Wesley B. Stiles

Wesley B. Stiles, 69, of North Pitcher, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, NY, while surrounded by his family.

Born in Cortland, NY, on November 10, 1947, Wes was the son of the late Earl and Barbara Brown Stiles.  A longtime resident of the area, he was a member of the South Otselic United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years and served in many positions at the church.  He was a 1970 graduate of the College of Forestry in Syracuse and went on to be a Sr. Wildlife Biologist for NYS DEC, retiring in April 2003 after more than 30 years of service.  He married Nancy G. Burrows on July 21, 1973.  Wes was also a former member of the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Police; member of the North Pitcher Community Heritage Society; and a trustee of the North Pitcher Cemetery Association.

Wes loved spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, making maple syrup, working with his Christmas trees, and walking with his dogs.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Burrows Stiles; daughters, Melissa (Jordan) Jaquay of Cherry Valley, Kristina (Shaun) Fennessy of Webster; and a son, Michael (Elizabeth) Stiles of West Chester, PA.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan and Jaelyn Jaquay, Colin and Clare Fennessy, Evan and Ashley Stiles; a brother, Nelson (Lee) Stiles of Norwich; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Rebecca Stiles Boothby, and his maple syrup making partner, “Cousin Harry O’Connor.”

Funeral services will be held at the South Otselic United Methodist Church, South Otselic, NY, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with his pastor, Reverend Carl Johnson, officiating.  A private burial will be in North Pitcher Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Wes may be directed to the South Otselic United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 47, S. Otselic, NY 13155 or the N. Pitcher Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 38, N. Pitcher, NY 13124.