Ellwyn Vanvorce

Ellwyn VanVorce, 76, formerly of Hawleyton, NY, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2014 in Little Rock, AR. He was born January 14, 1938 to the late Louise and Lowell VanVorce. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marie VanVorce, and three children and their families: daughter, Linda (Chuck) Huggins, daughter, Sue (Dan) Gilliam, and son Kevin (Lesley) VanVorce; seven grandchildren: Emily (Jason) Atkins, Amanda (Scott) Ellifrits, Rachel (Josh) Pitman, Jordan Huggins, Tyler Gilliam, Tim Gilliam, and Olivia VanVorce; six great-grandchildren: Savannah and Nathaniel Atkins, Addison and Chloe Pitman, Zachary and Benjamin Ellifrits. Ellwyn is also survived by his sister, Gail Jackson; and brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Diane VanVorce; along with a special aunt and uncle, Marion and Leon VanVorce; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Bob King, Ginny Cox, Diane and John Clayton, Glenna and Jim Erecitano, Deb and Gary Swingle, Gerry and Al Winfield and Ronda King. Ellwyn has many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ellwyn was passionate about the fire service. He was a life member of the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company with 50 plus years of service. He was Assistant Chief of Station One for 11 years, and was Fire Police Captain. He enjoyed helping with the annual Fire Company Chicken Barbeque, which was started in his honor in 1967. He was a member of various fire organizations: Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, Central New York Firemen’s Association, and was the Broome County regional rep for New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. He was a member of the Broome County Firefighters Association and held positions on its board of directors. He was on the Broome County Fire Advisory Board for 22 years, and was an active member of the Broome County Fire Chief’s Association as well as the Broome County Fire Police Association. Calling hours will be on August 22nd at Allen Memorial Home, 511 East Main Street, Endicott, NY from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be on August 23rd at 10 am at Hawleyton United Methodist Church, where he was a lifelong member. Rev. Linda Huggins and Rev. William Puckey will be officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 154, Binghamton, NY 13903.