Obituary of Louis F Lombardo

Louis F. Lombardo, 75, of 70 Westminster Dr. W.E. Jamestown, NY passed away Friday (June10, 2011) in the Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Buffalo, NY. A lifelong area resident he was born March 26, 1936 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Louis and Sainty DeFrancisco Lombardo. Lou was a 1954 graduate of Jamestown High School and graduated from Jamestown Community College with a degree in Human Services. He also attended the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo. He began his career in youth service on November 12, 1964 and devoted his career to youth work and was active in youth ministry until his retirement on April 2, 1999. He was employed by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo as the Associate Diocesan Youth Director for the Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany County Youth Department office serving the Catholic Youth Organization in the southern tier. He also served on the Juvenile Aide Bureau and the Probation Employment Program. Louis was the director of the Impact Retreat Program for the diocese for over 30 years and it was Louis that instituted the Chautauqua County Government Day and the Catholic Youth Mini Convention. He was a member of the Chautauqua County Youth Board for over 13 years serving as Chairman for 12 of those years. In 1980 Louis received and outstanding service to youth award from then County Executive Joseph Gerace. As far back as 1957, he was already a medal winner winning the National Catholic Youth Oratorical Contest in Washington, DC. Louis was an active member of the Holy Apostles Parish at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lakewood where he served as a Lector for many years. He was a former member of St. John Catholic Church, where he was distinct in being the first lector and a member of the original parish council. In 1976 and 1977 his work took him on a tour of nine United States Army bases in central Europe. Between 1990 and 1992 he coordinated the Ss. Peter & Paul high school religious education program. In 1981 he had been awarded the first Love Award after 20 years of service. This award was then named the Louis F. Lombardo Love Award to be given each year. He also held the Eagle of the Cross Award for outstanding service to the catholic youth of the diocese. Louis enjoyed fostering the development of youth potential, motivating young people and adults into involvement. He said in working with the youth, "Take time to pursue questions and explore the meaning of their faith". His philosophy was to take a kid where he's at, find out what he needs and wants and develop a program that fits around him. Surviving are his wife the former Rosemary F. Zeolle whom he married June 10, 1961 in St. John Roman Catholic Church, a son Christopher F. Lombardo of Seattle, WA, a daughter Rosemary F. Lombardo of Amherst, NY, three sisters Theresa Robichaud of Ambridge, PA, Marie Varandani of Yellow Springs, OH, Rosalie Stanko of Tiona, PA and by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Joseph X. Lombardo who died in 1994. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in Holy Apostles Parish at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. Francis Weldgen of Buffalo, NY, Rev. Msgr. Joseph M. Dowdell pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lakewood, NY, and Rev. Dennis W. Mende, pastor of Holy Apostles Parish will be celebrants. Burial will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led at 5:45 p.m. Monday. Memorial donations may be made to the Diocese of Buffalo, Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, 795 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14203