NORWICH – Vernon Brooks Sturdevant, 79, formerly of Binghamton and most recently of Norwich, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2009, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
A gentle, kind, loving, and hard-working man, Vern was born in Binghamton on Aug. 6, 1929, the son of (Henry) Clair and Dorothy (Barlow) Sturdevant. He was a graduate of North High School in Binghamton. He enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Vern will be best remembered by the many wonderful friends he met through his work as a manager, first at Endicott National Bank, then at Rite-Aid Corporation in downtown Binghamton, Johnson City, and Norwich. A devoted husband, father, grandfather “Papa,” and great grandfather, Vern truly loved his travels as he accompanied his daughter and son-in-law as they coached the 16-U Conklin Raiders softball team. He was looking forward to his travels this summer, and was instrumental in choosing the new team name, the 18-U Lady Pirates. The girls will wear his initials on their uniforms and dedicate this summer season to “Grandpa Vern.”
On April 18, 1992, Vern married Darleen Tanner Sturdevant, who survives. He is also survived by his daughters and son-in-law: (Brenda) Lee Craig of Oshawa, Ont. Canada, Karen Claire and Ken Bidwell of Conklin, Sandi Lynne Hockley of Hamilton, Ont. Canada, and Lisa Marie Sturdevant of Elmira; his step-daughters: Connie Rundell and companion Blaine Piper of Earlville, and Chris McAvoy and companion Tom Farrell of Oxford; his grandchildren: Sarah Wilson, Michael Cipolla (Megan), Christen Cipolla, Kate and Jesse Hockley, Tyler and Ashley Rundell, and Jessica and Mark Martin. His great grandchildren: Kiernan Cipolla, Julian and Gianni Cipolla; his sisters-in-law, Linda French and husband Sherman, and Donna Aley and husband Ed; several nieces and nephews; Vern’s two feline companions, Casey Marie and Bobbi, and Vern’s many honorary softball granddaughters. “Papa” was also excitedly awaiting his first great granddaughter due on June 1st.
Vern’s family will receive friends at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6 to 9. At 8:45 p.m., Sr. Sheena of St. Bartholomew’s Church will offer a short prayer with the family and friends. Committal with full military rites will be at a later date, at the convenience of Vern’s family.