Robert Harry Manchester

Manchester, Robert H. Life Long Member of the Southport Community Bob Age 85 of Manchester Rd. Pine City, NY. Passed away Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Robert was born in the same home that he has lived, worked, and raised his family for the past 85 years. He was the son of the late Floyd and Mary Ethel VanCurren Manchester. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, friend and companion of 60 years Donna Manchester. His sons and daughters in law: David and Audrey Manchester of Big Flats, NY, Joe and Meachele (Mikie) Manchester of Pine City, NY, Gary and Eleanor Manchester of Easton, PA. Grandchildren: Keri (Roger) Villemarette, Jessica (Brian) Luff, Aaron Manchester (Amanda Wheeler), Tyler, Rachel, Matthew, Michael Manchester. Great grandchildren Sydney, Bo David, Ryan Luff. Bob also leaves behind a loving sister Winnie Frampton of Pine City, NY and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a brother Richard Manchester. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY Saturday, September 20th, 2008 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM and again from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral and committal services will take place in the Webb Mills United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 21st, 2008 at 1:30PM. Private graveside services will be held at the conclusion of the funeral services in the Webb Mills Cemetery. The Reverend Richard Elliott will officiate. To honor Bobs personal sacrifice to our country full military honors will be accorded at his graveside. Bob was a devoted member of the Webb Mills United Methodist Church. Throughout his life he was awarded several perfect attendance certificates which still are displayed in the church today. Bob was proud to serve in the Marine Corps during World War II.He was honored to be a part of the Sixth Marine Division and the China Marines. He served his country well in the battle of Okinawa. Upon his return home, he returned to his place on the Peaceful Mountain Farm. The farm he was born into as a third generation dairy farmer, and to raise his family. Bob always was trying to improve conditions for his fellow dairy farmers and members of his community. He took great pride in acting on the DairyLea Resolution Committee, involvement in the Soil and Water conservation, and Chairman of the Forest Practice Committee. He was a long time 4H volunteer and club leader, one of the founding Members of the Chemung Valley Farm Museum, and a member of the Farm Bureau, and the Seeley Creek Grange. He was the founder and instructor for the Webb Mills Drill Team, co-founder of The Huntsman Archery shop with his devoted friend Wally Hunt. He also was the proprietor of the Manchester Press. Bob served the residents of the town of Southport through his involvement with the Town Planning Board, and Cemetery Commission, expanding the amount of burial space for town residents in both Fitzsimmons and Webb Mills Cemeteries, where he was instrumental in erecting a veteran memorial. Most will always remember Bob for his enormous handshake and matching smile, his willingness to always help, hard work and disciplinarian attitude, and wealth of knowledge about everything. Bob you will always be missed. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Bob Manchester name to the Chemung Valley Farm Museum, Webb Mills United Methodist Church or E.J. Brewer Marine Corp League.