Obituary

[From the Warren Times Observer, May 18, 2009.]

Leonard L. (Len) Falbriski, 94, former fire chief of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, a resident of 16 Main Street, Clarendon, Pa. died Friday afternoon, May 15, 2009 at his residence.

He was born November 16, 1914 in Clarendon, to the late Waddick and Pauline Adamkavitz Falbriski resided his entire life in Clarendon. He attended school in Clarendon and Warren, graduating from Warren High School Class of 1934.

Leonard was employed at the former Warren Furniture and Tiona Refining Company, before working at Struthers Wells Corp., where he held several positions in the Accounting Dept. He left Struthers Wells in 1970 as Corporate Accounts Payable Manger after serving 34 years. He then worked two years as a life insurance salesman for Security Mutual of Binghamton, N.Y., and worked one year in construction, retiring in 1976.

Leonard joined the Clarendon Fire Dept. in 1934 and was elected Assistant Chief in 1942. He was elected Chief in 1944 and remained as Fire and Ambulance Chief until 1986. He remained a fireman and was on the active list for 71 years, and semiactive for the last few years.

While on active duty, he answered over 14,000 fire and emergency calls. He had an important role in organizing the Warren County Active Volunteer Firemen's Association. During the 50s and 60s, he helped install a countywide radio service for emergencies, and helped to organize Mutual Aid between Warren County's Fire Departments. He helped organize Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in 1968. He also helped three or four of the later fire departments in the county to organize. He served on Governor Laurence's Committee for Volunteer Fire Departments. He was appointed Forest Fire Warden in 1942 and was still serving as an active warden until his death.

Clarendon Fire Dept. equipment was updated throughout his tenure, and he was responsible for the design and construction of the present Clarendon Fire Station in 1973. Leonard was a great believer and promoter of volunteerism. One of his sayings which has become popular among volunteer groups is "If you can't help somebody, what good are you?" Leonard was responsible for the town clock above the Fire Dept. truck entrance. When he designed the building, he left a spot for the clock and when he retired as Chief in 1986, he took his gift of money from well wishers, along with his own donation, and purchased and installed the clock. It gives the accurate time and illuminates the area during the nighttime hours.

Leonard was involved in many projects in Clarendon such as renovation to the old school building and the present Allegheny Valley School building after it was destroyed by fire in 1993. He was involved in the construction of the two tank reservoirs for the fire hydrant system in Clarendon. He also participated in several other projects in Clarendon.

Leonard was a musician all his life, having his first dance band in high school, "Falby's Rhythm Rascals". He played in several bands, groups and combos throughout his whole life in different clubs and restaurants, and for special occasions. He started out as a violinist, then moved to banjo, guitar and drums. He played for years with the Ford Winner Trio and 16 years with Dave Kifer. He also was the vocalist for the groups.

Leonard was an avid golfer, winning many trophies. He was a member of the Maplehurst, Jackson Valley and Cable Hollow Golf Clubs. He was a member of St. Clara's Catholic Church in Clarendon, where he was a member of many church committees and the church choir, until it closed, then became a member of St. Anthony's Church in Saybrook.

He is survived by three daughters, Monica (James) Mann of Manchester, Mich., Joann (James) Bowen of Washington, Pa., Patricia (Paul) Pascuzzi of Clarendon; six grandchildren, Geoffrey Brooks of Irwin, Pa., Jessica Brooks of Comstock Park, Mich., Joseph Brooks of Manchester, Mich., Christopher and Nicholas Pascuzzi, both of Pittsburgh, Mari Pascuzzi of Clarendon; one greatgranddaughter, Brayia Brooks of Irwin, Pa.; several nieces and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Mary Louise Fiscus Falbriski, whom he married June 24, 1948, who died September 9, 1973; one sister, Julia Glasser