Newman Mark Sykes

The World?s Best Dad, of Holdridge Street, was born May 21, 1920 in Elmira, NY, the son of the late Albert and Rose (Hage) Saik (Sykes).Newman ?ran home to glory? peacefully on Saturday 18, 2006, at the age of 85. Newman married Joyce O. Palmer on January 15, 1945 in the Trinity Episcopal Church in Elmira, NY. Prior to her death on March 31, 2002, they celebrated 57 wonderful years of life and love together. He is survived by his loving children, Linda (Michael) Campagna of Horseheads; Mark Sykes of Elmira; Mary Lou (Michael) Kimball of Horseheads; Janet Truman of Big Flats; beloved grandchildren, Rick (Ineke) Fitzgerald; Sean (Robin) Fitzgerald; Michael Campagna; Jill (Robert) Charles; Shane, Sara, Lindsay, and Jimmy Truman; much-loved great grandchildren, Christopher, Connor, Joshua, and Matthew Fitzgerald; Ashley Rose Cardone; Ethan Taylor Cardone; Jordon Robert Charles; along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Sykes of Lowman and Shirley Sykes of San Diego, CA; special friend and Pastor, Bill (Eleanor) Wells (with his wonderful sense of humor that always lifted Newman?s spirit); friends, Harry Hoyt, Dave Clark (longtime neighbor), Rick Custer, and wonderful friend and breakfast buddy, Lou Denerio. His dear siblings, Selena Sykes, William Sykes, Ferris Sykes, Arthur Sykes, Mable David, George Sykes, and Charles Sykes, preceded him in death. Newman retired from Remington Rand after 32 years of dedicated service as a repairman. He loved people and would try to bring a smile to anyone who passed his way. He was known as the ?unofficial mayor? of Elmira in this sleepy little town. Newman enjoyed going to rummage sales on his little red scooter. He was blessed with the gift of encouraging others and always being able to look on the bright side of everything. He was always thankful for all the good in the world.A gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 from 10 AM to 1 PM in the Maranatha Bible Chapel, 774 Sing Sing Road, Horseheads, NY. Celebration services will follow the gathering at 1 PM. His Pastor and friend, the Reverend William Wells, will celebrate Newman?s life and honor his memory. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Elmira.Memorial donations may be directed to St. Joseph?s Hospital, 555 East Market Street, Elmira, NY 14901 in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.com. Newman?s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Schiavone, as well as the nurses and staff at St. Joseph?s Hospital, for the exceptional love and care given to their father.?One step at a time with the Lord??Newman M. Sykes.