Henry J. Gdula, 84, a resident of Tanglewood/Memory Gardens in Jamestown, died March 8, 2005 at WCA Hospital in Jamestown.
     Mr. Gdula worked as a loftsman and loftsman inspector for Curtis Wright in Buffalo in his earlier years. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II in the field of aircraft engine mechanics. He was honorably discharged Nov. 12, 1946 at Williams Field, Chandler, AZ.
     In the late 1940s, he began his career at the American Locomotive Company in Dunkirk. He was instrumental in forming a clerical and management union at Alco and was later promoted to management, remaining personnel director at the plant until its closing. Mr. Gdula also worked for the Civil Service Employees Association as the Western New York representative.
     His career included several years with the Buffalo Board of Education where he represented management. He served as chief negotiator and security for the board of education for nine years.
     Upon retiring from the board of education, Mr. Gdula then worked for more than 10 years as director of the State Division of Veterans Affairs, serving the Jamestown, Mayville and Dunkirk areas. An advocate for benefits and services for veterans, he took great interest in listening to fellow veterans’ problems and speaking on their behalf in all aspects of the benefit programs.
     Mr. Gdula was active in the Silver Creek community. He was an avid supporter of the village and its services. Over the years, he had been a civic volunteer and had become very active in local politics. He served many years as building code enforcement officer.
     He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where he had been one of the first lectors and later served as a Eucharistic minister.
     He was the husband of the late Jean (Izydorczak) Miller; father of Carolyn Keddie of Holly Springs, NC and Debora Gibbens of Forestville; and brother of the late Anna and Florian; also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
     Arrangements were by the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel Inc., Silver Creek.