Floyd Charles Rabenstein, 60, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010, while vacationing in the Bahamas. He was born April 4, 1950 in Ithaca, grew up in Berkshire and graduated from Newark Valley Central School. He was a machinist for more than 40 years, working at Therm Inc. as a junior engineer for much of his career and was currently employed at Cortland Machine and Tool.
Floyd was a member of the NRA and active at various Rod and Gun Clubs for many years. He enjoyed hunting, snowshoeing, boating, skiing, traveling and photography. He spent much of his spare time visiting or helping out both family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Charles and Dorris Rabenstein of Berkshire; one brother, Edward (Mary) Rabenstein of Berkshire; former wife, Jacalyn Daugherty and their two daughters, Renee (Rik) Smith of Cortland and Stacy Rabenstein of Trumansburg; two grandchildren, Madison and Kaeden Rabenstein-Spiers; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and numerous friends. Floyd resided with his significant other, Ellen McAvoy, at 93 Ripplebrook Lane, Minoa, NY 13611.
Memorial Information:
Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service being held at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street in Dryden on Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, consistent with Floyd's wishes, contributions may be made to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at www.worldwildlife.org or by calling 1-800-CALL-WWF.
We met while I was in high school, on his birthday celebrated also by his brother Ed…he was a gentle soul then as he was at the end of his life. Though our marriage had taken different pathways, he was always there for our children, and finally in the passing years we had become friends once more. Helpful to all, not a complainer no matter how tired he was. He certainly enjoyed his gun hobby, the outdoors and had respect for the safety of the sport and for others. His love of animals and travel could be seen in his photographs, many that hang on our walls in our homes. I only wish we had more family time as our two grandkids were getting older and loved him for the activities he could have taught them. We did enjoy his 60th birthday all together and had gone on a holiday vacation, a cruise in the Bahamas just months before that. I loved him when I was a young girl. I respected him as the father to our two daughters, and I love him even in death. Floyd may you find eternal peace.