Obituary of Anthony Achzet

Anthony Tony Achzet, 86, of Gloversville passed away on Sunday, July 6th surrounded by loved ones, following a long illness. Born on May 7, 1922 in Sammonsville, NY, he was the son of Joseph and Irena Moore Achzet. He attended both Sammonsville and Johnstown schools, while helping the family on their farm. He was of the Lutheran faith. From 1943 until 1945 Tony served his country in the Army during WWII, in the 8th Armored Division: Tank Battalion, as a tank mechanic. His tour of duty included the countries of England, France, Holland and Germany. He also participated in the Battle of the Bulge, as part of General Patton's 3rd Army. He received awards in 2001 from the French government and the NY State Liberation Award for his participation in liberating France at the end of the war. He was very proud of his service, sharing his WWII experience with others. Tony's love of anything mechanical started at an early age. He worked at various garages, including John C. Miller's of Johnstown. In September of 1961, he married Margaret Kimball. And after graduating from Exxon Dealer School in 1970, together opened Tony's Exxon Service Station, which was located at 283 East Fulton Street in Gloversville. He was known for his mechanical expertise: if it had a motor, he could fix it. He shared his mechanical talents with many local race teams, including the family's 81A, Rick Achzet's 3A and Tim Dwyer's 1A enjoying many victories and track championships. He was known as the Ford engine man. He was inducted into Fonda Speedway's Hall of Fame in 1997, for his fifty plus years of involvement in local auto racing. During his retirement, starting in 1983, he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, sharing his love of gardening with her. He grew a large garden each year and loved selling his produce and sharing stories with his customers. He was known for his joke telling and pleasant, gentle personality. He valued his friendships and would help anyone with anything they needed. Tony spent many a day rooting for his Yankees on television. He also treasured the companionship of many dogs and cats throughout the years. Tony was predeceased by brothers Russell and Charles. Survivors include: his wife of forty seven years, Margaret Kimball, son Gary Achzet of Caroga Lake, daughter Annette Achzet-Ltaif Rob of Gloversville, granddaughter Julie Ltaif attending SUNY Oneonta. Four sisters: Lillian Parker of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., Eleanor and Dorothy Achzet of Johnstown, and Nedra Freeman of Crown Point, Indiana. Seven brothers: Edgar Betty Achzet, Bernard MaryLou Achzet and Leland Patricia Achzet of Gloversville; Howard Peggy Achzet, Donald Achzet and Harold Vanessa Achzet of Johnstown and Douglas Florence Achzet of Mayfield; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 12 p.m. at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda with military honors. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tony's name to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave, Gloversville, NY 12078, the National Leukemia Society, 6 Automation Lane, Albany, NY 12205 or to the Fulton County SPCA, Stevers Mills Road, Broadalbin, NY 12025.