John Personius

Age 72, of Balsam Street Elmira, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2005 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. He was born January 15, 1933 in Elmira, the son of the late Kirkwood E. and Dorthea (Reynolds) Personius. His infant son in 1956 and brother-in-law, James McTiernan, also predeceased him. John married Ella M. Howard May 7, 1955 in the Breesport United Methodist Church. They have enjoyed 50 wonderful years of life and love together. His survivors include his loving wife, Ella; beloved daughters, Kathleen Cunningham of Erin, NY; Janet (Chris) Dellahunty of Wake Forrest, NC; Marlene (Richard) Twiss of Highland Village, TX; Beverly (David) Welch of Cohocton, NY; sister, Deborah McTiernan of Little Falls, NY; brother, Kirkwood (Polly) Personius of Rochester, NY; along with 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful friends who will all miss John dearly. Mr. Personius was a Veteran of the United States Army proudly serving his country. He retired from the New York State Telephone Company after 40 years of dedicated service as a cable splicer. He was a faithful 45 + year member of the Centenary United Methodist Church. He loved the outdoors, especially gardening and hunting, as well as fishing at his favorite spot on the lake. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY on Thursday, August 25, 2005 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services honoring his life will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 AM by his pastor and friend the Reverend Joseph Kim. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery where Reverend will conduct the committal service. Memorial donations in the name of John Personius may be directed to the Centenary United Methodist Church 424 South Main Street Elmira, NY 14904 or to a charity of one?s choice. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.com