Frederick J. Brol

Fredrick J. Brol, 73, of Great Valley, NY died Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home following a long illness.

Born December 9, 1950 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Theresa Kalinowski Brol. He was married January 22, 1972 at the former St. Patrick’s Church in Salamanca to the former Donna Kenyon, who survives.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1969 and BOCES Class of 1970, where he started his long welding career.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, joining in October 1970 and continuing his welding career in both Virginia and Germany. He received an honorable discharge in October 1973.

After leaving the Army, he was employed with the former Clark Brothers, later Dresser Rand, as a welder until his retirement in February 2014.

Fred was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Knights of Columbus, the US Steel Workers Union, and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535. He enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing in creeks, lakes, and the ocean. He was an avid hunter and volunteered his Britney and experience to Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Hunting Program. He was among the early snowmobilers in the area, purchasing his first one in 1969, and was a member of several snowmobile clubs. He loved music, playing guitar and singing around a campfire. He enjoyed telling family history to the grandkids about life on the family farm, and he was proud to say it has been in the family for five generations so far.

Surviving besides his wife are: three children, TJ (Lynn) Brol, Franklinville, NY, Chris (Rhonda) Brol, Franklinville, NY, Stacey (Josh) Clayson, Great Valley, NY; six grandchildren, Ben Brol, Dom Breton, Norah Clayson, Drew Clayson, Evan Breton, and Cameron Clayson; two sisters, Judy (Dave) Quattrone, FL, Amy Evans, Olean, NY; sister-in-law, Kay Russell; brothers-in-law, Russell (Jean) Kenyon, Sheldon (Kim) Kenyon; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a grandson, Brayden.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Tuesday at 10:30am with Rev. Patrick Melfi as celebrant.

Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, NY.

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.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com.