Obituary of Howard F. Gawne, II

Howard F. Gawne, II, age 85 formerly of the Town of Cambria and Medina, died Tuesday January 16, 2018 in the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia, after a lengthy illness. Howard was born August 26, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Howard F. Gawne and Mae (Briand) Gawne Swartzman. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War serving from 1951 to his honorable discharge with the rank of Sgt. In 1954. Howard was a Tank Crewman with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 2 Battle Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the U.N. Service Medal. He was a carpenter for over 30 years and was a 60 year member of Buffalo Local 276 United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He retired as a Superintendent in 1991 after 18 years with Smith Bros. Construction in Niagara Falls. Howard was a member of Buffalo District Council of Carpenters and worked at construction sites at various locations in NY State. He was a member of "AA" and had volunteered at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo. Howard married Janice R. (Hamers) Gawne on August 21, 1954. Janice predeceased him on September 18, 2016. He is survived by his children, Deborah (Marc) Mattair, Howard F. (Nancy) Gawne, III, Brian J. (Patti) Gawne , Michael L. Gawne, and David A. (Angela) Gawne; and 16 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Catherine Weed. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held Friday, January 19, at 2:00 PM in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, VA Regional Office, 130 S. Elmwood Ave, Ste 620, Buffalo, NY 14202. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville.