Harold "Hap" Speers

AMHERST/Seneca Falls - Harold "Hap" Speers, died on Wednesday (May 26, 2010).
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday (May 28) at the Dietrich Funeral Home, Inc., 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst, where prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (May 29), followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Christ the King Church at 11 a.m.
Harold was born on December 16, 1917 in Seneca Falls, the son of Elwood Arthur Speers and Mary (Murphy) of Geneva and was a 1935 graduate of Geneva High School. He attended the University of Buffalo from 1948 to 1952.
Hap was a Sergeant in the National Guard and the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. Enlisted in the National Guard in 1940 with the famed 121st Calvary Regiment "Buffalo's Own" (Delevan Avenue Armory), unit later redesignated to the 102nd Anti Aircraft Artillery Bn., federalized by order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 1941. Participated in the Carolina War Games exercises in 1941. Late December, 1941 unit designated as reinforcements for Battan, Corregidor and the Philippines- unit diverted to Darwin, Australia early 1942 due to Japanese naval blockade and the fall of the Battan defense perimeter. Unit participated in the combat defense of the Darwin region against continuous attack by Japanese naval and army air forces. Unit participated in the New Guinea campaign included combat action in Oro Bay, Lae, Ramu, Valley and Finchhafen. Unit participated in the invasion of the Philippine Islands, including combat action on Leytem Mindoro and Luzon. Sgt. Speers was awarded numerous citations for his three and one half years of combat service overseas.
Hap was a Senior U.S. Treasury Agent from 1948 to 1980, Buffalo District. Recipient of the Gallatin Award for outstanding service to the Treasury Department. He participated in numerous high profile tax fraud investigations, including working closely with the CID and local law enforcement investigators. Charter Buffalo member of the National Treasury Employees Union, where he served there as treasurer.
He was the Administrator to the U.S. Veterans Administration, Batavia and Buffalo from 1946 to 1948.
Harold was a tax consultant in a private practice form 1980 to 2000, NYS licensed PA and CPA.
He was a life member of the American Legion (Lamn Post), Veterans of Foreign Wars (Spring Street Post, Williamsville/ 102nd BN Post), Disabled American Veterans and life member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity. Hap was a member of 50 years to Christ the King RC Paris, Snyder, Past President of the Holy Name Society, Member of the Ushers Club, counters Club, Wednesday and Thursday Golf leagues, and Catholic Charities and Parish Appeal team captain.
Harold was also a charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Buffalo Division #1, Treasurer of the Town of Amherst Democratic Committee from 1980 to 2000, a member of Broadway and Transit Lanes Monday and Friday senior bowling leagues, a lifetime avid supporter of Saint Bonaventure University and Canisius College and their athletic programs. He was deeply interested in and dedicated public service and the study of history
He was the beloved husband of Mildred "Bud" (Budimirovich) Speers; loving father of Craig Edward (Theresa) and Kimberly Ann Speers; grandfather of Brendan and Brian Speers; brother of Dorothy (the late Stuart) Korkow and the late First Lieutenant, Edward J. (Betty) Speers, USAAF, KIA 10/30/44); and he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Please visit www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com.