W. Vann, Carl

Carl W. Vann, age 85, of 110 E. Seneca Road, Trumansburg passed away in the embrace of his loving family on Thursday, November 14, 2002 at the Cayuga Medical Center.

The son of Fred and Mabel Armstrong Vann, Carl was born on December 26, 1916 in the Trumansburg home adjacent to his own residence which he designed and built over 50 years ago.

Following his graduation from the Trumansburg High School in 1936, Carl continued to work side by side with his father in construction. Together they built and remodeled numerous homes in the Trumansburg area and assisted with the building of a bridge on Route 89. As time progressed Carl accepted a position with Babcock's Poultry followed by many rewarding years with the Millspaugh Brothers Lumber and Hardware Store. While at Millspaugh's, Carl was able to put many of the principals learned from his father to work in the hand-crafting of custom cabinetry. He also developed life-long friendships with many of the co-workers at Millspaugh's.

Prior to his retirement in 1982, Carl had worked for the Finger Lakes State Parks Commission, first as a carpenter and later as Journeyman Supervisor. Carl was extremely proud of his many building accomplishments with the parks system.

There are but a few buildings in the village that Carl has not touched in some way with his gifted hands. In addition to the guidance given to each of his sons in the construction of their homes, Carl was pleased to assist with the building of the Presbyterian Chapel. He was instrumental in the first major remodeling of the United Methodist Church and in later years, the construction of their Sunday School rooms.

In his retirement years Carl served as Clerk-Of-The-Works for the construction of the Special Children's Center Residence on Seneca Road and the new Fire House on Route 96.

Carl was deeply involved in his community. He served as President of the Board of Trustees (and held almost every other position over the years) at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. He also served on the Trumansburg Village Board during the 1960's and was Past Chief as well as an active member of the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 64 years. Carl had also led the Trumansburg Seniors, as their President, for a few years.

He was a Past-Commander and long-time member of the Arthur E. Bouton American Legion Post #770 in Trumansburg stemming from his faithful service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army Air Force on July 10, 1945.

Carl could often be found outside tending his extensive vegetable garden that included his prolific rhubarb, (of which everyone in the neighborhood shared). He also enjoyed growing flowers with a special favoritism towards roses. From this nurturing came roses that didn't simply grow but roses that thrived and unfolded into breath-taking beauty.

Baseball was another great love of Carl's and for many years he played on a local town team. Other favorite past-times were horseshoes, stamp collecting and genealogy. Whether you sat next to Carl in church, worked beside him on a community project or met him on the street, Carl's gentle presence will be forever embedded in your heart. Carl's love, sense of humor and big-paw Grampa hands remained strong to the end and will be dearly missed by his loving family and the multitude of people who called him "friend".

Carl's heart was irreparably broken following the death of his devoted wife of 56 years, "B" Newman Vann on March 30, 2002. He is survived by 2 sons, Mark N. (Sonja) and Bruce C. (Karen) all of Trumansburg; 4 grandchildren, Matthew B., Justin M., Sally B. and Eliza A. Vann, all of Trumansburg and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Deborah Pritts officiating. The family will be present to receive their friends, in the church hall, immediately following services.

In keeping with Carl's wishes, no calling hours have been scheduled and Prayers of Committal, at the Grove Cemetery, with a Military Tribute performed by members of the Trumansburg American Legion, will be private.

Contributions in Carl's memory may be directed to the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886, the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or to the Arthur E. Bouton American Legion Post #770, P.O. Box 456, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St, Trumansburg.

For additional information please call the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page submitted by: Joseph L. Sibley, Director