Obituary of J. John Townley

J. John Townley J. "John" Townley, aka Dad, Grampa, Bumpa, Pard'ner, and friend, 82, most recently of Fayetteville, New York, passed away surrounded by his girls on Wednesday, 1/22/2014. John was born in Dundee, New York, where he resided for many years. He later relocated to Penn Yan, where he lived with his late wife Pamela Henderson for 29 years. He retired from Wright Components as a lathe operator who proudly made valves for space craft. Over his lifetime he was a jack of many trades and a master of most. He believed in a job well done. John was a lover of the outdoors and all creatures great and small. He would welcome any being from skunks to feral cats to squirrels to birds and was on a first name basis with many. He referred to the butterflies and various other critters in the yard as "my friend". He had a true soft spot for babies and little kids, a genuine curiosity about people and their roots. He was an avid consumer of black licorice, coffee, and graham crackers. He loved all things Keuka Lake. He was never without a toothpick in his pocket and a pack of cigarettes, much to his children's angst. John believed everyone needed a good: flashlight, pair of slippers, winter coat, set of binoculars, and a pet in his lap. He will be remembered for his whistling talent, love of music, and his flip-flop tan line. He was a dapper dresser with his winter tweed fedora adorned with 2 feathers, and his "uniform" button down, double pocket, blue shirt. He is survived by his daughters, Penni and Laurel, both of Fayetteville and many grandchildren and great grand children. A graveside service at Hillside Cemetery in Dundee will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday May 12th with Military Honors. Arrangements provided by Baird Funeral Home, Dundee, NY. To leave online condolences please visit www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or Wanderer's Rest Humane Assoc. PO Box 535 Canastota, NY 13032. John and his family would like to send special thanks to the Syracuse VA, particularly 6 South. You are top notch.