SOUTH PLYMOUTH – Larry “Buster” Kreiner, 84, of South Plymouth, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 28, 2008 at his home in South Plymouth.
Larry was a resident of South Plymouth his whole life and raised his family on the same farm where he grew up. He attended the local schools and graduated at an excelled rate from high school at the age of 16. Following schooling Larry worked as a sawyer in the north woods of New York for approximately one year. He enlisted in the armed services and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy after serving from 1942-1945 as a machinist mate aboard the destroyer USS Hammann. Larry worked at many occupations including Town of Plymouth Highway Dept., Olum’s Furniture in Norwich, Conron Plumbing and Heating, Brightman’s Hardware, and lastly retired as a master plumber and member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 112, out of Binghamton. As a member of this union he worked on many big construction projects throughout central New York including colleges, hospitals, county and state municipal buildings. Proud of the work he accomplished along with fellow plumbers, he would take his family to see these projects during and upon completion. He and his wife, Terry, also owned and operated a family maple syrup and maple sugar business in the 1950s. Dad loved the woods and was often found working in them. The timber he harvested from his woodland, and sawyered in his mill provided him to build his and Terry’s family home, a home for his mother, a barn, sawmill and sugarhouse all the while holding outside employment.
In earlier years, Dad enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed reading with a special interest in the history of the area and his hometown. He loved a challenge in seeing how “things” worked and how they were put together, which led to his hobby of antique engines. As a member of the Southern Tier Antique Gas and Steam Engine Assoc. and the Pioneer Gas Engine Assoc., he and “the boys” would be found at various shows throughout the area displaying and running their antique engines. Dad enjoyed showing and explaining the mechanisms of these engines to folks of all ages, reminiscing and teaching. He also was known in the area for rebuilding tractors and tractor engines. Many people would stop and ask his advice and expertise in such matters. He was also known to be a very brilliant and gifted man who, on occasion, could have a stubborn streak.
He was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Norwich and served a term as a fire commissioner with the Plymouth Fire District. He was also a long-time Town of Plymouth voting machine custodian.
Dad was born on Feb. 11, 1924 in Norwich, the son of John and Daisy (Royce) Kreiner. On June 17, 1944 in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Norwich, he married Theresa Coy. Above all else, he was the kind of man who would help his family whenever and wherever he could.
Larry is survived by three sons and two daughters: Thomas Kreiner and his wife Kathy; Jacqueline Kreiner, Linda Winton and her husband Floyd, James “Steve” Kreiner and his wife Margaret; Jerry Kreiner and his wife Dawn, all of South Plymouth. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Kevin Kreiner, Jeffrey Kreiner and his wife Melissa, Amanda Winton and Kyle Winton, Michael Kreiner and his wife Maureen, Cleo Weiss and her husband David. Ten great grandchildren, a niece and nephews and brother-in-law, Richard Shepardson also survive. Larry was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Theresa Coy Kreiner, and a sister, Rhoda Kreiner Shepardson.
At Dad’s request, there will be no funeral service or calling hours.
Private burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Plymouth Watershed Committee, PO Box 30. South Plymouth, NY 13844.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.