| Date of Birth | December 21, 1919 |
| Passed Away | April 21, 2008 |
| Place of Residence | Avoca |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | April 25, 2008 |
| Service Time | 3:00 PM |
| Service Location | Avoca Funeral Home |
| Interment Location | Valley View Cemetery, Avoca |
ARTHUR C. TADDER
AVOCA-Arthur C. Tadder of Avoca, passed peacefully on Monday (Apr. 2l, 2008) at the Fred and Harriett Taylor Health Center in Bath, following a long illness. He and his devoted wife/caregiver, the former May P. Hauss were married for over 64 years.
Born on Dec. 21, 1919 in the town of Wheeler, the son of Merle and Florence Saltsman Tadder. He moved to Avoca where he graduated from Avoca Central School as valedictorian and later received some additional business credits.
Carrying forth a three-generation family tradition in the lumber business, Art and his brother Warren “Scoop”, were owner-operators of the Tadder Lumber Company until its dissolution in 1965. He then became an independent truck driver for A.L. Blades and retired in 1984 following several years as a truck driver R.C. Billings.
A very active member of the local community, Art was a charter member of the Avoca-Wallace Lions Club serving 57 years including a term as president. Also, he was a member of the Masons for 67 years. Art served on the Avoca Central School Board for 10 years and was also a past president. He was a treasurer and Elder at the former Avoca Presbyterian Church. He was a strong supporter of other community activities such as Boy Scouts, Little League baseball and the Avoca Historical Society.
In retirement, Art became involved with postcard collecting, local memorabilia and photography, especially of old barns and one-room schoolhouses. His photos were locally displayed and received recognition from scene for bank calendars to magazine awards.
Besides his wife, May, also surviving are a son, Allan and his wife, Judy of Nokomis, Florida; daughter, Cheryl and her husband, William Smith III of Glendora, Calif; granddaughter, Stephanie Porter and her husband, Corey and great-grandson, Fletcher of Monrovia, Calif. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Ramon Mehlenbacher and his wife, Rita; and nieces, nephews and cousins. A brother, Warren and a sister, Esther Kempinski, predeceased him.
The family would like to give special thanks to the employees and staff at Taylor Health Center for the excellent, compassionate care administered during Art’s illness.
Calling hour are from 2-3 p.m. Friday at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca, where the Mason will conduct a memorial service at 3 p.m. followed by a funeral service, with Terry Sutfin officiating. Committal service and interment at Valley View Cemetery, Avoca will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to the Avoca Methodist Church, the Avoca Ambulance Corps. Or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Sunday~~April 27, 2008
Dear May, Cheri and Allan,
My cousin in Addison just sent a message about Art’s passing. I called the house phone number in Avoca, to find that it had been disconnected. Alice shared that she had seen the notice in the Leader, so I checked to see if there was contact information on-line.
May, we are sending our heartfelt sympathy. The love you and Art shared was a precious gift; a cherished, lasting memory. Please know that Tom and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
So much time has passed and yet the memories of 16 and 18 Alexander Street came flooding back. We were truly fortunate to have had parents who devoted their lives to raising strong, well educated, principled and caring children. Your Dad’s life was well-lived and I am sure that it is a legacy of joy and pride for each of you. I have a picture of Art, on my 8th birthday, sitting at a picnic table between the two garages, obviously singing Happy Birthday. He looked exactly like the on-line picture I saw today. That is how I will always remember him; with a gentle smile and kind words.
Recently we have been visiting Avoca during the summer months; the last two trips we have had our grandchildren with us. Stephanie, I remember how very proud your grand-father was of you. The twinkle in his eyes said it all. When we were in Avoca, he would share with us your successes in academics and athletics; always with great pride and affection. He loved you as only a “Grandpa” can! I know he must have been just as thrilled to have Fletcher come into his life.
Cheri and Allan, I see from the obituary that you, too, have settled far from Avoca. Avoca may be small in square miles and numbers of inhabitants, but I believe it is all that we learned there that made our lives successful. That sandbox under the maple tree produced doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, Ph.D.’s, artists, etc. We have our parents to thank for that and so much more. I would love to have your addresses; hopefully we could stay in touch with an annual Christmas card.
Tom and I will send a donation in Art’s name to the Avoca Ambulance Corps. It seems that they have served our parents well in their times of need.
Blessings for safe journeys as you all travel home. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Affectionately, Betsy(Hewson)Stegbauer
Betsy Stegbauer, Ph.D.
18796 Ridgeback Court
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
571-333-3322
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family.