Obituary of Gerard M. Lehner

GERARD "BUD" M. LEHNER Latham-Gerard "Bud" M. Lehner, 87 of Latham, beloved husband of Florence Mierau Lehner, died suddenly on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born January 6, 1924 in Jamaica, he was the son of the late Michael and Rose (Hasson) Lehner. He was a graduate of Bishop Loughlin High School. He served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 on the USS The Sullivans DD537 and from 1951 until 1952 on the USS Snowden DE246. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal 9 battle stars, the Victory Medal, the National Defense Medal, the NY State Conspicuous Service Cross, the NY State Conspicuous Service Star, the Philippine Liberation Medal 2 battle stars, the Philippine Independence Medal, the Philippine Presidential Union Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon. He married his beloved Florence Mierau in 1947 and the two have shared a blessed union of 64 years. Bud was a Latham resident since 1957. He retired from Western Electric Co. in 1979. He was a member of the Colonie Village Seniors, an avid reader & dedicated woodworker. He spent many volunteer hours helping to restore historical ships, USS The Sullivans DD537 in Buffalo NY, USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. DD850 in Fall River MA, & USS Edson DD946 in NYC. He was Past Commander and Life member of the Colonie American Legion Post 1256, life member of the VFW Post #8692, member of the Naval Institute, Tin Can Sailors Association, USS The Sullivans DD537/DDG68 Association, Buffalo & Erie County Naval Park, USS Snowden Association, and DesRon 52 Association. Survivors in addition to his wife include his loving daughters Carol Amyot, Janet Benson, Paula (Eric) DeSimone, Joyce (Gregory) Rajkowski, Debra (Jeffery) Nier and Diane (Timothy) Vadney, 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, his sister Gloria (Peter) Ford and also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Paulette Dempster. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday June 9, 2011 at 9:00 am at St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham with Rev. Francis DuBois officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Buffalo Naval Park for the maintenance & upkeep of the USS The Sullivans DD537, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202 Attn: Col. Patrick Cunningham Interment with full Military Honors will be in Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com