August A. Oetzel Jr., a lifelong area resident, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2011 in Hospice Care at Bon Secours in Port Jervis, NY. He was 85.

Son of the late August A. Oetzel, Sr. and Florence Stevens Oetzel, he was born on May 28, 1926 in Harriman, NY.

August was a retired mechanic for Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, NJ and a veteran of the US Navy serving during World War II.

He was a member of American Legion Mulligan-Eden Post 1573 in Harriman, Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067, Excelsior Sportsman’s Club of Eldred and was a former member of Harriman Engine Company #1.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Lupardo Oetzel of Eldred; son James A. Oetzel Sr. and wife Francesca of Dingmans Ferry, PA; daughter Anna Marie Coburn of Cincinnati, OH; brother Charles Oetzel of Chester, NY; four grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son, August A. Oetzel III; and brother Emerson Curtis.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 9 in the funeral home with Rev. Alon White officiating. Interment will follow in Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. www.hospiceoforange.com. Visit www.ssqfuneralhome.com.