Edward J. Mohr

Edward J. Mohr of Salamanca, NY passed away on his 99th birthday, Tuesday evening, January 26, 2021 at the Pines Health & Rehab Center, Olean, NY following a short illness.

Born January 26, 1922 in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Edward and Irene Trumbul Mohr. He was married April 12, 1946 in St. Joseph's Church, Gowanda, to the former Rose Badurek, who predeceased him in 2012.

He attended Salamanca High School but dropped out to work and assist his family. He then joined the CCC and worked on the Erie Railroad as a jackhammer operator.

Ed was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps. He was shipped overseas to the Pacific Theatre October 3, 1943 and joined the 60th Depot Repair Squadron as a fuel cell repairman. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Sergeant Mohr was Salamanca’s oldest WWII veteran and received a citation this past Veteran’s Day from the Mayor and City Council.

Upon returning to Salamanca, he went back to work with the Erie Railroad. He then worked as a machine operator for the former Fancher Furniture Company, retiring as sanding department foreman in 1987 after 40 years. He also drove school bus for Salamanca for 9 years, retiring in 1998.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the former Holy Cross Church, where he served as an usher for 50 years. He was also a member of Salamanca Volunteer Fire Department Exempt, where he served as Secretary/Treasurer, was Chairman of Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board, City Fire Commissioner, Past President of Cattaraugus County Volunteer Fireman's Association, and a member of the 911 Committee in Cattaraugus County.

Ed is a 50+ year survivor of quintuple heart bypass surgery. After recuperation, he would visit area residents needing that surgery to explain the process and give encouragement.

He was a devoted father and a proud grandfather, and is survived by a daughter, Sharon Bailey, Olean, NY; a son, James Mohr, Bullhead City, AR; three grandchildren, Lisa (Corey) Schnell, Downingtown, PA, Jason (Tracy Legg) Bailey, Thompson Station, TN; a great-granddaughter, Addison Bailey, Thompson Station, TN; two sisters, Mary Zeznick, Salamanca, NY, Sue Skoken, Marshburg, PA; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Connie O’Brien, and four brothers, Leland Mohr, Victor Mohr, Donald Mohr, and Kenneth Mohr.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation.

Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery, Salamanca, NY on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 11am.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salamanca Ambulance/EMT Fund. E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.