James A. Vaber

James A. Vaber, 85, of East River Rd., Homer, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2018.

A lifelong area resident, he was born March 30, 1933 a son of the late John and Tressa Campbell Vaber. Jim graduated Homer High School in 1951 and faithfully served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.

He retired in 1996 from Homer Central School where he was worked in the maintenance department. He had been previously employed by Brewer Tichener.

Jim was a member, for more than 40 years, of the Homer Fire Department. He was a longtime and faithful communicant of St. Margaret's Church, Homer.

He truly enjoyed being outdoors; gardening, cross country skiing, traveling and boating. Jim and Beverly could often be seen in the Homer and Cortland area riding their tandem bicycle, logging more than 5000 miles a year.

Above all, Jim loved his family; taking his grandchildren camping, following all their sporting events and were even known as Grandpa and Grandma Vaber to his grandchildren’s teammates.   

Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Beverly Silvino Vaber; his son, Douglas Vaber of Homer; two brothers, Donald Vaber of Homer and Robert (Lorri) Vaber of Maine-Endwell. Also surviving are several loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey Vaber and a sister, Laura Matijas.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 in St. Margaret’s Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul Alciati.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the church prior to Mass from 11:00 a.m. to Noon and immediately following Mass, where a luncheon will be provided by St. Margaret’s.

Memorial donations in Mr. Vaber’s name may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

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