Bernard George Patz, 6 months (1905) (Click to enlarge, 29K)

Bernard attended Saint Matthew's School up through 8th grade. He then went to work at the jewelry trade. He couldn't, however, stand the inside work, and so he went as an apprentice bricklayer for his Uncle Barney Rebescher. In May, 1922, Bernard become a journeyman bricklayer.

When Bernard was confirmed, his sponsor was August Schlee. Bernard was often called "Whitey" because of his white hair and complexion. In later years, he was simply called "Ben."

In 1931, during the Depression, Bernard dropped his union card and went to work for Melvin Rupp. Later, he was employed by Otis Elevator Company. In May, 1939, Bernard rejoined the union and went back to bricklaying until he retired in August, 1970, with over 50 years in the trade when he took his social security.

Maryann Clara (née Schimley), Lorissa Barbara, William Anthony, and Oscar William Lander. No date. (Click to enlarge, 45K)

Barbara Lorissa Lander, the daughter of Oscar William Lander and Maryann Clara (née Schimley) Lander, was born on February 9, 1906, at 65 Spruce Street in Buffalo, New York. She weighed only 3 lbs at birth and for some time was carried around on a pillow. In later life, she went by the name "Lorissa."

Lorissa was baptized at Seven Dolors Church on Genesee Street, and her godparents were Anthony and Teckla Schimley. Lorissa made her first communion there on June 11, 1914. She was confirmed and graduated 8th grade from Saint Frances de Sales Church on Northland and Humboldt Parkway in June 11, 1921. There were three boys and nine girls in her class.

Lorissa was born with what they called then "a lazy eye." At about 3 years old, her parents had the left eye operated on to straightened it out. Later in life, one could tell when she was tired because her eye used to wander to the left and up

Lorissa quit Masden High School in the 3rd year and went to Chown Business School and then worked for various businesses in the city. A favorite passtime of hers was ice skating in Humboldt Park and going to the movie house named the "Sylvia" with her lifetime girl friend Ruth Haggerty.

Sometime in 1926, she went out on a date with a Bernard George Patz and then didn't hear from him for two years. When he called in early 1928, they started dating. Lorissa was given a ring on Christmas, 1928, and they married on February 9, 1929. Bernard and Lorissa had planned on waiting until April 26, 1929 (her parents' 25th wedding anniversary), but they decided that they did not want to wait until after Lent (which was to start on February 10, 1929).

Bernard and Lorissa were parents to one daughter and five sons (one of whom died in infancy).

A map to the gravesite is available here.

• Birth Certificate: Bernard George Patz, September 16, 1904, Buffalo, NY.

• Baptismal Record: Bernard George Patz, born September 16, 1904. Baptized as "Bernard Antony Patz" on September 25, 1904, at Saint Boniface R.C. Church, 124 Locust Street, Buffalo, NY. Sponsors were Frank and Julia (née Schlee) Schwert.

• 1910 Census Record: 1910 U.S. Census record for Oscar and Mary (née Schimley) Lander, and family.

• 1920 Census Record: 1920 U.S. Census record for Oscar and Mary (née Schimley) Lander, and family.

• Marriage Record: Bernard George Patz and Barbara Lorissa Lander, February 9, 1929, Saint Francis de Sales R.C. Church, Buffalo, NY.

• Marriage Announcement: Bernard George Patz and Barbara Lorissa Lander, newspaper announcement. Shown also are cards that Lorissa kept from gifts.

• Family Notes: Life of Bernard George Patz, as written by Lorissa (née Lander) Patz.

• Family Notes: Life of Barbara Lorissa (née Lander) Patz: notes written by Lorissa on her early years and married life.

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• Union Badge: Union steward badge worn by Bernard George Patz while bricklaying in Local #45, Buffalo, NY.

• Death Certificate: Bernard George Patz, died July 26, 1984.

• Obituary: Bernard George Patz, died July 26, 1984.

• Mass Card: Bernard George Patz, died July 26, 1984. Funeral at Most Precious Blood R.C. Church, Angola, NY, July 28, 1984.

• Death Certificate: Barbara Lorissa (née Lander) Patz, died June 9, 1985.

• Obituary: Lorissa (née Lander) Patz, died June 9, 1985.

• Mass Card: Lorissa (née Lander) Patz, born February 22, 1906, died June 9, 1985. Funeral at Most Precious Blood R.C. Church, Angola, NY, June 11, 1985.