Edward C. Liebelt

Mr. Edward C. Liebelt, 94, a lifelong resident of Cranesville, NY, passed away on Friday October 9, 2015. He was born in Amsterdam, NY on July 21, 1921 to Ernest and Jennie Liebelt. He attended Amsterdam schools. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of WWII and received a purple heart for injuries sustained when his ship was attacked and sank in the Pacific Ocean. In May, 2001 he received his GED along with several other WWII veterans who left school to serve their country. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he was employed for many years at Mohawk Carpet Mills and then General Electric Company. He and his wife Arlene were married on November 24, 1945. They moved into the house next door to where she grew up in Cranesville and less than a mile from where he grew up. He used his experience and skills to turn a small fixer-upper into a lovely home for his family. He took great pride in maintaining his home and could fix anything. He was a generous man who was devoted to his family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling, including a cruise to Bermuda and spending several winters in Sebring, FL in their motor home. He was a member of the Cranesville Reformed Church, and was one of the Founding and Charter member of the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department. He also was a member of the VFW Post #55. He is survived by his loving and devoted family: wife Arlene; daughter Joan (William) Grainer of Ft. Plain, NY; daughter Deborah (Phillip) Abraham of Lanesborough, MA; grandson Stephen (Melinda) Herron of Ft. Plain, NY; great-granddaughter Rylee Herron and great-grandson, Koby Herron both of Ft. Plain; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his two sisters, Dorothy Wilkevitch and Gloria Marciniak. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Edward's caregivers, Amy Garber, Marilyn Montenaro Sawyer and the staff of Healthcare Partners. Also thank you to neighbors, Jay Lott and Mary and Gary Kruger for being there day and night to help Ed and Arlene with things they would need. He also leaves behind his canine friend "REB". Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 15, 2015 at 11:00A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam with Rev. Kenneth Heckeler presiding. Interment with Fire Department Escort and Full Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam, NY. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday October 14, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. at the funeral home. The Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a service at 6:00P.M. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home followed by the VFW at 6:30PM. Rev. Jennifer Minnier Elliot will preside over a prayer service to close calling hours on Wednesday at the funeral home at 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cranesville Reformed Church, 105 Cranes Hollow Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, 167 Riverview Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or the Amen Place Soup Kitchen, 24 Pine St., Amsterdam, NY 12010.