Arthur J. Weits
Arthur J. Weits, 96, of Albion, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020 at his daughter’s home, under the loving care of his family. Art was born at home in Carlton on Sept. 6, 1923, a son of Frederick and Afina (Wallinga) Weits, who originally came from The Netherlands.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Albion, serving as elder and deacon, and on the building and grounds committee for over 73 years. He enjoyed working with fellow parishioners Ted Church, Dick Eddy, Donald Ross, Gordy Gardner, Dennis Kirby and Gary Plummer. He was also a former member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge for over 25 years.
In his early years of work, Art built fighter planes during World War II at Curtis Wright in Buffalo, and then moved on to working as a car mechanic for Jim Hubbell’s garage for many years. After leaving the garage, he worked for General Electric Co. for 23 years as a machinist. He received various citations and monetary awards for his innovative safety improvements on machinery and production of small appliances. After the G.E. plant closing, he went to work for Black & Decker until he retired in 1989. He was also a car mechanic for over 40 years.
Art enjoyed attending old car shows and steam engine shows. His love was traveling all over the U.S. with his wife, Arlene. They visited 43 states in various campers and a motorhome. They also traveled abroad to England and The Netherlands. Family was important to Art, especially being with his children and grandchildren at many family functions.
Mr. Weits was predeceased by his brother, Herman, in 1982; his son-in-law, Bruce Wright, in 2008; his wife of 60 years, Arlene, in 2012; and his son, John, in 2017.
Art is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Wright of Albion and Nancy (Ronald) Horth of Waterport; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Weits of Churchville; grandchildren, including Vicki (Bruce) London, Bruce K. (Angie) Wright, Jason (Karen) Horth, Katie (Peter) Smith, John (Tamie) Weits, Steven (Beth) Weits, and Christy Burda; great-grandchildren, Evan (Erin) London, Logan (Cam) London-Fowler, Cole London, Aaron (Kaitlyn) Wright, Brandon Wright, Leyton Horth, Farrah Horth, Myles Horth, Keira Faith Smith, John (Amy) Weits III, Cindy Weits, Kaylyn Weits, Braden Weits, Justine Burda, and Adam Burda; great-great-grandchildren, Elliott London, Eli London, Everett London, and two more little ones on the way; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Art’s funeral service will be held at Albion First Presbyterian Church, 29 E. State St., Albion, on Sat., Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Transit Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Albion Presbyterian Church, 29 E. State St., Albion NY 14411.
Art’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion. To share a special memory of Art, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
