Bernard F. Lanza

WEST ALBANY – Bernard F. Lanza, 83, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2008.
Bernard was born on December 28, 1924 in Albany and was the son of the late Sergio and Stella (Sasso) Lanza.
Bernard served in the US Army as a Private First Class during WWII, running communication lines between the artillery and the infantry with General George Patton's 3rd Army. During the battle of the Rhineland and the Ardennes he was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war he worked as an electrician for the Tobin Meat Packing Co. for over 39 years before retiring in 1981. He enjoyed bowling and spending time with his family. He was a member of the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post #1520.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley A. (O'Keefe) Lanza; his children, Bernard F. (Kathryn) Lanza Jr. of North Port, Florida, Robert W. (Linda) Lanza of Guilderland, Kenneth C. (Christine) Lanza of Guilderland, Cheryl A. (August) Franze of Burnt Hills, Anthony J. (Jeanette) Lanza of Colonie, Michael P. Lanza of Colonie and Vincent L. Lanza of Bennington, VT; his brother John (Joan) Lanza of Colonie; 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Boungiorno and his brothers, Charles and Patrick Lanza.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. Francis de Sales Church, Maria Dr. Loudonville where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Bernard F. Lanza.