Robert O. Ossont April 24, 2019 Robert D. Ossont, 103, of Sheds, NY died Wednesday April 24, 2019 at Crouse Community Center, Morrisville, NY. Bob was born on August 19, 1915 in Mariposa, Chenango County, NY. The second of five children of the late Earle E and Ida Hinds Ossont. While he was young, the Ossont family moved to DeRuyter, NY where he attended and graduated from DeRuyter Highschool in 1934. In 1936 he graduated from Morrisville Agricultural and Technical Institute. On August 22, 1937 he married Kathleen Slater. She predeceased him on October 31, 1983. He is also predeceased by his second wife Bertha Elmore Ossont.Bob's early employment included Allen and Wood Chevrolet in DeRuyter, teaching underprivileged children in a government operated program (The National Youth Administration), adult education and welding to Local 60 Iron Workers. In 1943 he moved his family to the Ossont Homestead Farm in Sheds, NY where he remained until recently. While living there he taught Highschool Agriculture and shop for 2 years at Truxton and McLean Central Schools, and the last 32 years at Fabius-Pompey Central School. He completed his undergraduate and graduate certification requirements at SUNY Oswego and Cornell University. He retired in 1978 and substituted at Cortland BOCES until 1988. He is best known for his collection of antique cars, especially, a 1925 Model T Ford Racer which he started building at the age of 16. He served on the DeRuyter Town Board for 20 years and the New Woodstock Fire Board for 15 years. He was co-chair of the Campaign Committee for the Renovation and Expansion of the DeRuyter Free Library, the former DeRuyter Central School built in 1908. He is survived by his children Linda Jackson (John) of Auburn, Elaine Harris of Liverpool, Roberta Powers (Roger) of Bouckville and James (Sandra) of Eaton. He is predeceased by a daughter Amy Ossont Taber on June 17, 1992. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are 1:00-3:00 PM Sunday April 28 at the United Church of DeRuyter, Cortland Street, DeRuyter followed by a Celebration of His Life Service at 3:00 PM at the Church. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, DeRuyter. Contributions may be made to The United Church of DeRuyter. Smith Funeral Home, DeRuyter, has arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at syracuse.com/obits
Published Syracuse Post Standard from Apr. 25 to Apr. 28, 2019