Obituary of Walter D. Boice

Walter D. ?Bud? Boice, 84, of Edson Street, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon at St. Mary?s Hospital with his wife and step daughter at his side. Born in Amsterdam on April 20, 1922, the son of Walter D. and Myrtle Engle Boice, he attended local schools and resided here most of his life. He was employed for many years by the Amsterdam Department of Transportation as a city bus driver. He later worked for the Clark Courier Service before he retired in 1992. Bud was a well-known Amsterdam businessman, and was the founder of the original Boice?s Fish Fry, a popular local restaurant. He also operated the former Boice?s Tavern in the city. During World War II, he proudly served with the US Army in central Europe. Walt was honorably discharged with the rank of First Sergeant and was awarded the American Campaign and European-African Service Medals. He was fifty-year member of the John J. Wyszomirski Post 701 American Legion and was a communicant of St. Casimir?s Roman Catholic Church. On June 26, 1981 he was united in marriage to the former Arlene Botaitis. His loving family includes his wife and children, Walter Boice III of Tribes Hill; Michael Boice of Amsterdam, Karen and her husband Bill Weller of Amsterdam; step daughters, Brenda and her husband Brian Peconie of Amsterdam and Sherri Spraker of Amsterdam; his sisters, Naomi Weidemann of Broadalbin and Janet Thornquist and her husband Gene of Florida; his grandchildren, John Rakstis, TSGT Brian Boice, Christina Rakstis, Rachael Kulewicz, Christopher and Dominic Saj; great grandchildren, Alexander Kulewicz and Kacie Boice; his mother in law, Nellie Alexaitis of Amsterdam; nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, a brother, George Boice, predeceased him. Services are Friday at 8:30 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 am at St. Casimir?s Church with Fr. Stanislaus J. Swierzowski, celebrant. Interment is in St. Casimir?s Cemetery with military honors under the command of his grandson. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home where Post 701 will conduct a service at 6:30 pm. Contributions may be made to St. Casimir?s Memorial Fund, or GAVAC, both in care of the funeral home office.