of Margaret Adshead-Massey. Loving father of Laura Massey (late David Clements), Karen Massey (Tim Hunt) and Elaine Hunter; and long-time family friend of Bob Hansen; and dear stepfather of Lisa Adshead and Laura Federico (Santo). Cherished grandfather of Brennan and Naomi Massey, and Anthony, Nicholas, Daniel and Bella Frederico. He will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, especially Sharon and Shari, and Brian Christie, and sister-in-law, Cathy Shannon (Larry). Predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Laura (nee Beach) Massey, sisters Gertrude Smith (George) and Jean Christie (Wilfred), and brothers Harold, Alvin (Pearl) and Baby Howard.

Ron was born and educated in Port Colborne and Welland. He was employed with Climatite Aluminum Sash for seven years. In 1959, he joined and served with the Thorold Township Police Department and through amalgamation and regionalization, retired after 31½ years from the Niagara Regional Police Service with the rank of Sergeant on June 30, 1990. Ron was a 30 year member of the I.P.A., the Police Association of Ontario, and the Police Pensioners’ Association of Niagara, a member of Rose City Seniors Activity Centre and the Niagara Bruce Trail Club. He was a dedicated member of Wesley United Church and a former resident and board member of Wesley-Robins Retirement Village. Ron helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity, and was a member of SPAN, where he met his soulmate and dance partner, Margaret Adshead.

Family and friends alike will remember Ron as a loving, resourceful and creative man who walked his path with compassion, integrity and faith.

As per Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The Massey family will receive friends at Wesley United Church, 242 First Ave. N., Welland on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. Interment of cremated remains follow at Emmanuel Lutheran (Beach’s) Cemetery in Sherkston. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Wesley United Church, Welland. Online condolences available at http://www.cudneyfuneralhome.com.

Stewart Alfred Frérotte was born on January 23, 1945, in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, and was raised in Fort Erie, Ontario. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, police officer, military veteran, and friend.

Stewart joined the military in 1961 at the age of 16, as one of the last of the boy soldiers, beginning a lifelong commitment to service. He later served 30 years with the CN Police and Niagara Regional Police Service, retiring in 1999, where he was known for his integrity and dedication.

A lifetime member of the Stamford Lions Club, Stewart believed strongly in giving back to his community. He was also an active member of the Ontario Fur Managers Federation as well as a talented woodcarver who loved carving birds and sharing them with others.

Stewart was married to his beloved wife, Marion, for 55 years. Together, they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and family. He was a steady and reliable presence, deeply respected by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Susie and Gabriel, and his brother, Mark (MaryAnn).

Stewart is survived by his wife, Marion; his daughter, Jennifer; his nephew and best friend, Bill; his siblings Alice (late John) Marie, Joanne (Gerald), Bill (Lisa), Ed (Kim), and Margaret (Butch); as well as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He will also be missed by his beloved cat, Mollie.

The family thanks the staff at GNGH, especially the ICU team, for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society or Stamford Lions Club.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 4:00- 8:00pm at Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen Association at 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls. Private interment to take place at a later date.