Obituary of Frank Loiars

Frank R. Loiars, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, age 80, and a life-long resident of Lockport, NY and seasonal resident of Holiday, FL passed away on October 28th, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen Krull Loiars; his children; Doreen Loiars of Arlington, VA, Lauri (Mike) Lee of St. Paul, MN, Joseph (Cheryll) Loiars of Winter Springs FL, and John (Sarah) Loiars of Franklin, MA along with his treasured and adored grandchildren; Nathan, Jack, Kimberly, Jillian, Kevin, Matthew, Drew, Emma, Ryan and Cate. He is also survived by his loving sister Catherine Revell of California; Art (Claire) Ackerman, Colleen Bernie, and several other nieces and nephews, many life long friends and fellow musicians. He is predeceased by parents Joseph and Emma Schratz Loiars, his sister Mary Rose Ackerman, half-brother Perry Beardsley, and nephew Michael McCowan. Frank was a graduate of Lockport High School 49-50, Erie County Community College, and attended University of Buffalo Night School. He worked as a supervisor at NYSEG for 38 years. Frank&amp;#39;s passion was playing music and he played the trombone since 1946 as well as the upright bass and bass guitar. He was the President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 97 Union for 48 years and was the leader of his band &amp;quot;The Larks&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;The Frank Loiars Orchestra&amp;quot; for more than 50 years where he performed at many social celebrations in the Western New York region. In addition, he had the honor and pleasure to play alongside some of the very best musicians in several marching bands, big band orchestras and the Berkholtz German band. Frank was a leader in multiple Lockport organizations including the Lions Club (past president) Holy Name Society of St. Joseph (past president), St. Joseph Usher Club for 55 years, Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Barone&amp;#39;s Music House Bowling League (past president), Member of the Board of Niagara County March of Dimes for 10 years, Chairman of the Recreation Committee for Town of Lockport, and member of the Town of Lockport Planning Board, Zoning Variances Board and the GOP Committee. Frank loved sports, especially baseball, and was a manager/coach of Lockport Little League baseball teams for 7 years, coaching dozens of young athletes. He was a devoted baseball and Buffalo Bills fan. His strong work ethic and endless questioning and curiosity provided his children and grandchildren with a solid foundation in which to model their lives. There will never be a day when he will not be missed. He will be remembered for his ability to enjoy life his way and his enthusiasm for performing music. We are going to miss his wit, wisdom, playful disposition and most of all his laughter. The family would like to thank all those whose love and support brought comfort and strength. Friends may call Thursday 4 to 7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094, would be appreciated by the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Thursday 4 to 7 PM. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery.