Perry Deforest Marsh, Sr.

Perry Deforest Marsh Sr., 86, of Berkshire, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2011 at home with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Dorla May (Rabenstein) Marsh, their eight children: Iva Jean Tennant, Harrison and Rotha Marsh, Barbara Hover, Janet and Gary Knickerbocker, Perry and Sue Marsh, Marjorie and Lew Bailey, Marolyn and Ed Slack, and Carolyn and Kevin Foster; 26 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charlie & Dorris Rabenstein, Bob & Carol Rabenstein, and Lois Stafford. He was predeceased by his brother Frederick Harrison Marsh.Deforest was born on November 5, 1924 at the family dairy farm in Berkshire, a son of the late Perry W. and Iva (Harrison) Marsh. He graduated from Whitney Point High School in 1942. He married his lifelong love, Dorla, on June 29, 1947. In addition to running the family dairy farm, Deforest also drove for the Wormouth Cement Company, and the Tappan (Pargas) Gas Company. He loved farming and knew each of his cows Girls by name. He enjoyed horses, hunting, gardening, square dancing, and serving food at the Church Guild Booth at the Broome County Fair, and he was a big YANKEES fan. He was a devoted member of the Center Lisle Congregational Church and served as a Trustee for many years. Other memberships included; the Grange (serving as Master), The Farm Bureau, and the IOOF. He was a loving, hardworking, caring and giving family man who will be greatly missed by all.A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at the Center Lisle Congregational Church on Friday Feb. 25th with Pastor Bruce Glazier officiating. His family will receive friends from 10-11 at church prior to his service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Center Lisle Congregational Church, 9670 NY State Rt. 79, Lisle, NY 13797. Memories and Condolences may be signed in his guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley Family of MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley.