Obituary of Harry Barnum

Harry E. Barnum, age 81 of Lockport, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday April 28, 2012. Harry was born in Lockport on September 18, 1930. He was the son of the late Raymond and Eleanor (Grier) Barnum and grew up on Green Street with his brother Raymond, Jr. Harry was a graduate of St. Patrick's School and Lockport High School. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in Fairford England. Upon his return, he married Nancy Ritzenthaler, the love of his life, and together raised a family of 4 children and were lifelong members of St. Patricks's Parish. Harry was always active. He grew up loving baseball and played for Lockport High and traveled around Europe playing baseball with the Air Force. He was always an avid bowler and golfer and was proud of his two "Holes in One". Harry retired from Harrison Radiator, after 35 years, but he also worked forty years for Dr. James Ritzenthaler and Dr. Albert Cavallari making orthodontic study models and appliances because he was so good with his hands. Harry was a past president of the St. Patrick's Holy Name Society, a member of the Elks, American Legion and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He had a strong faith in God, and a quiet strength that was respected by all. He was greatly loved by his family and many friends, he will greatly be missed. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of 56 Years, his four children, Kathleen (Christopher) Prucha of Lockport, Harry (Kathryn) of Ventura, CA., Michael of Boston, MA., and Mary (Joseph) Seeger of Herndon, VA; his eight grandchildren, Michael, Sara and Emily Prucha, Joshua and Katelyn Seeger, Vance, Ava and William Barnum. He is also survived by his brother in-law and sister in-law, Dr. James and Sandra Ritzenthaler and several nieces and nephews. Vistation will be held at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport on Tuesday May 1st 6 to 9 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Parish, 76 Church Street, Lockport on Wednesday morning at 10 AM. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to DeSales Catholic School, 6914 Chestnut Ridge Road, Lockport, NY 14094 or to the American Heart Association, would be appreciated by the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Vistation will be Tuesday May 1st 6 to 9 PM. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Parish, 76 Church Street, Lockport on Wednesday morning at 10 AM. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery.