William F. Ott Jr.

In 1972, he began working at Allegheny Ludlum Steel (Universal Steel) where he remained for 34 years. He was also the owner of Ott’s Tavern in Dunkirk and was a skilled mason who had worked on numerous buildings in the area since 1970.

A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Ott was a member of the Exempt Firemen’s Association for 41 years and was a volunteer firefighter with the Fredonia Fire Department D.R. Barker Hose Company for 31 years. He moved up the ranks from Lieutenant and then Captain. He was also a member of the Chautauqua County Hazardous Materials Response Team.

He enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and playing baseball.

His memberships included John T. Murray VFW Post 1017, World War II Vets, Dunkirk Exempts, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, and Kosciuszko Club.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diane (Lasecki) Ott whom he married April 15, 1972; two daughters, Kimberly (Mark) Minnick of Orlando, Fl and Jennifer (Philip) Berdyck of Dunkirk; three grandsons, Seth and Cole Minnick and Jeffery Berdyck; two brothers, Daniel Ott II and David Ott Sr.; one sister Karen Willis all of Dunkirk; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10 o’clock in Blessed Mary Angela Parish, Church of St. Hedwig. Calling hours will be held today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fredonia Fire Department (http://www.fredoniafire.or g/) or Chautauqua Hospice (https://chpc.care/donate/).