Obituary of Clifford C. Banta

Clifford C. Banta, 78 of East Street, Galway, NY passed away Friday, March 24, 2006 at Saratoga Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Saratoga County. He was born July 18, 1927 in Amsterdam NY a son of Norman and Edna Van Kleeck Banta. Clifford was a 1945 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and attended Syracuse University. Mr. Banta served in the U.S. Army during WWII where he was stationed in France & Germany. Mr. Banta owned and operated the N.E. Banta Coal & Oil in Hagaman until 1979. He later was a charter coach driver for Brown Coach formerly Guiffre Bros. until 1999 when he retired. He was a Life and Charter Member of the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Galway American Legion, Hagaman VFW and the Broadalbin VFW. He first was married to Beverly Jane Ballard in 1949, she died in 1964. He then married the former Diane Simboli in 1972. In addition to his wife Diane survivor?s include; one son; Bruce C. Banta of Fonda, NY; one step-son; Anthony Zabawa of San Pedro, CA; one step-daughter; Sheila Marshall of Galway, NY, two sisters, Catherine Banta of Amsterdam and Nancy Fagan of Peru, NY Four Grandchildren; Keith & Nathan Banta, Shane & Cody Marshall, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Russell Banta. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday March 28, 2006 at 1:00P.M. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam with the Rev. Cynthia Leonard presiding. Interment is in Hagaman Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday March 27, 2006 from 6-8:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.