It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother Russell G Knox. Brother Knox put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 49 years as a Mason.
Freemasonry is carried forward by men who quietly give their time, their guidance, and their steady presence to the lodge. Brother Russell G. Knox was one of those men.
Brother Knox was born on October 13, 1933, and passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 92. For nearly fifty years, he was a committed and respected member of Blazing Star Lodge, where he played an important role in the life of the lodge and the development of many younger Masons.
His Masonic journey began in 1976. He was Initiated on October 12, Passed on November 9, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 23 of that same year. From the beginning, he embraced the responsibilities that come with being a Mason.
Brother Knox later served as Past Master of the lodge. His leadership reflected the kind of Mason he was: steady, dependable, and committed to the well-being of the Craft. Titles never defined him. What mattered most was the work itself and the brothers around him.
One of his greatest contributions was the time he gave to younger men entering the fraternity. Over the years, he helped guide many candidates through their degrees and into active participation in lodge life. He believed Masonry was something to live, not simply something to attend.
Outside the lodge, he also devoted himself to public service. Brother Knox served the community through the Buffalo Fire Department, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant. The same spirit of duty and care for others that defined his public service was also evident in his Masonic life.
He was also a member of Shriners International, continuing his involvement in the wider Masonic family and supporting its charitable work.
Every lodge has brothers whose presence quietly shapes its character over many years. Brother Knox was one of those men. He helped maintain the traditions of the lodge while encouraging new generations to carry the work forward.
Freemasonry often speaks of light being passed from one Mason to another. That light does not diminish when it is shared. Instead, it grows stronger with each generation that receives it and carries it onward.
Brother Russell G. Knox spent nearly five decades passing that light to others. The men he mentored, the brothers he served beside, and the lodge he helped strengthen will continue to reflect that influence for years to come.
He will be deeply missed and remembered with gratitude by the Brethren whose lives he touched.
Farewell, dear Brother. May the Great Architect welcome you into His eternal Lodge above. Until we meet again.
Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Brother Knox in this difficult time.
“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.
Old Timers’ Night is always a highlight at Blazing Star, and this year was no exception. Blazing Star Lodge welcomed several guests and returning Brothers, joining in the fellowship. The evening began with a short business meeting, dispensed with quickly so we could focus on what the night was really about, celebrating the legacy and the living tradition of our Lodge. Our newest Brothers took on their appointed roles for the first time and handled their duties with confidence. Once the business was wrapped, the Lodge opened its doors to family and friends. Worshipful Brother Breth, returning to the East, gave a playful demonstration of “The Power of the East,” calling on the Deacons to deliver handwritten notes to the Wardens. The notes were lighthearted jabs at the Buffalo Bills and Sabres lousy luck. WB Breth’s son and daughter then helped distribute traditional pens, personalized for the new Master. That led to a challenge to find the typo hidden on the pens. It did not take long for our new Chaplain, Brother Layman, to spot it; “Blazing Star Lodge #___”. The moment got a good laugh and reminded everyone that even in serious work, there is room for humor and humility.
As with every Old Timers’ Night, part of the tradition is taking time to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to the Craft over many years. These are not just men who joined long ago. They are men who stayed, who showed up, who carried the weight when it was needed, and who helped shape the Lodge into what it is today. This year, we had the honor of presenting a 50-Year Award to Worshipful Brother George Sleeper. He was the only milestone recipient present that evening, but he carried the moment with quiet dignity. WB Sleeper received his 50-Year Apron, certificate, and pin, symbols of a lifetime of commitment to Freemasonry and Blazing Star Lodge. Fifty years is not just a number. It is decades of meetings, degree work, mentorship, and steady presence. It is no small feat. Congratulations, Brother Sleeper. Your service has not gone unnoticed, and your example continues to guide those who follow.
Brothers not present who receive significant milestone pins and aprons. Br. Mark Bostaph – 5 years Br. Philip Hall – 15 years Br. Ronald Paskiewicz – 15 years Demit Br. Charles Brooks – 40 years Br. Dale Seibert – 40 years Br. Mark Ward – 45 years Wor. John Puckhaber – 50 years Wor. George B. Sleeper – 50 years Br. Penn Watson IV – 55 Years Br. George Holdridge – 55 years Wor. Charles Turner Jr. – 60 years!
It is my sad duty to report the passing of DSA Brother Andrew S. Egressy. Brother Egressy put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 10 years as a Mason.
Andrew S. Egressy August 10, 1937 – March 4, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of DSA Brother Andrew Egressy, who laid down the working tools of life on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 87, after 10 years as a Master Mason.
Shortly after affiliating with Blazing Star Lodge #694, he introduced a project born from a simple yet troubling realization—food pantries often struggled to obtain sliced bread, a staple in every home. What began as a modest effort soon grew into a remarkable mission. Over the years, he expanded the program significantly, enlisting the help of Brothers from Blazing Star and other Lodges from Erie, PA to Syracuse, NY. His tireless work ensured that food pantries throughout the region received much-needed bread. His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was contacted by a jelly manufacturer who began donating six to ten tons of jelly per year for distribution.
At the request of several Brothers and one specific Grand Lodge Brother, Blazing Star Lodge proudly nominated Brother Egressy for the Distinguished Service Award, an honor reserved for Masons who go above and beyond the usual high standard we as Masons all hold. It was a testament to his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and impact on the community.
Brother Egressy shaped our Lodge in many ways, most notably through his humility, kindness, and immediate friendship. Yet what truly set him apart was his compassion, his relentless drive, and his commitment to a cause that changed lives. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, in the Lodge he strengthened, and in the example he set for all of us. The work he began will live on through the Brothers of the Bread program, ensuring that food pantries continue to receive the support they need—a lasting testament to his vision, dedication, and generosity.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Brother Andy, your memory lives on in our hearts.
Our Brother was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 19, 2013. Passed to Fellowcraft on October 17, 2013, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 14, 2013. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on March 4, 2025, at the age of 87 and a Mason for 10 years. Our Brother worked the quarry for many years and leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you Brother for all of your contributions to Masonry and to the betterment of humanity. You can rest knowing your good works will live on for years to come.
Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Brother Egressy in this difficult time.
“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.
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