Obituary of Paul Francis Layer

Paul Francis Layer went to his eternal home on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Born in Lockport on May 19, 1931, Paul was the eldest son of the late Paul and Cornelia Layer. Paul served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War and recently received the Ambassador for Peace Medal for his service. After attending Erie County Technical Institute, he became a Project Manager with Linde-Union Carbide in Tonawanda. On May 3, 1958, Paul married Loretta Szur; they made their home in Pendleton and raised five children. Paul was an active member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Lockport, singing in the choir for over fifty years. He was also a member of the Marine Corps League, the Lockport Navy Marine Club, and the Pendleton Historical Society. He served on the Starpoint Board of Education, the Bear Ridge Cemetery Association, as Navy Marine Club treasurer, as a literacy volunteer, and as a Wendelville volunteer firefighter. Paul enjoyed painting, gardening, woodworking, and singing. Paul was predeceased by his son Jeffery and wife Loretta. He is survived by four children—Paul (Corrie) Layer, Jr., Michelle (Greg) Rahal, Loretta (Karl) Frankovitch, and Peter (Kirsten) Layer—as well as eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Friends may call on Friday, December 15th from 4-7 PM at LANGE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 186 East Ave., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 5442 Tonawanda Creek Rd, N., North Tonawanda, NY. Burial will follow at Bear Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Good Shepherd Catholic Church or the VFW.