Leon J. Sliva

Mr. Leon J. Sliva, 91, of Stella Lane, Amsterdam, passed away Saturday January 8, 2011 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Amsterdam, NY on September 25, 1919 a son of the late Steven and Rose Palczak. He was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and was a Graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Mr. Sliva attended the University of Michigan and then entered military service as a U.S. Marine serving during World War II where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was with the 1st Marine Regiment and earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Leon pursued his education and attended Union College in Schenectady where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1975. Leon worked for many years at the General Electric Company as a Manager in the Turbine Division retiring in 1978. Mr. Sliva was a former member of the P.N.A. and the Knights of Columbus Council #209. He was the former Vice President of the Mohawk Valley Heritage Association, St. Mary s Hospital Foundation Board Member and attended Art Class at the Walter Elwood Museum. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam and was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Lazarus Committee. He was an avid artist and displayed his artwork throughout his home. He also enjoyed fishing and following his favorite college team the Michigan Wolverines. Leon loved to bake homemade apple pies to share with family and friends and enjoyed taking care of his beloved dog Pepper . Leon married Winifred B. Wojtyna Sliva on October 25, 1947. She passed away on April 18, 1978. He then married Josephine Fontaine Sliva on February 9, 1985. In addition to his wife Josephine survivors include, two daughters, Rosemary Poole and her husband Charles of Amsterdam, Susan Hemcher and her husband John C. of Beaufort, S.C. Three step-children, Guy Fredella, Joseph Fredella and Barbara Stark. Grandchildren, Deborah Lis, Andrew Lis and his wife Raelyn. One great-granddaughter Janerose Lis. Many Step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and marvelous caregivers Sally and Allison. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Sliva, a sister, Alice Marshall and a grandson, Christopher Lis and step-grandson, Jeffrey Poole. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 9:00A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00A.M. at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Cornell St., Amsterdam with the Rev.Thomas Krupa, Rev. Robert O. DeMartinis and Deacon Michael Ryba con-celebrating. Interment with full military honors will be held in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends this evening Monday, January 10, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. at the funeral home. The Holy Name Society will meet this evening at 6:00P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, St. Stanislaus Church or to the Montgomery County S.P.C.A. c/o the funeral home office.