Obituary of Walter F. Airel

Walter F. Airel, 88, of Morgan Estates in Geneseo, died Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home. He was predeceased by his son Gary Airel in 1996. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Airel of Geneseo and his son, Gregory (Mary) Airel of Strongsville, Ohio, 3 grandchildren, Gregory and Kristen Airel, Rebecca (Patrick) Arcaro, his former wife Fran Fontenot of Mamou, LA and his longtime companion Marilyn Matthes of Leroy. Walt was born December 23, 1925 in Bayonne, NJ the son of Walter and Harriet Flagg Airel. He was a graduate of Champlain College in Champlain, NY and received his Master's Degree in Library Science from SUNY Albany. Walt was a US Army World War II veteran and was awarded both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service to his country. He started his library career in the Rochester Public Library System and was then appointed Library Director for Livingston and Wyoming Counties in 1960, where he served for 25 years. Walt was a member of the American Library Association and VFW Post 5005 in Geneseo. Walt was also a Past President and Honorary Member of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club. Calling hours will be Friday, June 13 from 4-7 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo with a reception to follow at the Big Tree Inn, 46 Main St. in Geneseo. Graveside Services will be held Saturday, June 14 at 9 AM in St. Mary's Cemetery in Geneseo with Full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to VFW Post 5005, PO Box 221, Geneseo, NY 14454.