Obituary of Arthur Macer JR

WESTFIELD - Arthur J. Macer, Jr., age 86, of Cass Street, formerly of Bank St., Westfield died Friday, February 29, 2008 at Absolut Care of Westfield, following an extended illness. Mr. Macer was born on March 10, 1921 in Westfield, NY the son of the late Arthur J. and Irma (Stebbins) Macer, Sr. A Westfield resident all his life, Arthur was a member of the 1939 graduating Class of Westfield Academy and attended the University of Ohio at Miami and Cornell University. He entered the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and earned the rank of 1st Lt. in the 45th Bomber Squadron / 40th Bomb Group, where he was a Lead Navigator and Bombardier on board the new B-29 Bombers. He flew over 52 missions in the Pacific, India-Burma and Air Offensive Japan theaters. He was awarded 4 Air Medals and 2 distinguished Flying Crosses. He became the Secretary for his Bomber Unit's reunion group and enjoyed attending the Reunion and keeping in touch with his many Army pals. Following the war, Art enjoyed a long standing career with Renold, Inc. of Westfield. He started in production, became Vice President of Engineered Products, and retired as President of North American Operations. Mr. Macer spent many years serving the Village of Westfield as a member of the Board of Public Utilities and as a member of the Village Board of Trustees. He had been a member of the Board of Directors of the Westfield Cemetery Association and served as President of the former Chautauqua County AAA. Art enjoyed Golf, walking, and playing softball in the Merchants League, Moose League and the Legion League. Mr. Macer was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Society of Westfield, the Mayville VFW, the John W. Rogers Post 327 American Legion of Westfield, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge # 118, the Westfield Fish and Game Club, where he was a former president and Summit Lodge #219 F & AM. Survivors include his two daughters, Bonnie (Dick) Lancaster of Westfield, NY, Valerie Macer of Buffalo, NY and his son, Robert (Sallie Tisdale) Macer of Portland, OR, as well as three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis (Todd) Macer, whom he married on August 16, 1946 and who died on June 25, 2006 and by his sister, Marjorie Bond. No calling hours will be observed. The time and date of the services to be held will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Westfield, 49 So. Portage St., Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral arrangements are by the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787.