Obituary of Francis R. Lesniewski

Francis R. Lesniewski, 85, of County Highway 132, Hagaman, NY, passed away Friday, June 1, 2007 at the River Ridge Living Center, LLC in Amsterdam following a brief illness. Born in Amsterdam, NY on July 28, 1921. Mr Lesniewski was the son of William and Mary Kopcienski Lesniewski Kaszubski. He was a lifelong area resident and was a graduate of Galway Central High School. Mr. Lesniewski was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Pacific Theatre from 1943 to 1946. He was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal. He was employed by the former American Locomotive Co. in Schenectady until its closure. He also worked at he Watervliet Arsenal where he earned several commendations for over 24 years until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Lesniewski enjoyed raising vegetables and sunflowers and working on the family farm. He also enjoyed playing softball and bowling. He was affectionately refered to as the ?Mayor? of Smokey Hollow. He was a communicant of St. Stephen?s Roman Catholic Church in Hagaman. He was also a member of the John J. Wyszomirski Post 701 in Amsterdam and a former member of the Town of Perth Volunteer Fire Department. He was the beloved husband of Jennie M. Klementowski Lesniewski and were married on January 18, 1948. He was the devoted father of Karen Stanley and her husband Mark of Saratoga Springs, NY, William S. ?Big Bill? Lesniewski of Hagaman, NY. Sandra Pilarski and her husband James of Amsterdam, John M. Lesniewski and his wife Christine of Perth, NY. One sister, Irene Watrobski of Amsterdam. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Mr. Lesniewski was pre-deceased by his brothers, Zigismund, William, and Matthew Lesniewski, Joseph Kazubski and his sister Isabel Karp. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 9:00AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM at St. Stephen?s Roman Catholic Church, 46 North Pawling St. Hagaman, NY. Interment will be in St. John?s Cemetery, Amsterdam with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home. John J. Wyszomirski Post #701 will meet at 6:00P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church, 46 North Pawling St. Hagaman, NY, 12086, to the Perth Volunteer Fire Department, 4080 State Hwy 30 North, Amsterdam, NY 12010, St. John?s Cemetery Fund, 40 Van Derveer St., Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to a charity of ones? choice.