Charles Erler

of Amherst passed away on November 27, 2009 at age 88 after a brief battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Betty and granddaughter Kelly Rae Salsberry. Survived by his children US Navy MCPO (Retired) Charles A. Jr. "Chuck" (Kathy) Erler, Diane (Randy) Hill, Linda (Terry LoConte) Salamanchuk, and Darlene Erler (George) Poegl; brother Edward "Ed" Erler (June); grandson US Army 2LT Christopher (Federica) Erler; great grandsons Adam, Noah, Caleb Erler, and Colin Salsberry. Charlie was a US Army veteran of WWII. He served with the 733rd Railway Operating Battalion. In 1987, he retired after working more than 45 years of service with New York Central, Penn Central, and Conrail Railroads. Charlie was a charter member of the National Railway Historical Society - Niagara Frontier Chapter, WNY Railway Historical Society, New York Central System Historical Society, and the Lake Erie Region Antique Automobile Club of America. Charlie will also be remembered for his love of antique automobiles, which included spending many hours on the restoration of a 1917 Stanley Steamer he completed with his brother Ed. He also enjoyed spending time as a home shop machinist. Charlie and a group of his friends would gather weekly at the Amtrak Station in Depew, NY spending hours talking as they watched the trains go by. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Buffalo. Also a special "Thank you" to Charlie's friends for their love and support during the past few weeks.