Obituaries

Dec 04, 2024 at 10:30 am by Observer-Review


Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Dec. 4:

JOHN A. ALEXANDER, 95, of Penn Yan, Nov. 27, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
EUGENE A. HALL, 86, of Penn Yan, Nov. 26, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
WADE A. HAMMOND, 70, of Penn Yan, Nov. 10, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Nov. 27:

David Benjamin Boyd, 94, of Newtown, Pennsylvania was welcomed to eternal peace Nov. 21, 2024. He joins in Heaven his loving parents Benjamin Wakefield and Mary Helen O’Brien Boyd, his precious sister Mary Boyd Chabot, dear niece Marianne Chabot, dear nephew Edward Griffin, and many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 73 plus years, Gloria; their three children, daughter Gloria Long and her husband Jim of Penn Yan, son David E. Boyd of Penn Yan and daughter Kathleen McDermott and her husband William of Newtown, Pennsylvania; his sister Barbara Boyd Griffin and sister-in-law Ida Fitzpatrick; 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Brigit, Kelly, Tara, Kate, Grace, Jack, Ally, Sam, Michael, Rose and Brian; nine great-grandchildren, Christian, Sean, Isla, Thomas, Ruby, Turner, Mary, Regina and Vivian; as well as nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
Born in 1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey, David grew up in a large Irish Catholic family and forged lifelong friendships. He managed the challenges of a childhood during the Great Depression and WWII with faith, hard work and optimism. On Feb. 17, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart Gloria DelVecchio. Together they embraced the rich heritage mix of Irish and Italian cultures...“can’t beat the fun and the food of a great Gaelic and garlic family” was one of his favorite sayings. They built a strong and beautifully happy marriage centered around their close knit families and friends.
David had a successful career as a lead auto mechanic for Generator Exchange Company in Jersey City. He moved his growing young family from a city apartment to their first house in 1958. Living in Lyndhurst added to their circle of friends, while still enjoying Sunday dinners in Jersey City with their extended family almost every weekend.
Eventually his reputation was discovered by an executive of Ford Motor Company and in 1965 he accepted an offer that was strong enough to take him from his small Jersey City employer to the world of big business. His career with Ford took off immediately; as his winning combination of charm, expertise, good humor, and strong work ethic earned him awards and promotions. This new career path brought the family to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where they once again expanded their circle of lifelong friends. He and his wife enjoyed travel, volunteer work, vacations and eventually winters in St. Augustine, Florida.
He delighted in the arrival of each new grandchild and great-grandchild; taking them fishing, teaching them how to play the harmonica and the spoons, singing songs and celebrating all milestones with his wife and children. He took them on road trip adventures and there was always a summer vacation on the sandy beaches of New Jersey and then in waterfront cottages on Keuka Lake.
David was the personification of a truly good soul. He loved his family, his friends, and his life without reservation. Always a man with a generous and grateful heart, filled with a deep and sincere faith in God. The words “role model” aren’t quite strong enough to describe him. He was our North Star, guiding us as we grew, faced difficulties, celebrated joys and navigated our lives. A few years ago, we ran into one of his high school friends who said: “Everyone who knows him, loves him. No one has ever said a bad word against Davey Boyd. He walks with God.”
He was blessed with a lifetime of kindness, music, laughter and love. He will be missed beyond measure. We are filled with heartbreak and loss, as well as profound gratitude that he is in God’s loving embrace.
Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road, Richboro, Pennsylvania and again Monday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania. A funeral mass will follow directly. Internment will take place at Newtown Cemetery, Newtown, Pennsylvania. Memorials may be given to St. Michael School, 214 Keuka St., Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Never ending gratitude and love to Ana for her extraordinary care and kindness to David throughout his months in hospice.
 
Carol Ann Givin, 71, of Ithaca passed away Oct. 23, 2024.
She was born in Corning, the daughter of Walter and Freda (Rouse) Comstock. She is survived by her husband, Stephen L. Givin; three daughters, Jennifer Johnson, Erin Givin and Ty Givin; also, brothers and sisters, Chuck Comstock, Sandra Chilsen, Deb (Michael) O’Dell, Martha (Howard) Slifkin and Mark (Tracy) Comstock; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Carol worked at Ithaca College, Park Communications, and National Cash Register as an office assistant.
A private celebration to remember her life will be held at the convenience of the family. 
You may express a condolence or leave a memory of Carol’s family in her obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. Arrangements with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
 
Frances Pauline Laughlin, 87, passed away Oct. 13, 2024 at her home in Dundalk, Maryland.
Frances was born May 27, 1937 in Montour Falls to Violet and Benjamin Laughlin. She was predeceased by her daughter Lynne Cooper and brothers Wesley and Benjamin.  Frances was known for her kindness and humor, and she made a lasting impact on all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lee Anne and Thomas D’Alleva, her son Basil Blank, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many loving cousins and friends including Irene Crout, Lana Epstein, James Chu, and his daughter June Chu. Frances will be dearly missed by friends, family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Frances had a passion for travel and cherished memories of her many trips to China, Japan and Sicily, as well as sailing excursions with family in the Chesapeake and British Virgin Islands.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a random act of kindness in memory of Frances.
 
Robert John Moore, 59, of Dundee passed away Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 at home with his wife by his side.
Honoring “Bob’s” wishes there will be no formal calling hours or funeral. Family and friends are invited to Celebrate His Life at the Watkins Glen Community Center, 155 S. Clute Park Dr., Watkins Glen, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a tribute and time for sharing memories and stories at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Dundee Sports Boosters, 649 Shannon Corners Road, Dundee, NY 14837.
“Bobby” was born July 30, 1965 in Montour Falls, son of the late Franklin A. and Josephine A. (Dlugosh) Moore. He graduated from Dundee Central School and Wayne Finger Lakes Area Vocational School with retail/marketing/management degree in 1984.  He started his own business, Moore Jobs, after graduation. He did various jobs in the community from selling firewood, to moving jobs all over the United States. He was known for how he could pack stuff in his moving truck. Not one empty space could be found. He was employed by Cargill Salt Inc. for 26 years, retiring in 2021.
Bob and his wife Shelly have lived their whole life in Dundee. He loved to hunt, fish, trap, travel, snowmobile and ride his Harley Street Glide. Bob was given the name “Smoke” by his fellow Turner (bear) Camp brothers. Only they know the background of this, which he took with him. He was well known throughout our community. His main joy was always helping others. He also received awards from OTR (Our Town Rocks) for Good Citizenship and honors from Cargill and Watkins Glen Ambulance for administering CPR on the job saving a fellow employee’s life, which was a very proud moment for him.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shelly Lynn (Brace) Moore; son, Blaine (Bridget) Moore of Syracuse; daughter, Alysen Moore of Dundee and three grandsons; two brothers, James (Nancy) Moore of Clifton Springs and Charles (Beth) Moore of South Carolina; two sisters, Susan Glover of Florida and Sally Moore of Painted Post; too many to list but he loved them all, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as brothers and sisters from another mother; mothers and fathers who had adopted him along years, along with the Crossing Diner and Dandy crews, who have been right by his side for the last 25 months and longer. “Thank you for loving him.”
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Death notices
David B. Boyd, 94, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, Nov. 21, 2024.
MARK B. CAMPBELL, 60, of Penn Yan, Nov. 17, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
Carol A. Givin, 71, of Ithaca, Oct. 23, 2024. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
BARBARA J. HURLBURT, 80, of Penn Yan, Nov. 24, 2024 at Keuka Comfort Care. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
FRANCES P. LAUGHLIN, 87, of Dundalk, Maryland, Oct. 13, 2024 at home.
ROBERT J. MOORE, 59, of Dundee, Nov. 21, 2024. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Nov. 20:

Suzanne Marie Kelly-Brock, 76, of Horseheads passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at home.
There are no prior calling hours; services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Suzanne was born July 21, 1948 in Elmira, the daughter of Robert A. and Veryl B. (Welch) Miller.
She graduated from Jefferson High School in Elmira, with the class of 1966. She had lived in Horseheads for eight years, previously of Dundee.
Suzanne has been a homemaker all her life, but over the years, she has worked several jobs from cooking for the former Ken & Barb’s Restaurant, and the Montour Falls Moose Lodge, as well as being a house keeper for several area families. She also worked for her son Tim at his business Vi-Kell Enterprises for many years. But her passion was being a caregiver for her beloved grandchildren. When she was able, she loved spending time on her pontoon boat; she always loved to cook, and Christmas time and decorating was her favorite time of the year.
She is loved and will missed by her three sons, Robert J. (Tammy) Kelly, Timothy A. (Tracy) Kelly both of Dundee, and Samuel A. (Susan) Kelly of St. Clairsville, Ohio; her daughter, Shannon M. (Jeremy) Herrick of Elmira; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; a brothe,r Phillip (Rosalie) Miller of Weston; a sister, Veryl (Robert) Welch of Lexington, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Benny Brock on May 16, 2014, and her brother Stevie Miller on April 11, 2021.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Jean S. Scaptura, 89, of Watkins Glen passed away Nov. 16, 2024. Jean’s vibrant spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jean’s remarkable life at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, located at 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, Thursday, Nov. 21. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., and committal at Holy Cross Cemetery.
A devoted wife, loving mother and cherished grandmother, she is survived by her husband of 66 years, James; children, Michael (Diane) Scaptura of Rensselaer, Christopher (Troy) Scaptura of Springfield, Virginia, Sharron Holland of Watkins Glen and Joseph (Elizabeth) Scaptura of Horseheads; brother, Jerome (Frances) Smyder of Burdett; sister, Jerry Ann (Brian) O’Donnell of Horseheads, sister-in-law Joan Ann (Richard) DiSanto of North Port, Florida; 11 grandchildren, Nicholas (Meghan), Sarah (Daniel), Matteo, Casey (Meghan), Matthew, Arianna (Charles), Maria, Andrew, Alexander, Aran and Sean; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, William and Leona (Butler) Smyder; brothers and sisters-in-law, John “Bub” and Beatrice Smyder, and Joseph and Janet Smyder.
Jean was a Registered Nurse, working for BC Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls, and previously at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira. 
Jean was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, and member of the Rosary and Altar Society, Parish Council, and Art and Environment Committee. She was active in the community for many years. Many children in Schuyler County received a Christmas present through her work with Seneca Santa, and she was (reluctantly) active for many years in staging the races at the Grand Prix course.
Memorial donations in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church or Seneca View SNF.
 
Death notices
ROBERT G. “JONESIE” JONES, 88, of Hammondsport, Nov. 10, 2024. Arrangements by Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport.
SUZANNE M. KELLY-BROCK, 76, of Horseheads, Nov. 7, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home.
JEAN S. SCAPTURA, 89, of Watkins Glen, Nov. 16, 2024. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Nov. 13:

Michelle C. Dixon, 59, of Dundee gave up the fight and passed away peacefully in the comfort of her favorite chair with her husband by her side, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.
Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at the convenience of the family on a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Corning, NY 14870, www.CareFirstNY.org.
Michelle was born Jan. 5, 1965 in Penn Yan, the daughter of the late John C. and Rebecca J. (Doane) Grady Sr. On Aug. 7, 2011 in Paradise Park Campground she married Randy A. Dixon. Michelle was employed for many years as a supervisor for Able 2 of Horseheads, until her health forced her to retire in 2022. She will be remembered for her love of fishing, painting, and her talent of crochet and sewing.
She is dearly loved and will be forever missed by her devoted husband of 13 years, Randy A. Dixon at home; his three children whom she loved as her own, Tara L. (Jim) Ameigh of Watkins Glen, Nicholas A. (Rosalina) Dixon of Elmira and Rachel L. (Patrick) Sipley of Dundee; 14 grandchildren whom she loved unconditionally; a brother, James (Donna Telech) Grady of Elmira; a sister, Julie (Steve) Lederman of Watkins Glen, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a brother John C. Grady Jr. in 2015, and her dear mother-in-law Helen Dixon in 2024.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee. Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Margaret Jane States, 97, of Largo, Florida and formerly of Odessa, passed away Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Margaret was born June 2, 1927, the daughter of Claude and Sarah (Scott) Joslyn. She enjoyed working with her late husband Floyd States at States Cider Mill in Odessa, warming up in sunny Florida and enjoying time with family and friends.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Floyd States; granddaughter, Jolene Davy; brothers, Dick Joslyn, David Joslyn, Claude Joslyn and Gary Joslyn; sisters, Velma Leonard, Shirley Buck and Alice Sampson.
Margaret is survived by daughters, Norma (Lewis) Ackerman and Linda (Richard) Alberto; sons, Robert (Bobbie) Davy and Carl States; grandchildren, Sherry (Jay) Morgan, Anthony (Chloe) Alberto, Nicholas Alberto, Richard Alberto, Kevin (Heather) States and Kelly States; great-grandchildren, Lewis Morgan, Alexis (Michael) Ryan, Daniel Alberto, Anthony (Alyssa) Galpin and Kyle States; great-great-granddaughter, Olivia Galpin; sisters, Edna Robbin, Barbara Williams and Judy Henley; brother, Frank Joslyn; and by many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery, County Road 10, Alpine. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12 p.m. at the Montour Moose Lodge, 2096 State Route 14, Montour Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Laurel Hill Cemetery, 2572 Steam Mill Road, Odessa, NY 14869.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com.
 
Bert VanZile Jr., 89, of Alpine passed away in the comfort of his home Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Bert was born in Alpine, the son of Bert and Estella (Thurber) VanZile and graduated from Odessa High School. He then went on to a career as a corrections officer, retiring from Collins Correctional Facility in 1986. Bert was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 49 and was commissioner of the Sullivan Trail Council. He was a member of the Montour Moose Lodge and the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club NY Chapter #5, and attended the Alpine Baptist Church. In his spare time, Bert enjoyed gardening, woodworking and was an avid outdoorsman.
Bert was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Estella (Thurber) VanZile Sr.; a sister Pearl DeRuyter, daughter Carol Ann VanZile, son Donald Goodwin, daughter-in-law Debra VanZile, son-in-law Richard Mathews and grandson Matthew VanZile.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Catherine VanZile; daughters, Cathy-Rae Mathews and Margaret (Richard) Starbuck; sons, Richard (Sheree) Goodwin, Carlton VanZile and Russell (Robin) VanZile; a sister, Eva Arcangeli; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bert also leaves behind his beloved four-legged “girlfriend” named Sandy.
A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, Nov. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at the Montour Moose Lodge. Memorial contributions can be made to the Care First NY, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the Southern Tier Food Bank, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY 14903.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com.
 
Death notices
BONNIE W. COVINGTON, 83, of Spencer, Oct. 23, 2024. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
CHARLES “CHAS” E. CHRISTENSEN, 89, of Penn Yan, Nov. 7, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
MICHELLE C. DIXON, 59, of Dundee, Nov. 4, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
RICHARD E. EAVES, 66, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Penn Yan, Oct. 14, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
FRANCES P. LAUGHLIN, 87, of Dundalk, Maryland, Oct. 13, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
SANDRA B. LAYAOU, 82, of Hammondsport, Nov. 1, 2024. Arrangements by Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport.
RONNIE MCNEIL, 58, of Penn Yan, Nov. 2, 2024. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
FRANCES MILLER, 83, of Lindley, Nov. 6, 2024. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
MARGARET J. STATES, 97, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Odessa, Nov. 8, 2024. Arrangements by Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls.
BERT VANZILE JR., 89, of Alpine, Nov. 6, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls.
JAMES C. WHITE, 92, of Hammondsport, Nov. 1, 2024 at Park Ridge Living Center, Greece, New York. Arrangements by Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport.

 

Obituaries/Memorial/Death Notices week of Nov. 6:

Gary Robert Doty Sr., beloved father, grandfather and mechanic, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in the loving arms of his son Robert.
Born Sept. 10, 1946, to Edward G. and Onalee (Drumm) Doty, Gary dedicated his life to his passion for automobiles and the outdoors. For many years, Gary owned and operated Radiator World, a testament to his skill and dedication as a mechanic. His love for cars extended beyond his profession, as he found joy in restoring and driving Corvettes. Alongside his late wife, Linda, they shared a love for cruising the countryside in their sleek Corvettes, creating cherished memories together. Gary’s bond with his son, Robert Doty, was truly special. They shared countless hours hunting, playing pool, and working on cars, decks and landscaping projects. Together, they transformed Gary’s backyard into a serene oasis, complete with koi ponds, a sauna, a hot tub and beautiful gardens. Gary and Linda were avid travelers, and spent their lives together exploring the world and soaking up the sun as snowbirds on the island of St. Croix.
Gary was a member of Johnson-Costello Post #355 Sons of the American Legion, the Himrod Conservation Club, the NRA and the Yates County Pool League.
Gary is survived by his loving son, Robert Doty, and his wife, Monique, of Penfield, New York, and their two sons, Aiden and Oliver; a daughter, Tracy Heutsche, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and her three children, Hannah, Delilah and Sullivan. He is also survived by a sister, Sandy Marino; a brother Roger Doty and many nieces and nephews.
Gary’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed for his spirited personality, his unwavering work ethic, and his passion for life.
Honoring his wishes there will be no calling hours or public service. The family will honor him with private services at their convenience.
Those wishing to make a contribution in his honor should consider the Penn Yan Sons of the American Legion, 2001 Himrod Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527; or the Himrod Conservation Club 770 Rice Hill Road, Himrod, NY 14842
Arrangements by the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St. Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Dr. Robert Wendell Frederick, Jr. (“Bob”), former president of Corning Community College (1966-1976), mathematics, and science professor, passed away peacefully at Bampa’s House in Corning, Oct. 23, 2024 at the age of 96. He was born in Chicago in 1927 to Robert Wendell Frederick Sr. (also an education professor) and Eleanor Machlin. Bob Jr. was educated at Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, New York, Yale University (BS in aeronautical engineering) in 1948 and a doctoral degree in education at Teachers College of Columbia in New York City. His first teaching position was at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, New Jersey.  In 1953 he married Doris Field Frederick, dental hygienist and later elementary teacher in the CPP school district. They celebrated 64 years together until Doris’s passing in October 2017. 
He is survived by Cindee, of Watkins Glen; she remained a devoted loving daughter and caregiver helping her dad fulfill his wishes by visiting Niagara Falls and the ocean. In addition to Cindee he is survived by brother Dr. Peter Frederick (Carol Allis) of Minnesota who provided support through regular phone calls; grandson Nick Crosby (of Watkins Glen), dedicated loving supportive helper, caregiver, and companion; granddaughter Ashley Tackett, who provided great assistance when she visited, as well as enormous love and support from her home in Kentucky; and Justin Tackett, grandson by marriage, who consistently provided much needed strength, love, and compassion to the family. Also, cousins, nieces and nephews around the globe.  In addition, many other people whose lives Bob touched with his sweet kindness and infectious smile. He will be fondly remembered by many people in Watkins Glen who would see him on daily walks in the village wearing his bright orange sweatshirt, carrying his cane, and chatting with local folks and tourists. 
Dr. Frederick spent time in California teaching math, physics and engineering at a community college in Bakersfield. In 1958, Bob and Doris returned to New York to take a position with the New York State Department of Education. In 1966 he was hired as president of Corning Community College; later moving into a faculty position to teach math and physics.
Bob’s lifelong passions were his family, sailing on Seneca Lake, science, equity, diversity, inclusivity, cooking, playing piano, asking questions, expanding his mind and listening to classical music. 
As for music, Bob decided to replace the accordion (he played with zest in younger years) with the piano, and eventually classical pieces on a challenging three-register church pipe organ at Elmira’s Grace Episcopal Church. Doris said that the organ was “his biggest love and sharing this love with others his greatest happiness.” 
Another “biggest love” was his daughter Cindee. She and her Dad agreed on a private family ceremony next to Doris and overlooking Seneca Lake. A place for peace and quiet.
In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Haughey-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, or to light a “Candle of Remembrance,” please visit www.haugheywoodzinger.com.
 
Theodore J. Jancarek, 94, of Tyrone, and formerly of Rock Stream and Hampton, New Jersey, went to be with the Lord, Oct, 30, 2024.
He was born in New York, New York, Dec. 2, 1929, the son of Joseph F. and Cecelia (Vozeh) Jancarek.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, and served in WWII, serving with the Circle C Cowboys as part of General Pattons Honor Guard, and the Korean War. After his service, he worked on missile guidance systems in White Sands, New Mexico, DEWLine radar station in Greenland, and later worked on Tel Star for Bell Labs for the first communication satellite. He retired from Shepard Niles in Montour Falls. Ted was a lifetime member of the Watkins Glen VFW and former member of the Montour Moose, until his health declined. Ted will always be known for his passion and love as a lifelong Mets fan! 
Ted was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy, in 2021. He is survived by his daughters, Karen (Neil) Cudworth of Beaver Dams and Helena “Diane” (Bill) Silliman of Tyrone; son, Steven Jancarek of Clyde, North Carolina; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 
In addition to his parents, Ted was predeceased by his brother, Frank Jancarek, and granddaughter, Arisa Mangini.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Rock Stream Cemetery (Old Lake Road, Rock Stream) Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m., with military honors. 
Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.
 
J.C. Robbins, 75, of Rock Stream passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.
Friends are invited to calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 with Pastor David Little officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Reading Center.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions should send them to a veteran’s service organization of the donor’s choice.
J.C. was born Aug. 2, 1949 in Penn Yan, the son of Harkey Elwood and Hazel Evelyn (Larcom) Robbins. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1967. He entered the U.S. Army in 1969, serving in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade for a year in Vietnam; he was awarded the Purple Heart and honorably discharged as a Sargent in 1971. On June 25, 1977 in Dundee, he married the former Susan E. Little.
A lifelong area resident, J.C. was an electrician working in the salt plants for 23 1/2 years, throughout many name changes retiring in 2001 from U.S. Salt, in Watkins Glen. He was very active in his spare time, as a member of the Purple Heart Assoc., Vietnam Veterans, D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans) in Bath, the Dundee VFW, the Dundee American Legion, the Redmen of Watkins Glen and the Montour Falls Moose Lodge. When the weather was good, or the seasons allowed, he enjoyed metal detecting, and hunting and fishing all of his life.
He is dearly loved and will be forever missed by his wife of 47 years, Susan L. Robbins; a son, Jeffery C. Robbins; daughter, Jennifer S. Robbins, all of Rock Stream; daughter, Brenda L. Benjamin of Elmira; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; a brother Richard R. (Shirley) Robbins of Florida, a sister Barbara A. Frank of Watkins Glen and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son Richard D. Dickerson in 1989, a brother Leo Robbins in 1955 and a sister Karen J. Wright in 2000.
To leave online condolences to the family please visit www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
 
Death notices
RONALD J. CAMPBELL SR., 83, of Wayne, Oct. 22, 2024 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
Gary R. Doty Sr., 78, of Penn Yan, Oct. 29, 2024. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
Dr. Robert W. Frederick Jr., 96, Oct. 23, 2024 at Bampa’s House, Corning. Arrangements by Haughey-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls
THEODORE “TED” J. JANCAREK, 94, of Tyrone, formerly of Rock Stream and Hampton, New Jersey, Oct. 30, 2024. Arrangements by Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.
LAURENCE M. MICKELSEN, 71, of Keuka Park, Oct. 28, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.
J.C. ROBBINS, 75, of Rock Stream, Oct. 31, 2024 at home. Arrangements by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee.
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