Obituary of Norman John Schweighofer

Norman Schweighofer Sidney, NY Norman Schweighofer sadly passed away unexpectedly, on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013. Norm, the second child of Harold and Nylepha Schweighofer of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was born September 28th, 1926. He was recently predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and is survived by his older brother, Robert, son, Steve, daughter, Judy, and son-in-law Ed Tasillo, as well as grandchildren Mike and Amy Tasillo and numerous nieces and nephews. He married Barbara Bidwell of Sidney, NY, in 1948 and worked his entire career at Bendix (now Amphenol), retiring in 1985. He and Barbara were inseparable for nearly 65 years and had only just moved to The Highlands, an independent senior retirement community in Johnson City, NY, when Barbara passed away on January 9th, 2013. Norm enjoyed his family more than anything else - numerous camping trips and vacations when Steve and Judy were growing up, then, later on, regular trips to their favorite places in Maine and on Vancouver Island, as well as the occasional excursion to visit Barbara's sisters and their families. Visits from his grandchildren, Mike and Amy, provided both him and Barbara with great joy and he often spoke of how proud he was of them. Corn roasts with Bob's family, clambakes with Barbara's, and crowded holiday get-togethers and summer picnics were highlights throughout the years. Deer season hunting camp with his father, brother and friends was replaced by a passion for wood carving and gardening in his later years, while his love of baseball and the Yankees stayed with him his entire life. He was an expert at fly-fishing and knew all the best holes in New York State, frequenting them with Barbara, his brother, Bob, friends, or often just on his own. Anytime he was in the outdoors, whether on the beach in Maine or in his father's woodlot in Pennsylvania, was "his" time, and we are forever grateful he passed that enthusiasm onto us. Norm was an avid reader, devouring historical fiction and thrillers, especially those about places and people that interested him. Until Barbara passed away, they enjoyed nature walks together and became expert bird and wildlife watchers. It was also together, in their mid-eighties, that they took on the challenge and mastered the iPad, taking and sending photos, keeping in touch with family and friends. Throughout his life, Norm showed tremendous integrity, and his courage and strength, especially during these past few months, will be an inspiration to us all as we lovingly keep him in our memories. In honor of Norman's wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private service for both Norman and Barbara, together, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Norm may be made to the Sidney Memorial Public Library, 8 River St., Sidney, NY 13838. Condolences may be sent to the family and Barbara's obituary may be viewed online at www.landersfh.com Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.