Obituary of Lionel H. Fallows

Retired Lt. Col. Lionel H. Fallows, 97, formerly of Stewart Street, Amsterdam, died peacefully at his home on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Coburg Village following a brief illness. Born in Amsterdam, NY on April 30, 1920 he was the son of the late Thomas and Nellie Carter Fallows. A lifelong area resident, Lionel was a 1937 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He then went on to attend the Millard Academy Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. for one year. During WWII he served proudly with the United States Army in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations and with the Army of Occupation in Korea. Once Lionel returned home, he began working at the Air National Guard Base in Scotia, NY from 1951 until his retirement in 1980 at the rank of Lt. Col. A civic minded individual, Lionel was involved in many organizations not only in his home city of Amsterdam but also the Capital District for over the past 50 years. He was a member of the Greater Amsterdam Board of Education for 16 years, serving as President for three terms; member of the Board of Directors of the Amsterdam YMCA and served as board President for two terms; member of the Board of Directors of the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce; former Chairman of the Amsterdam Industrial Development Agency and Treasurer of the Amsterdam Urban Renewal Agency; member and Chairman of the Amsterdam Memorial Hospital and member of the Board of Trustees of Amsterdam Memorial Hospital; member of the Advisory Board , Friends of Hospice of Amsterdam; member of the Board of Directors and past Campaign Chairman of the Amsterdam United Way; member of the Amsterdam Rotary Club; member and past officer of various Veteran organizations; and was a member of the B.P.O.E. for 53 years. Professionally, Lionel was associated with the Militia Association of the State of New York, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the Air Force Association. He was also Vestryman, Lay Reader and member of St. Ann's Episcopal Church. Lionel's greatest accomplishment in all that he did was his family. He was devoted to his wife, Joyce Hartnoll Fallows, whom he married on May 7, 1949 and recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. He was committed to his children, and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include, his wife Joyce; 5 children, Linda G. Fisher and her husband Gregory, Thomas G. Fallows and his wife Charlene, Diane E. Nickloy and her husband Dan, Deborah A. Yeara and her husband John, Karen L. Hubbard and her husband Rick; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Alan R. Fallows; and his three siblings, Ellen Gibbs, Gerald T. Fallows and Dora F. Steenburgh. The Funeral Liturgy will be Celebrated on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 3p.m. at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 37 Division Street with The Very Rev. Neal P. Longe, officiating. His body will then Lie in State from 4p.m. until 7p.m. at the church. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will take place privately in Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory, to his beloved church, St. Ann's. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com