Henry K. Leworthy Jr.
Henry K. Leworthy Jr.
Henry K Leworthy Jr., 98, of Sarasota FL died Friday (Dec. 1, 2023) at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
A longtime resident of the Fredonia area, he was born in Dunkirk on October 20, 1925, to Henry K. and B Ruth (Johnson) Leworthy. A US Navy veteran of World War II, he served three years in the south Atlantic as a radioman. After the war, he took over the family carnival business, traveling the east coast, Western New York, and Pennsylvania. It was at Dunkirk fair where he met his wife of 60 plus years Estell Fowler.
He served as secretary manager of the fairgrounds in Dunkirk from 59′ to 63′, and then again from 73′ to 90′. As a member of the board of directors, he helped coordinate improvements at the fairgrounds, adding 11 new buildings, as well as a new grandstand.
On the state level, he worked his way up the chairs to serve as president of the New York State Association of Fairs. He was voted the first “fair manager of the year” by a group of his state peers.
A member of Local 66 of the Carpenter Union. He spent his career in construction building houses, Thruway bridges, and in the buildup of the college.
He had a true passion for the outdoors. As an avid Hunter he traveled the globe, visiting every continent except Antarctica. He received many awards for his prize trophies, but his greatest joy was sharing these experiences with his friends and family. A woodworking craftsman, he also loved hand carving decoys, building bluebird houses, and wood duck boxes.
He was a member of the Lakeside Club of Dunkirk, Fredonia American Legion Post 59, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International.
He is survived by one son Henry J. (Darlene) Leworthy of Dunkirk; grandchildren, James H. Leworthy, and Michael E. (Dana) Leworthy of Sarasota, and two great-grandchildren, Finnley and Michael H. Leworthy
He was preceded in death by his wife, Estell (Fowler) Leworthy, and one brother Wilber L. Leworthy of Dunkirk.
Memorial contributions can be made at Chautauqua County Fair endowment fund. PO Box 191, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Friends and relatives can call at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home on Central Ave, (2pm-4pm) and (7pm-9pm) Friday, December 8. The funeral service and burial will take place on Saturday, December 9, at 10am at the funeral home. Rev. Holly Clark-Porter will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia.