Michael D. Addington

He was born Aug. 8, 1951, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Roy and Ruth (Stevens) Addington.

An area resident for most of his life, Michael was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, class of 1970. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1971-72, where he received two bronze stars.

A member of United Auto Workers local 897. He retired from the Ford Motor Co. Buffalo Stamping Plant, where he was an electrician for many years. Prior to that he also worked at the Kraft plant in Dunkirk, until their closing. He also worked at General Electric in Erie, Pa., and Better Baked Foods in Westfield, N.Y.

He was the president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 459 for several years and was a life member. In his prior years, he was also a member of the VVA colorguard, he marched in parades for many years and carried the American flag. A chaplin and life member of the John T. Murray VFW post 1017 for many years. He was also a past commander and served in every office of the post. A life member of Moniusko Club, a life member of Dom Polski Club and a member of Kosciuszko Club. He was a member of the former Lakeshore Marine Corps in Silver Creek and the former Acquavia Post 1344.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked to tinker in his garage, ride his John Deere lawn tractor, watch the deer and the birds and even the squirrels. A member of Allegany Mountain Resort in East Otto, N.Y., he would camp there often. He enjoyed socializing with his family and friends and his fellow veterans. An all around nice guy who stood firm by his own values and who would help anyone in need out of kindness alone; He never expected repayment, a selfless heart.

Survivors include his wife, Becky J. (Ceranowicz) Addington, whom he married Aug. 15, 1987; one son, James Addington of Dunkirk; one daughter, Lori Franklin of Salamanca; his grandson, Hendrick Franklin; brother, Jay (late Valerie) Addington of Delta, Colorado; sister-in-law, Elaine Addington of Oviedo, Florida; brother-in-law, Ed Fierro of Reno, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Roy S. Addington; and one sister, Lorraine Fierro.

Full military honors and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.