LeRoy (Skip) Searfoss

LeRoy “Skip” Searfoss of Sayre passed away at home on April 14, 2019 at the age of 89. 

Skip was born September 20, 1929 at home in Milltown to Harold “Dutch” Searfoss and Augusta “Gussie” Carmer Searfoss.  Skip loved Milltown and lived there his entire life, within a three block radius of where he was born. He could often be seen taking long walks through the neighborhood, waving to all and stopping to talk to anyone he met along the way.

Skip met his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Perry) Searfoss while attending Nichols Baptist Church.  Betty said that she was immediately drawn to his bright blue eyes and beaming smile.  They were married October 26, 1957 at the Nichols Baptist Church and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.  Together they raised a son and four daughters, in Milltown of course.

Skip graduated from Sayre High School in 1948 and remained a loyal Sayre Redskin fan his entire life.  Skip served in the US Army from 1951-1953.   Upon his return from the Army, he resumed his participation in the Lehigh Valley Railroad Apprentice Program.  He then worked as a Car Inspector for both the LVRR and Conrail for 26 years.  He made many friends while working on the railroad and, after his retirement, continued those friendships by attending monthly luncheons to reminisce about the good old days.  Skip then worked for Joe Viselli Construction and kept busy with lots of odd jobs.

Skip valued family above all.  He proudly attended his children’s sporting events, musical concerts and recitals, awards ceremonies and any activity his children were involved with.  He continued his support with his grandchildren, even cheering on the Athens Bulldogs when one of his grandkids participated in an Athens event.  In his later years, he proudly slept through many concerts, plays and recitals!  If not at home, he could usually be found at one of his kid’s houses, either fixing something or just spending time together

Skip was predeceased by his parents, brothers Harold, Leo and Richard, sisters Alzina, Gertrude “Liz”, Arletta “Lete” and Flora “Betty” and his special aunt Flora Carmer.  He is survived by his brother Clyde of Detroit, MI and Tillie of Sayre, PA.

He leaves behind his immediate family members, who will remember him with a smile and a laugh: his wife Betty, daughter Lorri with husband Bill Stevens of Tioga Center, NY, daughter Linda of Athens, PA, daughter Lisa with husband Mark Miller of East Smithfield, PA, son Skip of Barton, NY and daughter Kim with husband Ken Lorson of Horseheads, NY.  His grandchildren include William Stevens III and husband Christopher Wyble of Poughkeepsie, NY, Michelle and Kevin Doherty of Sayre, PA, Melissa Miller of Frederick, MD, Ryan Miller and Dana Paul of Big Flats, NY, Leighanne and Eric Ingram of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Ryan Lorson of Yorktown, VA, Seth Lorson of Charleston, SC and Kortni Lorson of Sunset Beach, SC.  His great-grandchildren are Aiden, Emma and Leyna Doherty, Chase and Kloey Ingram and Parker Lorson.  Several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and other family members also remain.

Skip was a friendly and genuine man who was always there to lend a hand, a hammer or an opinion to his family, friends and neighbors.  We will truly miss his words of wisdom, sense of humor and special language that was unique to him.  The family would like to thank the staff of the RPH 5th floor unit, as well as Guthrie Hospice for their tender care of Skip in his last days.

Per his wishes, there will be no services, but instead a celebration of his life.  Skip always said, if you don’t enjoy life, it’s not worth living!  The family invites you to come and celebrate by bringing your memories of Skip to the JE Wheelock Hose Company on Saturday, April 20th from 2-6 pm.  Donations in Skip’s memory can be made to the Guthrie Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service,1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LeRoy (Skip) Searfoss, please visit our floral store.