Obituary of Stuart J. Volan

Stuart J. Volan, 88, formerly of Monticello Drive, Syracuse, New York died Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at Van Duyn Home & Hospital, Onondaga Hill, New York. Stuart was born August 25, 1917 in Syracuse, the son of Max and Helen (Hogan) Volan. He was a 1935 graduate of Central Tech High School and was a dance instructor for many years before he entered the Marines at the start of World War II. He fought on Guadicanal with the First Marine Division. He was a Sergeant and was highly decorated for his courage and leadership while in the South Pacific. He has many citations and medals for valor, including two Silver Stars, the "George" Medal, the "Presidential" Citation For Valor, the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal and others. He met his beloved wife, Daphne Mercer, while recuperating from injuries in a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. It was there that they married and had their first child, Judith. Stuart was the first Marine to marry an Australian during WW II. He returned to Syracuse with his new bride and daughter to raise his family and work for 33 years at Roy's Furniture Co. until his retirement in 1982. He was well known in "The Valley" for his whistling while on long walks through the neighborhood. He was preceded in death by his wife Daphne in 1996, two daughters, Judith A. Purtle and Deborah J. O'Grady; a granddaughter, Stephanie Volan in 1991. Stuart is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stuart Jr. (Elizabeth) Volan of Marcellus, New York; two daughters and sons-in-law, Victoria (Larry) Zaleppa of Onondaga Hill, New York and Martha (Bill) Heinekamp of Marcellus, New York; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Graveside Service with Marine Corps Military Honors: Friday, February 24, 2006, 10:00 a.m. at Onondaga Valley Cemetery, 2500 Valley Drive, Syracuse, New York. Calling Hours: Thursday, February 23, 2006, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. Contributions: Please make to "The Stephanie Volan Memorial Scholarship Fund" c/o William Smith College, Geneva, New York 14456