Obituary of Alphonse E. Litz Jr.

Alphonse E. Litz, Jr., 84, passed away on August 8 after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends. A lifetime resident of Solvay, he was a local home builder and craftsman. He was a communicant of St. Cecilia's Church and past president of St. Cecilia's Holy Name Society, serving in many church activities and fundraising events. His life revolved around his loving family, deep faith, and community service. Alphonse served with great pride in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, from 1944 to 1946. He was a member of the 332nd Squadron, 94th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force - "The Mighty Eighth"-based in Edmunds St. Bury, England. As a tail-gunner aboard a B-17, he flew 23 combat missions over Europe, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His decorations included the European Expeditionary Medal with two battle stars; the Air Medal with two Bronze Clusters; European, African, Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; American Campaign Medal; and Air Combat Action Medal. He was a commander of Solvay VFW Post 2893 and a longtime member of the Solvay Geddes Veterans. For several years he served as a volunteer guide at the B-17 Warbirds exhibit at the EAA air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Alphonse is survived by Fanny, his wife of 59 years; his children Deborah Litz, Cynthia Litz LaPierre, Alphonse Litz III, Theresa Litz, Donna Litz Hess, Denise Litz; grandchildren Nathan LaPierre, Annie, Caroline, and Maggie Hess; his sister Dorothy Owen and brother Eugene Litz; and his best friend of 80 years, Robert Devers. Services: 9 a.m. Wednesday August 11, at Tindall Funeral Home and 9:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia's Church, Solvay, NY. Burial with military honors will follow in Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday August 10, at the funeral home, 1921 W. Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Cecilia's Restoration Fund, 1001 Woods Road, Solvay, NY 13209