J. Richard Deiss

J. Richard Deiss, 82, of Willet, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY.

Mr. Deiss was born in Ouaquaga, NY on July 3, 1928, a son of the late George and Caroline Zeizer Deiss. A longtime resident of the Willet area, he was a member of the Willet Methodist Church. On his 19th birthday, July 3, 1947, he married Doris McGlade, who predeceased him on December 3, 2005.

Until his retirement, he worked as a meat cutter for the UFCW District Local One. He was a former Willet Town Councilman and was a past president of the Willet Rod & Gun Club. He had been a 50-year member of the Willet Fire Department and served as the past fire commissioner for the Willet Fire District. He was also a charter and life member of the Ouaquaga Fire Department. In years past, he enjoyed playing softball and also umpired baseball for the Willet Town Teams. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing golf, and was a member of the Knickerbocker Country Club. A loving father and a grandfather, who cherished his grandchildren, he will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Donna Mae (Glady) Stone of Dryden, Richard W. (Susan) Deiss of Willet, Debra A. (Joseph) Kressler of Cincinnatus, Dennis R. (Joellen) Deiss of Cincinnatus, and David M. Deiss of Philadelphia, PA. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, he was also predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Snover and a brother, Robert W. Deiss.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Fred M.S. Downs officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Willet Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Deiss may be directed to the Willet Emergency Squad, c/o Margaret Yarnes, Willet, NY 13863 or the Cincinnatus Emergency Squad, c/o Elaine Oros, 5771 McFarlane Rd., Cincinnatus, NY 13040.