Oscar Edgar Babenzein

Oscar Edgar Babenzien (1921 2013)Ed Babenzien, a resident of Newark Valley for more than 65 years, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2013. He was met in heaven by Bette, his loving wife of 63 years, and the Asfoury twins, infant great-grandson and great-granddaughter. Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Sherry (Fred) Asfoury, Susan (Edmund) Symula, Mark ( Kimberly) Babenzien, and sister Harriet Wyckoff. He is also survived by his grandchildren Fred M., Julie, Greg,Peter, David, Brian, James, and great-grandchildren Nicholas, Jonathan, Michael, Carmela, Jessica, Nathan, and Grace.Ed served in the US Navy during WW II, graduated from Oswego and Cornell Universities, and spent his 30 year Industrial Arts teaching career at Newark Valley Central School. True to his belief and commitment to community service and helping others, Ed served as Mayor and Civil Defense Coordinator for the Village of Newark Valley, volunteer firefighter, and hospice transporter.His legacy will live on through the skills he taught and the examples he set. To honor his giving nature, the family would be grateful for contributions to Project Neighbor (c/o Judy Eldridge, 6545 State Route 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811), a local organization providing assistance to community members during difficult times.Eds family will receive friends on Sunday, October 27, 2013, from 12:00 to 1:45 PM at MacPherson Funeral Home, Whig Street, Newark Valley. There will be a Celebration of Eds life at 2:00 PM, followed by burial with Military Honors at Hope Cemetery. Share your memories an condolences in Eds guest book at macphersonfh.com