BELFAST – Anthony J. Vekich, 94, passed away Sunday (July
30, 2017) at Jones Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Vekich was born on June 20, 1923 in Duluth, Minn. to
Joseph and Frances (Gerica) Vekich. He was a 1942 graduate of East High School
in Superior, Wis. and served in the United States Army in the Asian-Pacific
Theater during World War II from 1943-45.
Anthony worked as a supervisor for Kimberly Clark Paper Mill
in Niagara Falls for 20 years until the plant shut down. He also served as a
union steward during his employment there. In the late 1960’s, Tony moved to
Victor and Cripple Creek Colo. where he was a home contractor and remodeled old
gold mining hotels. He moved back to Western New York about 25 years ago where
he built hunting camps and sold antiques out of his barn.
Tony is survived by two sons, Anthony J. (Roxann) Vekich,
Jr. of Fort Meyers, Fla and Steven Vekich of Niagara Falls; one daughter,
Charlene Vekich of Niagara Falls; two brothers, Steve (Inez) Vekich of
Marietta, Ohio and Frank (Helen) Vekich of Barker and one sister, Neda Francis
of Naples, Fla.
Additionally he is survived by 6 grandchildren, Anthony
Vekich III, Shawn Vekich, Bridget Cadwallader, Amanda Cobb, Brianna Bonnette
and Chandra Fitzsimmons; 14 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren;
and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by one brother, Joseph Vekich.
Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served as the Town
of New Hudson supervisor for 14 years beginning in 2002 and actively attended
the Bellville Wesleyan Church. Additionally, he was a life member of the NRA.
At his request, there will be no prior visitation. A
graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held in the new
Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke when the cemetery begins
accepting interments beginning in early 2018.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral
Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. Online condolences may be offered at
www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be made to Wounded
Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
