Bernard R. "Barney" Lanz

1928 - 2017

VERNON CENTER >> Bernard R. ""Barney"" Lanz Sr., age 88, a lifelong resident of Vernon Center passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2017 in the Oneida Healthcare Center after being stricken ill at home.

He was born in Vernon Center on July 14, 1928, a son of the late Ernest and Agnes (Mackey) Lanz and attended local schools.

On Oct. 9, 1948, Barney and Demetria ""Dede"" Brown were united in marriage and have shared this loving union of 68 years together.

He was a longtime dairy farmer in Vernon Center prior to owning and operating Lanz Gravel. Eventually Barney and his two sons, Chip and Rick, began Lanz Construction, where he still kept active up until the day of his death.

He was a lifetime member of the Holy Family Church of Vernon where he served as an usher for many years.

Barney has always enjoyed racing and watching NASCAR. In the 1960s he was a co-sponsor of a racecar on the local circuits. In the 1970s, he shared his love of racing with his son Chip, by sponsoring and co-owning his car.

His pickup truck could always be seen at a local coffee shop every morning at the same time and at Apple Betty diner everyday at noon. He often ventured down the road to the local heavy truck repair shop to complete his rounds. The coffee and food were good, but Barney enjoyed the people and the visits most.

Surviving are his beloved wife, ""Dede"" Lanz; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Chip and Pat Lanz and Rick and Lori Lanz, all of Vernon Center; grandchildren, Amber (Travis) Herzog, Ryan (Dorothy) Lanz, Richard Lanz Jr., Joshua Lanz and Jessica Lanz; great-grandchildren, Ashton and Carter Herzog and Alistair Lanz and several nieces and nephews.

Barney was predeceased by an infant daughter and three sisters, June Young, Sally Wright and Helen Fear.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 from 2-5 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front St., Vernon, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, Peterboro Street, Vernon, N.Y. Burial will be in St. Helena's Cemetery, Oneida, N.Y. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Vernon Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 773, Vernon, N.Y. 13476 or Holy Family Church, 4343 Peterboro St., Vernon, N.Y. 13476.

Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com.