Watson A. LaGrange

Mr. Watson A. LaGrange, Sr., 86, of Amsterdam, New York passed away June 25, 2015 at his home. Born on March 13, 1929 he was the son of the late Raymond and Mary (Schleska) LaGrange . A lifelong area resident, Watson attended local schools and enlisted with the United States Army on August 1, 1946. He served his country proudly until 1947, and reenlisted in 1949 serving until 1952. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant 1st Class. Mr. LaGrange was a communicant of the former St. John's R.C. Church in Amsterdam. He was employed as a self-taught auto mechanic working for several city garages including, Sikorski's Service Station and Dudka's Garage until his retirement. He then became the caretaker of St. John's R. C. Church and the parish cemetery. Watson was an avid bowler in several city leagues and also enjoyed watching baseball. He was a member of the Polish American Veterans and the American Legion John Wyszomirski Post 701 of Amsterdam. He took great pride in everything that he did. Watson cared for and loved his grandchildren, Amanda and Jimmy, unconditionally. In 2001, along with his granddaughter Amanda; they both received their high school diplomas. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. On October 3, 1954 he was united in marriage to Sylvia Matthews. That union lasted 60 years until her passing on August 19, 2014. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Raymond, Richard and Robert LaGrange. He is survived by his children, Watson A. Jr. (Rebecca) LaGrange of Ft. Johnson, NY and Mary Beth (Walter) Martin of Amsterdam; Grandchildren, Amanda Beth Meyers and James W. III (Kristin) Meyers of Amsterdam; Step-grandchildren, Melissa Klementowski of Tribes Hill, NY, Anthony Sculco of Amsterdam, Tara Beth (Jay) Martin, Sandra Marie (Brian) Pallotta and Vicki Martin all of Amsterdam; Great-granddaughter, Emily Leonard of Amsterdam; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. at the Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, with Father Stanislaus Swierzowski presiding. A calling hour will precede the funeral service from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment of his cremated remains will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 10:00A.M. at St. John's Cemetery, Amsterdam with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc., 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com