Obituary of Anthony Doc Hlebowicz

Anthony ?Doc? Hlebowicz, 84 years old, formerly of Hagaman Avenue, Hagaman, entered eternal rest on date at Mt. Loretto Nursing Home where he was a patient. Born on October 5, 1921 in Amsterdam, he was the son of the late Michael and Veronica Yurkunas Hlebowicz. He was a lifelong area resident and attended local schools. In 1935 Doc enrolled in Amsterdam Tech School and completed courses in metal, woodworking and electronics. In 1938 he began his career working at the Amsterdam Body Shop learning car bodywork and refinishing. In 1939 he went on to work at the Parson Ford Garage, Inc. where he continued to work on car bodies and refinishing. In 1940 he worked at Morck?s Garage utilizing his newly learned skills on car body repair, car body refinishing and mechanics. In August of 1942 he was inducted into the Army Infantry as Private First Class; he joined the forces in Luzon, New Guinea during WWII. Doc was honorably discharged as a technician fourth grade of the 124th Infantry at Fort Dix New Jersey on December 26, 1945. During his service to our country he received the America Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon. After the war, Doc returned to Amsterdam and continued his work as a mechanic at Petersen?s and Morck?s Garages. In 1954, he officially opened Doc?s Garage where he engaged in auto body repair and finishing along with mechanical work and New York State car inspections until his retirement in 1997. Throughout his life, Doc was an animal activist. He supported many animal organizations and raised many dogs. He also enjoyed feeding his ?backyard friends.? Doc was also active in many organizations such as the Johnstown Order of the Moose, The V.F.W., the American Legion Post 701, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a communicant of St. Stephen?s Roman Catholic Church. Doc was predeceased by one sister, Isabelle, in 1919. Survivors include his loving sister Alice Arnold, of Amsterdam; one nephew, Jerry Arnold and his wife Patricia of Charlton, New York and several cousins. Funeral services will be held 9:00am Tuesday at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed at 10:00am by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen?s Roman Catholic Church, Pawling Street, Hagaman with the Rev. Ronald Matulewicz as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Casimir?s Cemetery, Amsterdam. Calling hours are Monday from 5 until 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, 126 S. Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY 12086