David F. Clauss

Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Bishop Neumann High School and Niagara University, then served in the Army, attaining the rank of first lieutenant and leading a platoon that guarded the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.

Returning from service, he joined E. T. Clauss&Co., an independent insurance agency founded by his father on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. He retired about 10 years ago.

An avid sailor, Mr. Clauss was a member of the Youngstown Yacht Club and the Buffalo Yacht Club and took great pleasure in exploring foreign waters in the Caribbean and elsewhere. He also was known for his long, slow bicycle tours, which were lengthened by his many stops to talk with people he met along the way.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, the former Patricia Malecki; five sons, Warren, Kurt, Ronald, Karl and Andrew; two daughters, Susan Warrington and Gretchen Cavatassi; a brother, James; and two sisters, Sister Audrey and Dr. Anne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. Monday in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 200 St. Gregory Court at Maple Road, Amherst.