Eli Charles LaMendola, 67 of Batavia. Died April 24, 2011 at Lake Shore Health Center in Irving, NY after a long battle with the physical effects of Agent Orange exposure while on active duty during the Vietnam War. Born July 22, 1943 in Hamtramck, Michigan. He is son of the late Charles (Mariangela Castronova) LaMendola. Mr. LaMendola was employed by the Internal Revenue Service in Latham NY and returned to work for the Batavia Newspapers until he retired in 2010. He was a 1962 graduate of Notre Dame High School; he studied Business Administration and Accounting graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Armstrong University in Berkley CA. He was a Vietnam Army Veteran earning the Army commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, served with the 25th Infantry Division and he was proud to be a member of the Tropic Lightning Association. Eli loved to read, bicycle and he was a true conservationist; Eli was involved in preserving the environment and he frequently encouraged others to be aware of the earth’s limited resources. He was a quiet person who got along well with everyone and he rescued and cared for his longtime pet cat Brownie.
He is survived by his brothers Peter J. (Patricia) LaMendola of Olean NY, and Charles M. (Jacquelyn) LaMendola of Barneveld, NY. Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday April 28, 2011 from 9 to 11 AM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia New York 14020. Funeral services will follow calling hours at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Interment in Grand View Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Creamation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
