Obituary of James William "Duke" McCormick

CANISTEO: James William “Duke” McCormick, 89, of Fourth Street passed away Wednesday morning, February 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by the comfort and love of his family after an extended illness.

Bill was born April 26, 1929 in Troupsburg to the late Charles and Gertrude (Birmingham) McCormick. On May 6, 1950 he married the former Eleanor Lewis who predeceased him in November of 2010. He was also predeceased by two brothers Donald and Jack McCormick and a sister Mary Ann Norton.

Bill was proprietor and owner of the former McCormick’s Liquor Store on Depot St. in Canisteo for 27 years. He had also worked as a carpenter for Alfred State College and A.L. Blades of Hornell and did many odd jobs around the area.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt. He also was very involved in Coon Hound racing years ago and was one of the founders of the former Canisteo Snowmobile Club.

Bill is survived by a son Thomas (Lisa) McCormick of Little River, S.C., two daughters: Sue McCormick and Beth McCormick both of Canisteo, five grandchildren: Logan Neill, Caitlin (John) Lockwood and Austin Neill, Cody McCormick and Brooke Young, two great granddaughters Peyton and Jonnie Lockwood.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service Saturday, February 23 at 11:00 am at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Canisteo Fire Dept. c/o Mike Wilson, 35 Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.