James Richard "Dick" Symes

James Richard Symes
BURDETT-Age 88, born on August 24, 1929, went to join his beloved wife Eileen on August 31, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. “Dick”, as everyone knew him, retired from the NYS DOT as a Crane & Shovel Operator in 1990, after 42 years of service. Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was predeceased by his wife Eileen and daughter, Renee Symes. He is survived by five children, David (Mary) Symes of Watkins Glen; Teresa (Fred) Letteer of Odessa; Michael (Peg) Tomassi of Odessa; Tammy (Wade) Pike of Burdett and Lori (Wally) Wasson of Burdett; seven grandchildren Dustin Letteer; Aubrey & Patrick Tomassi; Marissa, Amanda & Mitchell Pike and Johnathan Wasson; brothers and sister, Robert (Joyce) Symes of Montour Falls; Margaret (Paul) Winn of VA and Thomas (Nellie) Symes of CA. Special Friends Robin Bauer, Walt Ector, Jerry Bond, Clayton Harris & Harry Packer. Dick was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish and camp. In his younger days, enjoyed going to the Adirondacks to go bear hunting with the “Boys”. Eileen and Dick loved to go camping in the Adirondacks. His many loves included his collection of guns, tinkering with his tractors and spending time with his family. He was a member of the 3B Sportsman Club, Elks Club, Moose Club, Millport Rod and Gun Club, NWTF and the NRA. In lieu of flowers donations can be to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate). The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday, (Sept. 5th); a Celebration of his life will be held at 7:00pm at the funeral home; a committal service will be Wednesday at 11:30am at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen. You may “Light a Candle of Remembrance” or leave condolences online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.