Obituary of Warren P. Roosevelt

Warren P. Roosevelt Sr., a former resident of Canada Lake and Fonda, New York passed away in Punta Gorda, Florida on July 15, 2016. Born on April 11, 1938 in Amsterdam, New York he was the son of the late Melfred "Jake" and Alberta Engel Roosevelt. A lifelong area resident, Warren was a 1955 graduate of Fonda- Fultonville Central School, and served as a member of the National Guard from 1954- 1961. In 1954 he joined with his father in the operation of the family business, which is now known as M.W. Roosevelt and Son, Inc. in Canajoharie and Cobleskill, NY. Under the guidance of Warren, Roosevelt's was known as a trusted dealership in the area that specialized in sales, service and body work. He was a NYS Certified Heavy Duty Truck Inspector and Automobile Body Appraiser. He also was an adjuster for AETNA Insurance. In an effort to improve customer service, Warren and his father Jake decided to expand their business to include towing services and purchased their first 1948 tow truck. Since that time, Roosevelt's has become the longest tenured Towing and Recovery Authorized Garage on the New York State Thruway. Towing became Warren's passion and he was instrumental in promoting the industry. He was considered a Legend within the towing community, both locally and internationally. Warren served as a founding member and officer of the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association (ESTRA). He was also one of the original six "Friends of Towing" which founded the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, TN; where Warren's restored 1948 bubble nose resides. He served as a Five Term Director on the Board for The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum and in 1989 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Warren was active in many local and national organizations during his lifetime and was dedicated to the success of each. They include: Director for Buanno Transportation, President of the Chevrolet Syracuse Division "Only the Best" Service Manager Club, Member of the New York State and National Automobile Dealers Associations, Challenger Wrecker Distributor, Charter Member of Towing & Recovery Association of America, Vice President of Interstate Towing Association, Member and Secretary of the Town of Mohawk Volunteer Fire Department, Member of Fonda- Fultonville Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Trustee of the Caroga Lake Historical Museum, President of the Canada Lake Protective Association, President of Islander Point Homeowners Association, Punta Gorda, FL, Volunteer Charlotte County Sherriff's Patrol, Marine Duty, Punta Gorda, FL, a member of the Sacandaga Power Squadron, a member of the Fultonville Free and Accepted Masons, 3rd Degree and a Charter Member of the Canajoharie- Fort Plain B.P.O.E. #3621. Warren was also the Chief Track Steward of Fonda Speedway Dragstrip. He also was a member of the NASCAR Race Recovery Team at Daytona International Speedway for the 2011 and 2012. Survivors include his wife, Josie Anderson Roosevelt of Punta Gorda, FL; his first wife, Nancy Veeder (Roger Crews) of Fort Plain, NY; three children, Kimberly A. Post and her husband James of Palatine Bridge, NY, Warren P. Roosevelt Jr. and his wife Justine of Sprakers, NY and Gregory M. Roosevelt and his wife Laurie of Palatine Bridge, NY; two step children, Pamela Bramell of Virginia and Mark Huxley and his wife Christina of Colorado; seven grandchildren, Kelly Boucher and her husband Jesse, Kristen Post (Michael Kelly), Janelle Roosevelt (Andrew Davis), Nicholas Roosevelt (Alicia Chase), Roxanne Huxley, Josie Ann Bramell and Jack Warren Huxley; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kelly Alberta. In Warren's honor, a Tow Truck Parade will commence on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 at 9:15a.m. at M. W. Roosevelt and Son, Inc. on Erie Blvd Canajoharie. The parade will continue down Route 5 to the Yost Rest Area, where a ceremonial transfer of Warren's cremated remains between trucks will take place. The parade will continue through Fonda to Route 30A ending at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown. A Celebration of Life will take place from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A private graveside service will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association, 130 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210, or the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum, Inc., 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408, or your local volunteer emergency services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com