Edward W. Fluent

Mr. Edward W. Fluent, 88, of Salamanca, NY died Thursday morning, November 24, 2016 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY following a short illness.

Born December 8, 1927 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Oliver and Artinsie Warner Fluent. He was married in Salamanca to the former Gertrude “Gert” Brahaney, who predeceased him on July 31, 2003.

Mr. Fluent was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II aboard the USS Cunituck AV7.

He had been self-employed as a carpenter for over twenty years. He had also been employed at York Merritt in Ellicottville, Holimont as Maintenance Supervisor, the former Fancher Furniture Company in Salamanca, Benchley Construction in Dunkirk, and was a diesel and auto mechanic.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, building models, and was an avid bowler. He played softball in his younger years.

Mr. Fluent was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, serving on the Board of Directors, and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535.

Surviving are: two daughters, Diane (David) Schwartz, Sumter, SC, Cynthia (Robert) Tucker, Fayetteville, NC; five sons, James (Dawn) Fluent, Phoenix, AZ, Timothy (Beverly) Fluent, Richmond Hill, GA, Daniel (Sally) Fluent, Lyndon, NY, Kevin (Teresa) Fluent, Brocton, NY, Richard (Bonnie) Fluent, Salamanca, NY; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles Fluent, Orange Park, FL, Donald (Paula) Fluent, Hemet, CA; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Brahaney.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York with Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Honor Flights of Buffalo, PO Box 426, Clarence, NY 14031.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.