Obituary for Thomas M. Salzler
Thomas "Tom" M. Salzler of Springville, NY passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022 at his residence at the age of 76.
He was born November 13, 1945 in Springville, a son of the late Francis and Hilda (Smith) Salzler.
He was a member of the Springville Volunteer Fire Department for just over 50 years where he served as the Fire Chief and oversaw the start and completion of multiple projects for the department. He started with the Fire Company on March 1, 1972 and held the positions of first aid captain, lieutenant fire police, fire police captain, EMT, assistant chief and fire chief. He was also instrumental with the work at Fireman's Park and the Main Street fire hall, where he helped the fire company acquire engines one and two while serving as chief and had also worked all of the chicken barbecues and sportsman raffles.
In conjunction with his service in the Springville VFD, he served in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968 where he earned Airman of the Quarter (DAF Award Issued), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Small Arms Expert Award. Following his service in the US Air Force, he served as an NRA instructor for many years and was an active member in the Springville Field and Stream for several years. He was also a member of the Springville American Legion and the St. Aloysius Church.
In recent, Tom was most well known for his high level of expertise in pyrotechnics and had a passion for making community events more enjoyable by adding fireworks through his past company, Look Up Fireworks. He was extremely accomplished in many areas of expertise and a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community volunteer.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie (Barber) Salzler, whom he married March 2, 1975 in Springville; his step-son, David (Vicki Reding) Turner, Jr. of Panama City Beach, FL; siblings: Marie Blesy of Springville, Robert (Sue) Salzler of Arcade, Betty (Larry) Peplin of Arcade, Richard (Linda) Salzler of Arcade, Kathy (Dave) Savko of West Valley, and Paul (Ann) Salzler of Springville; grandchildren: William Liebel IV, Jordan Liebel, Damien Brown, and Ashley Turner; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Holden, and Hawk; as well as multiple nieces and nephews; close friends: Bob and Wendy Darling, Jim and Esther Jozwiak, and numerous other special friends close to Tom; and two dogs, Cosmo and Misty.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step-daughter, Leanne Liebel.
Friends may call on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 11am at the St. Aloysius Church, 190 Franklin St., Springville with Rev. Daniel Fawls officiating. Final interment will be held in the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Springville.
Memorials may be made online to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation or any other Veteran Charity. The listed charities have an online printable donation form for your convenience if you would like to mail in a donation rather than donate online through their websites.
He was born November 13, 1945 in Springville, a son of the late Francis and Hilda (Smith) Salzler.
He was a member of the Springville Volunteer Fire Department for just over 50 years where he served as the Fire Chief and oversaw the start and completion of multiple projects for the department. He started with the Fire Company on March 1, 1972 and held the positions of first aid captain, lieutenant fire police, fire police captain, EMT, assistant chief and fire chief. He was also instrumental with the work at Fireman's Park and the Main Street fire hall, where he helped the fire company acquire engines one and two while serving as chief and had also worked all of the chicken barbecues and sportsman raffles.
In conjunction with his service in the Springville VFD, he served in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968 where he earned Airman of the Quarter (DAF Award Issued), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Small Arms Expert Award. Following his service in the US Air Force, he served as an NRA instructor for many years and was an active member in the Springville Field and Stream for several years. He was also a member of the Springville American Legion and the St. Aloysius Church.
In recent, Tom was most well known for his high level of expertise in pyrotechnics and had a passion for making community events more enjoyable by adding fireworks through his past company, Look Up Fireworks. He was extremely accomplished in many areas of expertise and a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community volunteer.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie (Barber) Salzler, whom he married March 2, 1975 in Springville; his step-son, David (Vicki Reding) Turner, Jr. of Panama City Beach, FL; siblings: Marie Blesy of Springville, Robert (Sue) Salzler of Arcade, Betty (Larry) Peplin of Arcade, Richard (Linda) Salzler of Arcade, Kathy (Dave) Savko of West Valley, and Paul (Ann) Salzler of Springville; grandchildren: William Liebel IV, Jordan Liebel, Damien Brown, and Ashley Turner; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Holden, and Hawk; as well as multiple nieces and nephews; close friends: Bob and Wendy Darling, Jim and Esther Jozwiak, and numerous other special friends close to Tom; and two dogs, Cosmo and Misty.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step-daughter, Leanne Liebel.
Friends may call on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 11am at the St. Aloysius Church, 190 Franklin St., Springville with Rev. Daniel Fawls officiating. Final interment will be held in the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Springville.
Memorials may be made online to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation or any other Veteran Charity. The listed charities have an online printable donation form for your convenience if you would like to mail in a donation rather than donate online through their websites.