Leo S. Firlit

Mr. Leo S. Firlit, age 92, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on September 16, 1915, Leo was the son of the late August and Mary (Zachacki) Firlit. He was raised and educated locally and was a veteran of the U. S. Army. On April 27, 1947 he married the former Ann Knych, and for 43 years he and Annie were a perfect match for each other, until her passing on February 2, 1990. At one time, Leo participated in the family business, Firlit’s Restaurant, where he tended bar. He was employed as a security guard at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute from which he retired in 1980. Leo was a fun-loving man who enjoyed life to its fullest. He surrounded himself with family and friends who brought him much joy. His outlook on life was that the glass was never half empty; it was always half full, and he was always ready to top it off. As a hobby, he successfully played the stock market, and consequently, he was never without his Wall Street Journal. Leo was a member of the Walter Skiba Post #20 of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church, and a member of the Holy Name Society. Leo is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Christine Holehan, Ruth and Dr. John Thomas, all of Utica, and Patricia Hughes of Saratoga Springs; his grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Holehan and Randall Scott Ours of Fishers, IN, and Peter Joseph Holehan II of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden Scott, and Sydney Elizabeth Ours. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, Thaddeus Czyzycki of Utica. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Edmund Kulakowski, Gladys and Frank Szczerba, and Genevieve Czyzycki; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jacob and Phyllis Firlit, Stanley and Stephanie Firlit, Edward and Jean Firlit; his in-laws, Alfreda and Chester Dunajewski; and his son-in-law, David Hughes. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Leo’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Walter Skiba Post #20 will gather for ritualistic services at 6:30 on Tuesday. Leo’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Stanislaus Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Leo S. Firlit

September 16, 1915 - August 24, 2008