John Townsend Feller

On February 17,2025, John Townsend Feller of Trumansburg, NY received the checkered flag at the end of a race that took him 102 years to complete.

John was born in Spokane, Washington on October 31,1922 to his mother Ruth Marjorie Townsend and father Frank Hubert Feller and lived there until he was four years old, at which time the family moved to Trumansburg, NY to be near his mother’s family.

John had the usual interests as a young boy and had a diverse career. Mowing lawns, selling newspapers, setting pins in a bowling alley, later working in an auto body and paint shop. In the summer of 1942 John worked in varying capacities to help with the construction of the Sampson Naval Training Station. He drove a truck, worked as a carpenter and plumber to name just a few. During WWII he worked as a turret lathe operator in support of the war effort until he was drafted, serving in the United States Army. John took pride in his role as a heavy truck operator serving between April 1946 to October 1947. In 1949 John went to work for the city of Ithaca, NY managing their parking meter division, which he did until his retirement 36 years later.

John married the love of his life, Bernice Eva Jordan in March of 1957. Married for 68 years, John was a devoted family man enjoying time spent with family and friends. John is survived by his wife Bernice and four children: Cindy Lou Feller of Spencer, NY, Jeffrey Townsend Feller (June) of Dryden, NY, Glenn Robert Feller (Marie) of Trumansburg, NY, Joette Louise McPherson of Dryden, NY. John was also a proud grandfather of five and great grandfather of seven. John was predeceased by his infant son John Mathew Feller.

John was a man of many passions and interests. An avid fan of motorsports beginning in 1946. Over the course of 60 years, he traveled to 59 different racetracks across the United States and Canada. His interests also included square dancing, snowmobiling and camping. He traveled across the United States extensively, visiting every national park with family in tow with the exception of Yosemite. John also enjoyed photography leaving behind an extensive record of family outings and travels. But above all things earthly John valued his family and his friends and prized his relationships, old and new.

John was also a man of faith, expressing his appreciation of his creators love and unending mercy towards him.

Please join family and friends at West Hill Community Church, 3049 Van Dorn Corners Rd, Ithaca, NY (607-387-4282) March 1, 2025, at 1:00pm for a celebration of his life. All that knew John are welcome and encouraged to come share in the occasion.