Helmer A.

Lantz

Helmer A. (Lefty) Lantz, 82, a resident of Elm Street, Bennington, Vt., died December 31 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was the father of Mary Novia of Newtown.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., August 21, 1917, he was the son of the late Frederick and Klara (Magnuson) Lantz. He received his education and was a graduate of Bennington High School Class of 1934. He was a World War II United States Navy veteran, having served from 1941 to 1945. He married the former Mary Agnes Gasso September 24, 1955 in Maryland. Mrs Lantz died June 9, 1997.

For 27 years Mr Lantz was a bus driver in Bridgeport. He later worked for the State of Connecticut until his retirement. Mr and Mrs Lantz returned to Bennington, where they made their home since 1984. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1332, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1861 and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #1332. He enjoyed playing cards and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

He is also survived by his children, Sandra Lee Finnegan of Cape Cod, Mass., Daniel Lantz of Pownal, Vt., Christopher Lantz of Bennington, Vt., Nora Lantz of West Haven, and Thomas Lantz of Cambridge, N.Y.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and close friends, Donald Sumner and Simone Chaloux, both of Bennington. He was predeceased by a brother, Eric Lantz, who died February 15, 1999.

A prayer service was held from the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, January 5, followed by the committal service in the family lot in White Chapel Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Mr Lantz may be made to the Vermont Veterans Home Activities Fund through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

The Newtown Bee         January 7, 2000