Art lived and worked by the philosophies of “pull yourself up by your boot straps” and “treat others as you want to be treated.” He was a divine Christian and a long-standing member of the First Presbyterian Church in Penn Yan, NY where he served as an Elder and Trustee for many years. As part of the “The Greatest Generation”, he served in WWII where he received five battle stars and a Purple Heart. He instilled a strong work ethic in not only his family but many others retiring from PY Express/Conway after 32 years.
Art will be remembered for his love of life, service to his community, and family values. He loved baseball supporting the Yankees both on and off season; displayed fancy footwork when square dancing in New York and Texas with his sweetheart Phyllis; and loved to visit friends and family traveling both nationally and internationally. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. He taught life lessons to others through the art of playing cards and conversations over freshly made blueberry pancakes or molasses cookies while promoting his love of nature through camping. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple means surrounded by those that loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Phyllis Jean Alderman; son John Alderman (Christy) of Colorado; daughters Sandra Elbert of Ohio, Terry Burwell (Graham) of New York, and Jerry Alderman of Texas. Additionally, he is survived by 8 grandkids, Amy Anderson of Texas, Tamme Smith (Damon) of Ohio, Michael Alderman (Jennifer) of Texas, Tracey Elbert (Rick) of Ohio, John Beverly (Kaycee) of New York, Jason Beverly (Tonya) of New York, Sara Alderman of Texas and Claudia Alderman of Colorado. 18 Great Grandkids; Neko, Christopher, Melissia, Aalea, Cody, Aaliyah, Ari-Yanah, Josh, Conner, Hunter, Alyvia, Chase, Destiny, Jaylynn, Emily, Gabriel, Cameron, Ayhnalise and 1 Great-Great Grandson, Xander.
Family, friends and others whose lives Art touched are invited to the First Presbyterian Church, Penn Yan, N.Y. on March 20, 2018. Calling hour is at 1:00pm to reminisce, grieve, support each other and of course just chat. Services will immediately follow at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 211 Main Street Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527.
