Ernest H. Rau Jr.

Ernest H. Rau Jr., age 91, of Porter Hollow Road, Great Valley, New York died Friday morning, September 14, 2012 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York following a short illness.

Born on December 26, 1920 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late Ernest & Anna Miller Rau Sr. He was married in Daytona Beach, Florida on March 28, 1989 to Diana Hartwell Rau who survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII.

Mr. Rau was a builder, an artist/sculptor, and sportsman.

He was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed sculpting, hunting, fishing and building.

Surviving besides his wife are: 2 sons, William P. Warner, West Palm Beach, Florida, Ernest Rau III, Nassau, New York; 3 daughters, Melanie Hinatsu, New York City, New York, Stephanie (Nick) Santaquilani, Crown Point, Indiana, Christina (James) Horn, Qatar; 9 grandchildren including Ernest H. Rau IV and Jacob Rau; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; 2 cousins, Douglas (Katherine) Rau, Salamanca, New York and William Rau, Porter Hollow, Great Valley, New York.

He was predeceased by a brother, Dean Rau and a sister, Marion Rau.

Memorial visitation will be held in the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 2-4 P.M. at which time a memorial service will be held with Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, officiating.

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

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the National Rifle Association.

E mails can be sent to john @orourke-orourke.com