OXFORD – Leon Kramnich, 93, of Oxford, NY, passed away on August 8, 2013 at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. He was born on April 20, 1920 in Kingston, PA, a son of the late William and Ludicka (Majewski) Kramnich.
Leon is survived by his daughter, Donna (Kramnich) Merlino and her husband, John, of Smyrna, NY; his son, Lynn Kramnich and his wife, Tyra Oliver, of Norwich, NY; his step-daughter, Elizabeth Pinney, of Sherburne, NY; and his sister, Josephine Robinson, of Gloversville, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adam and Dianna Merlino, Michelle Merlino and her partner, John Raffaele, Jonathan and Katie Oliver, and Nicole and Shane Viera. Nine step-grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth, in 1975 and his second wife, Edith St. Thomas, of Gloversville, NY, in 2012. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Peter, John, William and Bernard; his sisters, Frances and Helen; and two step-sons, Clarence and William.
Leon graduated from Oxford Academy and Central School in 1938. On November 6, 1951 he married Elizabeth Zupevec and they lived on the family farm in South Oxford with his sister, Josephine, until 1969. Leon grew up on the farm, went to school in a one-room school house near the farm that he eventually renovated and turned into the family home. He was most proud of the fact that he was a “hill farmer” and enjoyed working the farm. The family lost the barn and house to a fire in 1961 and later built a new barn in 1969 that was the most modern for the time. After selling the farm in 1969, Leon went to work for a short time at the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. He then went to the New York State Veteran’s Home and worked as a security guard for many years, while stilling living at the family home in South Oxford. He always enjoyed working with his hands, doing wood working and small wood crafts. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care and support.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, August 12, 2013 at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, NY with the Rev. Ralph Bove officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the Behe Funeral Home until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Fire Department and Emergency Squad, PO Box 570, Oxford, NY 13830. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.