H. Lee Thurber, Jr.

Richmondville- H. Lee Thurber, Jr., 78, of Brooker Hollow Rd., died Wednesday, November 18, 2020 in the comfort of his home with his family at his side.

Born March 4, 1942 in Cobleskill, he was the son of the late Herbert L. and Ruth (Johns) Thurber.

Lee was a dairy farmer for most of his life, over 40 years, and operating the family butcher shop alongside his father, Thurber Slaughterhouse.  In 1986, he went to work for Richmondville Power and Light until his retirement.

Lee was a member of the First Baptist Church of East Worcester, one of the founding members of Richmondville Volunteer Rescue Squad, a member of the Schoharie County Task Force, and worked as security at both the Richmondville and Cobleskill Courts. Never one to sit idle, Lee’s hobbies and interests were work.

Forever cherishing his memories are his loving wife of 59 years, Beverly (Cole) Thurber, whom he married September 9. 1961; his five children: Ned Thurber, Glenn (Debbie) Thurber, Valarie (John) Janakis, Vivian Thurber (Edward Whispell) and Seth Thurber; 12 grandchildren: Danielle (Eric) Fenton, Steven Thurber, Thomas Thurber, Wyatt Thurber, Zachary Ker, Shelby Ker, John Janakis, Alexandria Janakis, Scott Kulman, Kayla Whispell, Madison Whispell, and Lee Whispell ; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister, Carole (Russ) Rigg; brother, James (Mary) Thurber; and Aunt Dorothy Johns.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation to be held from 10AM to 1PM on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at First Baptist Church, 108 Co. Highway 38, East Worcester.  A private invite only service will be held for the family. Private burial will be in the spring in Maple Grove Cemetery, Worcester, NY.  Covid 19 guidance will be followed with everyone wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Richmondville Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 11, Richmondville, NY 12149 or the First Baptist Church, PO Box 757, East Worcester, NY 12064.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY  12043.