Obituary of Lawrence E. Szala

Lawrence “Larry” E. Szala, 68, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2018. Born in Amsterdam, NY he was the son of the late Mac and Dolores (Niski) Szala. Larry was a 1968 graduate of Wilber Lynch High School and went on to continue his education at Hudson Valley Community College obtaining a degree in Mechanical Technology. He married his beloved wife Deborah A. (Trainosky) Szala on October 17, 1971 at St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam. Larry worked for 41 years for GE Global Research Center and retired on April 1, 2011. During his work there, he obtained 41 patents. Larry enjoyed golfing at the VanPatten Golf Course and traveling to Ft. Myers, Florida and Aruba.  He was a faithful member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville and the GE Quarter Century Club. He was a craftsman and enjoyed making things for his family and friends. Above all, Larry loved his family and cherished his time spent with them.

In addition to his wife Deborah Szala of Glenville, Larry is survived by his daughter Nicole Szala of Scotia and his son Christopher Szala of Glenville. Additionally, his brother Timothy Szala of Amsterdam, brother in law Michael Downey of Rensselaer, uncle Edward “ Babe” Niski of Amsterdam, nephew Brian (Stacey) Downey and niece Kristen (Sylvio) Mantello survive. Also surviving are several other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Larry was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Joan Downey.

Calling hours for Larry will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13,2018 at 10am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville. Entombment will be private at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery in Amsterdam, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be made to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 400 Saratoga Rd, Scotia, NY 12302, St. Peter's ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205, City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street Schenectady, NY 12305 or to the Animal Protective Foundation. 53 Maple Ave Scotia, NY 12302. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com