Orville ‘Bud’ Ira Sitterly
Orville “Bud” Ira Sitterly, 85, of Johnstown, after a long illness, was called to rest on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Nathan Littauer Nursing Home. Bud was born August 22, 1922 in Johnstown, N.Y. to the late Orville and Jane Kane Sitterly. He graduated from Johnstown High School in 1940 and married Arlene M. Johns, who survives. Two years later, Bud left a tool maker apprenticeship with General Electric to join the U.S. Air Force. After completing pilot training in Florida and then training military aviators in Georgia, he was sent to Okinawa to serve as a navigator bombardier in WW II. Bud had become a lieutenant before he was honorably discharged in 1946 and, never one to be skittish about work, subsequently took a number of different jobs, often holding two or three at a time. His passion for flying re-emerged in 1957 when he became airport operator of the Fulco Airport (now the Fulton County Airport) just east of Johnstown. He taught many a young wannabe pilot to fly safely and calmly. Throughout his flying career, Bud issued hundreds of licenses or “wings” to new pilots.
Bud’s career ended with more than 20 years as a teller at the Johnstown OTB. His co-workers honored him with a special merit and service award ceremony when he retired in 2003. He was also associated with his wife and son in the operation of Arlene M. Sitterly Inc., Realtors for many years. “He was a good soldier, a good patient and a good man,” says surviving son Clayton J. (Jane) Sitterly of Peck Lake. “His legacy of hard work and good character has been left to his family and friends.” He was a member, for 60 years, of St. John’s Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry. He was also a member of the Johnstown VFW Post.
In addition to his wife and son, Bud is also survived by two daughters, Sandrea (Brian) Mee of Johnstown and Sharla Wager of Caroga Lake. His eldest son, Burnell, predeceased him. Bud also leaves seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who are spread out from Johnstown to Florida, Virginia, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Ohio. He leaves a sister, Adrienne (Richard) Allen of Johnstown. Uniquely, Bud was a foster parent to two chimpanzees, Samantha, now deceased and Rosie, who is 45, and living in retirement on a primate farm in Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Bud’s family would like to extend a very special thanks to all of the caregivers who gave their time and energies to helping him remain at home and in extended care, especially Michelle and her family, who became his daily dose of sunshine. At his request, Bud will be cremated and there will be no calling hours. A memorial service to celebrate his life is planned for July 20, 2008 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Bud’s memory, to the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home or St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnstown. Arrangements are by the Ehle Funeral Home.
