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Demus, former Lewiston supervisor, dies

by jmaloni
Thu, Jan 9th 2014 05:30 pm

Richard F. Demus of Lewiston, a former town supervisor, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, in Mount St. Mary's Hospital.

Demus, the son of the late Mikolaj and Anna (Ratushny), was born in Duquesne, Pa., March 29, 1932. He graduated from Duquesne High School and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While there, he was in charge of building a school.

Demus moved to Lewiston in 1981, and worked for Union Carbide for more than 35 years. He traveled to South America for Union Carbide in an effort to build new plants. Demus retired as a supervisor of Union Carbide's Linde Division. 

In 1998, Demus served as supervisor in the Town of Lewiston. He served one term in this position, and later attended Town Council meetings as an interested citizen.

He was a member of St. Peter R.C. Church Holy Name Society and volunteered his time at Artpark, Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, the Lewiston Council on the Arts, and Niagara Hospice. Demus was a bridge director for duplicate bridge and enjoyed bowling, hunting and repairing things.

Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra (Potersnak) Demus; by a sister, Stephanie (late John) Smith; a sister-in-law, Betty Demus; and by many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Walter "Carl" Demus.

The family will be present Friday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Rhoney Funeral Home, 901 Cayuga St., Lewiston, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. at St. Peter R.C. Church, 620 Center St. Msgr. David G. LiPuma will officiate.

Speaking about Demus, "the Lewiston Democratic Committee is deeply saddened to hear about Richard's passing," said Diane M. Perri Roberts, committee chairwoman. "Richard and his wife, Sandy, have been members of the committee for an extended period of time, dating to before his tenure as Lewiston town supervisor. Richard was a hard-working committee member, and his insight will be missed. Our sympathy goes out to Sandy, and the community as well, because we have lost an individual with a high commitment to helping others."

Memorials may be made in Demus' name to Mount St. Mary's Hospital or to Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence.

Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest register.

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