CECIL A. BOISE
SHERBURNE – Cecil A. Boise, lifelong resident of Chenango County, died peacefully at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, May 18, 2017. He was born October 18, 1921 in Sherburne, to Olive (Hubbard) and Duane Boise. He graduated from Sherburne Central School in 1939.
In 1942, he answered his country’s call and joined the US Army, serving through 1945 in the 3rd Army Corps, 113th Cavalry Group (Red Horse Cavalry), 44th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He participated in Operation Overlord, landing at Omaha Beach on the fourth day of the D-Day invasion. As a radio operator, he served his Company through France, Belgium, Holland, and on into Germany. For his service in combat he received the Bronze Star.
On August 10, 1946, he married Norma Peckham of East Guilford and began farming on Shawler Brook Road in Sherburne. Over the years, he worked at the Utica Knitting Mill, Buchanan Hardware, and the Norwich Pharmacal Company, all while helping with his father’s small dairy farm on Granville Hill Road in Sherburne. He retired from Colgate University after a career as a Buildings and Grounds Supervisor.
An avid outdoorsman, he was a proficient hunter and fisherman. He produced extensive fruit and vegetable gardens, and for many years was a well-known beekeeper. A great prankster, he was known and loved for his sense of humor and easy going nature. He loved the beauty and tranquility of his life in Sherburne surrounded by friends and family. He instilled in his children a love of the natural world, a respect for all living creatures, a strong work ethic and dedication to helping others.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife and his brother Elbert. He is survived by his children: Patricia Myers (Tom) of Poughkeepsie, NY; Cheryl of Maryland, NY; Kenneth (Denise) of Sherburne, NY; and, Joanne of Richmond, VA; and by grandchildren Tammy Myers, Brian Myers, Dana Boise, and Jordyn Boise, as well as great-grandchildren Liliana and Austin Myers.
A memorial service will be held Friday May 26 at 11 a.m., at Burgess and Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 South Main St., Sherburne.
A graveside ceremony with military honor guard will immediately follow at West Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chenango County SPCA in Norwich.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.