| Date of Birth | February 8, 1934 |
| Passed Away | January 8, 2014 |
| Place of Residence | North Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
Lawrence R. Shinebarger
NORTH HORNELL – Lawrence R. Shinebarger, 79,of Cleveland Avenue, passed away on Wednesday (January 8, 2014) at Rochester General Hospital after a brief illness. His family was by his side.
Born in Hornell on February 8, 1934, he was the late son of Roland and Alta Mae (Collins) Shinebarger. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his sister, Vera Garrett of Lehighton, PA; his two brothers, Robert Shinebarger and Ronald Shinebarger both of Hornell; and his wife Elizabeth (Kightlinger) Shinebarger.
Larry was a graduate of Hornell High School and married Elizabeth “Betty” Kightlinger on April 16, 1952. Following marriage and prior to attending college he worked at the Hornell Woodworking Company, Elmhurst Dairy, Metropolitan Life Insurance and ACME Supermarket. After attending Alfred State College and then SUNY Geneseo, he earned his master’s degree in English and taught high school at Alfred Almond Central School. He later became an Associate Professor of English and head of the English department at Alfred Agricultural and Technical College until he retired in 1990.
With his love of learning and teaching Larry spent many hours with students, family and friends discussing books, philosophy and politics and was a supporter and frequent visitor of the Hornell Library. Larry and Betty loved the outdoors and spent much of their leisure time planting and tending to flower gardens and bird watching. Their home was always a welcoming place for friends and neighbors to gather. Their special love of animals always included their beloved pet pugs. Larry touched many people throughout his life who will remember him as a special caring person.
His loving family includes his son Douglas (Michelle) Shinebarger of San Diego, CA, his daughter Debra (Gerry) Kusse of Rush, NY, his brother Harry (Donna) Shinebarger of Balston Spa, NY, his four grandchildren Kara (David) Goan and Derek Shinebarger both of San Diego, CA, Clayton Kusse and Katie Kusse both of Rush, NY and two great-grandchildren Faith Goan and Grant Shinebarger both of San Diego and several nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on April 19, 2014, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating, at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.
Those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell or to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843
Larry was known as a master teacher during the years he spent in the classroom at Alfred-Almond School and at Alfred State College. For me, Larry was a collegial friend and it was always a pleasure to spend time with him at various college functions. He will be greatly missed by his many students and teaching colleagues.
Larry was a wonderful colleague with whom I had the privilege of working at Alfred State. Not only was he an exceptional teacher who influenced thousands of students, but he also was a committed and student-focused professional. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I remember Mr. Shinebarger very fondly both at Alfred=Almond and Alfred State. Such a kind man!! May he rest in peace and much sympathy to his family.
Michelle and Doug…thinking of you with prayers and thoughts of sympathy. May your feel the love of God comforting you all…
He was a wonderful teacher, and I enjoyed his English class At Alfred Almond. He had a great gift, to inspire as well as educate.
Deb, So sorry about the passing of your father. I know you did as much as possible for him and I am sure he appreciated it. I hope he is at peace now with your mom.
Larry was a lifelong teacher, touching the lives of everyone who knew him in the deepest, most significant, of ways. Larry was the supreme philosopher, challenging me and others to apply critical thinking skills, perspective, and balance to our decisions. As a student of Larry’s at Alfred Almond Central School, I learned not only English, but how to navigate life. Larry’s gifts live on in our own expression of patience, love, and understanding.
Saying goodbye to someone who has been part of my life for since my childhood is truly difficult. The Shinebarger home was always a place where I was welcomed with unconditional love. It was a gift I cherished, and will greatly miss. Mr. S. and I had many conversations over the years contemplating life’s meaning. Since Mrs.S. had passed these conversations grew more profound and deeper in nature. Always the philosopher and consummate professor I believe his life long search in this area had lead him to a peaceful place. A place where loved prevailed, and was all that really matter. I am thankful for the love I received, and his presence in my life. I have many wonderful memories!
So sorry to hear about the loss of such a good man. I grew up with the Shinebargers and remember both Mr. and Mrs. fondly for how well they treated us. They were warm, welcoming, thoughtful, and always friendly and fun to talk with. Prayers and peace for Deb and Doug and their families.