Sydney Massey

Sydney Massey, 79,of Newark Valley is resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father. He quietly passed as his family surrounded him with their love, songs, and prayers on February 22, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gloria (Jennings) Massey; his sister Eileen Eddy, his beloved children, Melody (David) Csejtey, Karen (Paul) Strope, Steven (Heather Hardy) Massey, and Paul (Tina Ingraham) Massey; his cherished grandchildren, Michael (TerriLynn), Ben (Nicole) Langton, Melissa (Charley Jewett), Kraig Strope, Paul, Caroline (David Tupper), Tim Zuendel, Shannon (Scott Rives), Brendon Massey; his great grandchildren, Nicholas, Makayla, Jonathan, Julia, Corey, Mason, Mariah, Mackenzie, Emma. He is predeceased by five siblings, a sister-in-law, and two grandchildren. Syd - as he was affectionately known was born on January 10, 1932 in Belfast, Northern Ireland a son of the late Charles Dakin and Lizzie Louisa (May) Massey. At the age of twenty Syd left Northern Ireland to board the Queen Mary in England; he arrived in NYC on March 11, 1952. While attending Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City he met his bride-to-be, Gloria (Jennings) of Hermon NY. This past Christmas, as part of his legacy, he gifted each of his children & grandchildren with a personalized bible in the hope of finding Jesus as their savior and living a Christ filled life as both Syd and Gloria have done. He was an active member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, and a past president of Rotary Club in Johnson City. Syd received much joy from spending time with his family, he will be remembered for his wit and humor and will be greatly missed by all. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, on Saturday February, 26th at 11 AM with Pastor Michael Spiegel. Friends will be received at the MacPherson Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5-8. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to the First Baptist Church Roof Fund, 40 Whig Street, Newark Valley, NY 13811. Memories and condolences may be signed at Syds guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. Caring assistance is being provided by The Cooley Family at MacPherson Funeral Home.