NEW BERLIN – Carlton “Carl” Adams Holdridge, 90, of New Berlin, NY passed away at the New York State Veterans Home, Oxford, NY on July 4, 2013, where he had been a resident for almost three years.
He was born on November 2, 1922 in New Berlin, NY the son of Harry and Mildred (Adams) Holdridge. He graduated from the New Berlin High School in 1940. During his school years, he was actively involved in baseball and football, the baseball team being recognized as one of the best in the east. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Army, and was stationed in the state of Washington and the Aleutian Islands, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He is the last surviving WWII veteran of the Frank H. Arnold Post 348, New Berlin.
He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Edna Niles on August 25, 1945 in West Edmeston, NY. They operated the C.A.Holdridge General Store in West Edmeston for twenty-two years. He was also employed as a bus driver for the Edmeston Central School. After the family relocated to New Berlin, Carl was employed by Scintilla, Sidney, NY for a period of time, and then become the Superintendent of Public Works for the village of New Berlin, from which he retired. His father had previously held the same position. Carl was also involved with the West Edmeston Fire Department, New Berlin Fire Department, New Berlin Police Department and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.
Carl was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing and trapping.For nineteen years he was a New York State certified Trapper Training Instructor. His awards, recognition patches and honors were a revelation of his love of trapping. While in the army he purchased a jacket which he used to display his 65 patches, representing experiences in his trapping career, of which he was very proud. Carl was a New York State licensed hunting guide.
In his retirement years, Carl developed an interest in making walking canes, which were etched with descriptive symbols and phrases. Hundreds of these canes Carl handcrafted and people locally and worldwide cherish his craftsmanship.
He was a member of the Columbus Community Church, Frank H. Arnold American Legion Post 348, New Berlin; Independent Fur Harvesters of Central New York, and a life-time member of the New York State Trappers Association.
He is survived by his wife: Elizabeth (Betty) Tyrone, Pennsylvania; a daughter and son-in-law: Patricia and William Gordner, Clifton Springs; a son: D. Michael Holdridge and his partner: George Dempsie of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania; sister and brother-in-law: Mary Jac and Warren Sholes, Fort Edward; sister-in-law: Marjorie Holdridge, Wilmington, Delaware, and long -time care provider and special friend: Torri Miles and family, Earlville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother: Lawrence Holdridge.
Inurnment will be in the Holdridge family section of the Fairview Cemetery, New Berlinat 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013, with full military honors. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the Columbus Community Church. A service to celebrate the life of Carl will immediately follow at noon, with the Reverend Stephen L. Reese, Senior Pastor, officiating. A luncheon will follow the memorial service in The Whitney House, Columbus.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Frank H. Arnold American Legion Post 348, New Berlin, NY, of which Carl was an ardent member.