Harold P. Kaiser

Age 86, of MT. Zoar Street, Elmira, of Elmira, died at home on Saturday May 29, 2010. Hal was born on October 29, 1923 in Greenville, New York, the son of the late Frederick and Helen (Hofman) Kaiser. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sharon (Ditmars) Kaiser; children, Gary (Iliana) Kaiser of St.Louis, MO, Jeff Kaiser (Cathy Hanna) of Orlando, FL, and Lori Kaiser of Sanford, FL, grandchildren, Brian Kaiser, Brett Kaiser, Dr. Jessica (David) Kaiser-Mendelsohn, and Erika (Paul) Kaiser-Falkner; sister, Mildred (Kaiser) Spinner, several nieces and nephews, special friends and caregivers, Mary Finch, Joyce Clark, Diane Carl, and his little buddy Gipper. Hal was predeceased by his brother Fred Kaiser and sister Helen (Kaiser ) Thomson. He was a graduate of Ithaca College, and was a career life insurance agent with the Prudential and Principal life insurance companies. Hal served his country during WWII in the United States Marine Corps on Okinawa. While in service, he was a light heavyweight champion boxer. He was a skilled craftsman, woodworker, and mechanic. Hal was an aircraft owner and pilot, flying many hours with Sharon, also a pilot. In the 1960's and 70's he was a jump pilot for local skydiving clubs. Hal loved hunting whitetail deer, and sharing many hunting seasons with his hunting companion, Sharon. Memorial donations may be directed to Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning NY 14830. Family and Friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport on Wednesday June 2, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, a Memorial Service will follow the calling hours, his sister in-law, Shirley Akey will be the eulogist. Interment will be in the Grove Cemetery, Trumansburg, New York, with military honors. A "Candle of Remembrance" may be left for the family in Obituaries atwww.olthof.com.