Louis J. Astafan, Sr. 1923 - 2015
Veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps
Mr. Louis J. Astafan, Sr., age 92, a lifelong resident of North Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side.
Born in Utica on September 24, 1923, Louis was the son of the late Scander and Marshe (Ferris) Astafan. He attended St. Francis DeSales School and graduated from Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Louis honorably served his country during World War II as a demolition expert and later worked with nuclear weapons. He worked at Griffiss Air Force Base from the end of the War until his retirement in 1978. His positions ranged from disposing of nuclear weapons to the position of Chief of Management and Supply at the time of his retirement. On February 9, 1947, he was united in marriage to the former Mae Bellamah, a union of 68 years. Mae, the love of his life, passed away on August 31, 2015.
As a loving patriarch, Louis focused on the most important thing in his life - his family. He was a best friend to his children and he loved to spend time with his sons who pursued the same interests as their father. Louis left his children with a beautiful legacy of how to treat those you love. Louis was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Post #229 in North Utica, the American Radio Relay League, and he was also a licensed Amateur Radio Operator/KE2PG. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church.