Obituary of Leslie G. Ball Jr.

Les 'Budd' Ball passed away peacefully August 14, at St. Camillus nursing home. He was a proud Solvay family man and community resident for 70 years. He was 96. Born in Bridgeport, CT, he spent his youth in Utica, NY where he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Budd became a gunnery sergeant in charge of 16 men who fought in the Big Red 1 of which he was always extremely proud. He received a unit citation from president Harry Truman for capturing the most German prisoners and received 4 bronze battle stars for battles in Northern Africa, and Europe, as well as the purple heart for battle wounds received in Sicily. While convalescing, his 5th bronze battle star would have been the Normandy Invasion where his 16 men of the gun crew were all killed fighting for freedom. He has carried the memory of his comrades in his heart all of his life. He later received The New York State Conspicuous Service Medal. Budd was a life member of the Solvay Geddes Veterans and the DAV Coonley-Nojaim Chapter 30. He retired after 36 years of service as a foreman with Carrier Corporation. He loved spending time with family and was an avid jazz and big band enthusiast as well as a Red Wings hockey fan and followed both sons during their hockey years and band years while growing up. In retirement he loved growing roses, drawing, billiards, golf and model railroading. He will be greatly missed. Budd was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Pasqualina (Peggy); his parents; sister, Virginia Schepp of Stratford, CT; as well as his grandson, Marc L. Ball. Survivors: his sons, Les (Carol) of Solvay and John of Florida; grandchildren, Chris of Solvay, Jennifer (Sean) of Saratoga and Michelle (Zach) of Cohoes; great grandchildren, Guiliannna and Landon as well as several nieces and nephews. Services: 12 pm Friday at Tindall Funeral Home where a prayer service will be conducted by Fr. Joseph Clemente. The Rite of Committal with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum, DeWitt. A calling hour will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday prior to the service at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or The Marc Ball Scholarship Memorial Fund, 1113 Third St., Solvay, NY 13209.