Obituary of James W. Westerfield

James W. Westerfield III Pine Bush, NY James W. "Wally" Westerfield, a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, died Tuesday, November 3, 2010 at home. He was 60 years old Born on January 7, 1950 in Middletown, NY, he was the eldest of four children born to James and Veronica (ne`e Santacroce) Westerfield. After graduating from Pine Bush High School, he attended Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He participated in the football program. He came back home with his degree and began a 36 year career with Pine Bush Central Schools, focusing on Grades 2 through 5. He was a natural in his work; he had a way of reaching even the most challenging of students. Years later, he would astound former pupils, now grown and with school aged kids of their own, with his amazing recollect; not only did he remember the name of the student, but their seating arrangement in the class and what subjects they excelled in, He was known for his role in assembling some of the school districts most successful "Odyssey Of The Mind" teams, and took a great deal of pride in their preparedness before and during the competitions. He enjoyed bowling, and was a multiple 300 point game winner. A member of the Iroquois Hunting and Fishing Club in Sullivan County, he could often be found fishing with his grandchildren, hiking the many trails or riding on his ATV or Jet Skiing. He was an avid fan of the New York football Giants, whenever his beloved New York Yankees weren't playing. When the work was done and he had a quiet moment to himself, he'd open a book written by Clive Cussler, Dean Koontz, Stephen King or John Grisham and get lost in the story until he fell asleep. He had an endearing habit of stopping at a page just long enough to compose a short note about something that was happening around him at that moment or just some random thought. He'd write that in the margin of the page he was on, follow it with the date, and continue reading. Like his father before him (and his younger brother and both sons after), he was a past member of Pine Bush Hook & Ladder, serving the community he loved with distinction and pride for several years. As a Little League coach, he spent hour upon hour trying to teach local nine and ten year olds how to swing the bat just like Lou Gehrig and Thurman Munson (his favorite Yankees), by simply putting the bat on the ball. He taught teamwork by having the players root for each other. He also managed to get a few shoe-lace tying lessons in there to better the chance that the future Gehrig or Munson might get to first base without tripping. Wally was also a history buff, and really enjoyed researching and studying the Revolutionary War era, and to a lesser degree, the Civil War years. His passion and enthusiasm undoubtedly served only to inspire those in his classrooms. The Mid-Hudson School Study Council agreed with that assessment, and, on October 15, 2003, they honored him with their "Excellence In Teaching" award. Above all, Wally lived for his family. He was a doting son, husband, father, uncle, brother, Godfather and grandfather. He was at his best during the holidays, decorating the house and yard for Halloween, standing out in the cold weather greeting trick or treaters with a piece of candy or trimming the Christmas tree with the hundreds of both homemade and store-bought gift ornaments from myriad students through the years, some proclaiming the bearer to be "The Best Teacher In The Ho-Ho-Hole World!" He never gave anything less than his very best, and never loved anyone with less than his whole heart. His loss is tempered only by his legacy; we, his family, are his autograph; his students are his gift to the world. Wally is survived by his loving wife, Linda, at home; his mother, Veronica of Pine Bush; three children, James Westerfield IV of Plattekill and Doreen of Wallkill, NY, Todd Westerfield and his wife Wanda of Hawley, PA , Jill Davis and her husband Rob of Sandy Hook, CT; Eight grandchildren; Courtney, Sonny, Taryn, Hayleigh, Antoinette, James (V), Jesse and Chance; two sisters, Susan Gunderman and her husband Jim of Georgia, Deborah Boniface and her husband Steve of Bethel, NY and one brother, Henry Westerfield and his wife Angela of Georgia; four nieces, Cathy, Melissa, Shirley and Lauren, and six nephews William, Michael, Jason, Brian, Kevin, Steven, Jimmy and Matthew. He also leaves behind his two very special and devoted companions, Shiloh and McAllister. He was predeceased by his father, James W. Westerfield, Jr. Friends may call on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc, 1525 Burlingham RD Pine Bush. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday November 10, 2010 at 10:00am at the Church of the Infant Saviour with Fr. Kevin Gallagher officiating. Interment will be in the family plot at New Prospect Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wally Westerfield Memorial Scholarship Fund C/O Mike Amsden at Pine Bush High School or to our local D.A.R.E. Program, 121 Rte 302 Pine Bush, NY 12566. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. Pine Bush, www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com