Obituary of Laurence H. Near

Laurence H. "Larry" Near, age 93, a forty-year resident of Lewiston, died Saturday September 15, 2018 in the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

Larry was born August 3, 1925 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, the son of the late Frank and Gladys (Harper) Near and was a WWII veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was an Electrician, employed at the GM Engine Plant in Tonawanda for 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Larry was a member of The Lutheran Church of The Messiah in Lewiston. He enjoyed flying and was a private pilot, and a Ham Radio operator, call sign N2PNP. He also enjoyed computers and playing golf.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (McNally) and his second wife, Lorene (Lester) Near who died on August 9, 2012. He is survived by two sons, Marc Near of Fayetteville, NC and Daniel Greg of North Tonawanda, his grandchildren, Marjorie Greg, Michael and Bobby Ashcroft; his great grandchildren, Kingston Greg, Jackson and Joey Ashcroft; his brothers in law, Charles Cutler and Bill Lester, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a sister, Virginia Gallagher and a sister in law, Kathlene Fitzgerald.

Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Tuesday from 3 - 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 19, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas Mason officiating. Burial will follow in Acacia Park Cemetery, Town of Pendleton. Memorials may be made to the Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Fund, 145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092.