Garth E. "Lou" Mortimer Obituary (1941 - 2012)

Garth Eugene Mortimer (Lou) Long time resident of Big Flats, NY Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend passed away March 21, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY at the age of 70. Garth was predeceased by his father, Eugene Mortimer, father- in- law, James Bensley, Sr., brother-in-law, James Bensley, Jr., son-in- law, Robert Rachinsky, Jr.,and daughter - in- law, Kelly Valerie Mortimer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann Bensley Mortimer, his children, Julianne Simmons of Elmira, NY, Timothy Scott Mortimer of Las Vegas, NV and Melissa Rachinsky of Ridgefield, CT, his mother, Margaret Mortimer of Mansfield, PA and his sister and brother- in- law, Barbara and John First of Port Matilda, PA, mother-in-law, Clara Bensley of Elmira Heights, NY, sister- in- law, Marilynn Bensley of Clifton Park, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves behind the joys of his life; his four grandchildren, Devin, Erik and Victoria Simmons and Reed Rachinsky. Lou was born in S. Williamsport, PA and moved to Mansfield, PA when he was eleven years old. He graduated from both Mansfield High School and Mansfield State College where he played basketball on championship teams. Lou was a respected math and computer science teacher as well as a basketball coach at Campbell Central School and Horseheads High School for over 34 years. He had a true talent for gardening and love of the outdoors and spent many happy times working in the yard or tending to the family cabin in the woods. He was always active whether it was walking, playing golf, trivia or cards with his long time friends. In addition to supporting his children's and grandchildren's sports, Lou was an avid Boston Red Sox, NY Giants and Boston Celtics fan. He and Ann enjoyed traveling especially to Cape Cod and had just returned from a wonderful Caribbean cruise. Lou will be sorely missed by many friends and family. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 11AM to 2PM. Lou's Funeral Service will follow with Rev. Rhonda Kouterick. Lou will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery immediately following. Kindly remember Lou through donations to a charity of your choice. Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed at Lou's Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com