Obituary of Robert L. Sarviss

Robert L. Sarviss, 89, of Hardscrabble Road, Addison, NY, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Absolut Care at Three Rivers in Painted Post. Bob was born in Sunbury, PA on September 17, 1934. He was the son of Wilbur P. and Margaret Blank Sarviss. Bob grew up in Northumberland, PA. Following high school he enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving for four years between 1953 and 1957. After leaving the service, Bob attended Bloomsburg State University, earning a BS in Business Education. He began a long teaching career with a two year teaching job at the former Woodhull High School. He then taught at Prattsburgh Central School for three years before starting a 28 year career as a secondary business teacher at Addison Central School. On October 3, 1964, Bob and the former Edith A. Taft were married at the Woodhull Baptist Church. They shared over 59 years together with many happy memories. Bob stayed connected to his hometown after leaving there. He was a member of the Sunbury Social Club and a life member of the Northumberland Hook & Ladder Co. (Hookies). As a resident of Addison, Bob was very involved in civic roles as well as many social groups. He was a town of Addison Councilman for 8 years and served for 2 years as Addison Town Supervisor. He was a charter member of the Addison Pinnacle Ski Center in Addison and was involved in the creation of the center. He was a member of Williams-Greengrass American Legion Post 730 in Addison as well as the Corning Moose Lodge 274. Bob competed for many years in golf and bowling leagues, building lasting friendships with other participants. He also enjoyed occasional card games with his nephews. Bob loved time spent with his children and grandchildren, be it little league, fishing, Indian princess, shooting pool or simply sharing nice conversations. Following Bob’s long teaching career, he often would have former students seek him out to share the impact that he made on their lives. He not only taught business classes, but also valuable life lessons. He took great pride and pleasure in hearing from those that he had touched. Bob always had interesting stories to tell and if you had a long enough conversation with him, you would get a fairly thorough outline of his personal history. He lived a full and colorful life. Bob is survived by his wife, Edith Sarviss of Addison, his daughters, April Sarviss of Aurora, CO and Lorraine (Scott) Smith of Addison, his sons, Robert (Roxanne) Sarviss Jr. of Danville, PA and James (Sarah) Sarviss of Addison, his grandchildren, John Stahl, Michael Stahl, Misty Benjamin, Robert Sarviss III, Alyssa Laubach, Nichole Sarviss, Alistair (Tiffany) Farnham, Joshua Gold, Tonicia Sisk, Clifford (Paige) Willis and Taylor Willis (Mira), his great grandchildren, Katelyn Stahl, Michael Stahl Jr., Brayden Sarviss, Saige Sarviss, Jadelyn Sarviss, EZ Sarviss and Scarlett Sisk, nieces and nephews and Edith’s large family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Margaret Sarviss and his brothers, Wilbur Sarviss and Donald Sarviss. A private graveside service will be held in Woodhull Cemetery at a later date at the family’s convenience. The H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull is assisting the family.