Lynn Edward Gedraitis, 75, died on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 after a long battle with cancer.
Husband of Gloria (Ohlson) Gedraitis; father of Lynn “Butch” (Deanne) Gedraitis, Kim (Richard) Holz, Vikki (Lee) Weisbeck, Shelly Gedraitis, and Lisa (Michael) Conway; grandfather of Sarah (Noah Miller) Gedraitis, Samantha Gedraitis, Kyle (Jessy) Holz, Cory (Allie) Holz, Joshua (Krissy Tur) Weisbeck, Mariah Weisbeck, Emma Conway, and Anthony Conway; great-grandfather of Ethan Robinson, Lucas Holz, and Lucy Holz. Survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his faithful dog, Mia.
Born in Abilene, TX on February 4, 1944 to the late Casimer and Vera (Smalley) Gedraitis.
Lynn and Vera returned to the WNY area when Casimer was sent overseas for WWII.
In 1958, Lynn was a regular on the Fun to Learn local television show.
In his youth, he was a Cub Scout, enjoyed theater and tap dancing, and was a lifeguard with the YMCA.
The Sweet Home graduate, a football standout, was invited to attend training camps for the Chicago Bears Football Club, the Continental Football League-Toronto Rifles, Quad City Raiders in Illinois, the Pennsylvania Quakers Pro Football Club, the Richmond Mustangs Pro Football Club, the Cleveland Browns, the NY Jets, and the Miami Dolphins.
Lynn and Gloria settled with their family in Alden in the early 1970’s.
Lynn had a passion for weightlifting, bodybuilding, and physical fitness. He competed in bodybuilding competitions including Mr. Buffalo (4 times), Mr. Great Lakes, All Natural, and the Molson Light Can-Am. He was awarded third place at the Molson Light Cam-Am Competition in 1986 and took a third place in the Mr. Buffalo Championship Master’s Division in 1994. He was a member of Nautilus Fitness Center and Turners Fitness Club and Black Water Fitness, where he continued his fitness routine until recently.
He was employed at General Motors for 22 years. He was editor of the UAW Newsletter and performed workshops for employees. Then, he was the Divisional Director at United Way, where he worked with substance abuse, stress workshops and literacy volunteers. He retired from the Erie County Clerk’s Office after 12 years, where he served as deputy clerk at the Auto Bureau, under David Swartz. He served as campaign director for the Erie County Clerk. Lynn taught pistol permit training and DWI/DUI training.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Alden where he served as president, secretary, and treasurer. While at St. Paul’s he began a Christmas Star program that continued until the church closed. He enjoyed his work with charities, which included Care-A-Van Ministries in Batavia, Christmas deliveries through the Erie County Clerk’s Office, and visiting Children’s Hospital at Easter.
Lynn was a member of the Alden Democratic Committee and served as the President of the Democratic Booster Club. During that time he began a Certificate of Appreciation awards program recognizing local people who made outstanding contributions to the community.
He was a 3rd degree Mason, raised in Alden Lodge #594.
He was an avid walleye fisherman and a 48 year veteran of Lang’s Resort, Rice Lake, Canada.
Lynn donated his body to the University at Buffalo SUNY anatomical gift program
A Memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made in Lynn’s memory to Buffalo Hospice, Inc.
