Obituary of Donald Reitz

Donald Edward Reitz passed away July 8, 2010 under the care of Niagara Hospice surrounded by his loving family and took much joy from their company in his final days. Don counted his family among his most cherish blessings. Born September 25, 1931 in Buffalo he was the son of the late Francis Xavier and Jeanette Mary (nee Geraci) Reitz. Don graduated from Burgard High School, Buffalo and was honorably discharged from the US Air Force July 14, 1959 serving during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He worked for 30 years for Mobil Oil retiring in 1986. Don was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Ransomville, faith and service to the church was a very important part of his life and he attended mass regularly. He was an active member of the Holy Name Society, serving as treasurer for many years, a Eucharistic Minister, and assisted on many church functions. Don was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 319 and was Past Grand Knight from 1993-1994 and later moved to the Madonna Council. He was a member of several fraternal organizations including the American Legion Post 410, the Navy Marine of Lockport, and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 617. Don was an avid Yankees fan and sports fanatic. He enjoyed attending games, especially Sabres hockey games and baseball games. Pets were very important to Don and he was particularly loyal to his shelties Buddy, Sandi, and especially Nikki, who he lost in March 2008. The family wishes to thank all the exceptional caregivers who have helped Don through his battle with cancer including those at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the VA Hospital, and Hospice. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years Nylene (nee Thomas) Reitz of Pendleton; five daughters Diane (Dave) Savage of Connecticut, Tina (Tom) Villnave of New Hampshire, Dawn (Tad) Bromley of New Jersey, Shari (Doug) Sohn and Tara (Scott) Kolinsky both of Rochester whom he raised to be strong, independent and always stressed putting family first; seven grandsons, four granddaughters; brother of the late Jeanette Gruber, Frank and John Reitz; also survived by his two shelties Buddy, Sandi and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, Ransomville. Entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Niagara Hospice. Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com to leave an online condolence to the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Relatives and friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, Ransomville. <h3>Interment</h3> Entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum.