Devanna Herlock Dick

DEVANNA H. DICK of Davenport Road Big Flats, NY Age 87, has returned to his Maker. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria of 58 years, son, David of Nashua, NH; daughter, April (Ron) Wilson; grandchildren, Melissa and Matthew (Tiffany) Wilson all local; sisters, India Saintsing, Albra (Jim) Young, Deanna Young; brothers, Darold (Lois), Alton (Astrid) and Mac (Linda) all of Virginia; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Devanna dropped college after Pearl Harbour and enlisted in the US Marines. He served until 1946. He was proud of his South Pacific service in Guadalcanal, New Britain and New Guinea. A survivor of Bloody Ridge, he served with three Medal of Honor recipients. He worked in heavy construction with Streeter Associates for over 30 years. An avid reader, he also was a prolific photographer. With his wife, he enjoyed camping and mineral collecting. They belonged to many East Coast clubs and the Ontario Field Trippers Guild of Canada. They assembled an extensive collection. Their Indian Artifacts are destined for SRAC Museum in Waverly. Graduates of Alfred Floriculture. In 1953 they homesteaded in Big Flats building a home and a large commercial green house. They're acreage became a sanctuary for animals who trusted him. Generations of pets adored him. Before his blindness, he walked the hill daily and trimmed the woods for firewood. A quiet man, he was grateful for a good life. His last days where spent at the Bath VA Nursing home # 2. Thank you Staff! Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held there at the conclusion of the visitation 4 PM. Chaplin Linda Leibhart will officiate. The Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Dick military honors following the services. Memorial donations may be directed to the SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903."Leave A Loving Legacy"an Olthof service