IN MEMORIAM: Robert F. Van Wormer, 87;

Ithaca Teacher Retired To His Native Morris

MORRIS – Robert “Bob” F. Van Wormer, 87, who returned to his native Morris in 1990 after 30 years teaching, mostly in the Ithaca City School District, passed away at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Bob was born on Nov. 23, 1932, the son of Frederick Van Wormer and Mary (Lindhorst) Van Wormer, both deceased. He was also predeceased by a sister, Betty (Van Wormer) Michalski.  He grew up in Morris, having attended the local school and then graduated from SUNY Oneonta.

He moved to Ithaca in 1960 as a fifth-grade teacher in the Town of Lansing. After three years he taught for one year in Rochester, then returned to the Ithaca city schools, where he taught fifth grade in Glenwood and Enfield elementary schools until his retirement in 1990. After a 30-year career in public school teaching, he returned to his family home in Morris.

Bob became involved in many community activities. He was one of the original members of the Pigtail Alley Writing Group, which meets monthly in the Village of Morris Library. His most recent publication was “Jelly Beans and Dragon Wheels” (2016).

He was also on the board of Evergreen Cemetery near South New Berlin. He served in a variety of posts, including board president. Through board actions, the cemetery and adjacent White Store Church have been maintained and improved.

In 1990, Bob became a volunteer usher at Glimmerglass Opera (later Glimmerglass Festival) for more than 28 seasons. In the process he made many new acquaintances and friends for the festival. He was a member of the Guild of Glimmerglass Festival, participating in the work of its education committee.

Bob is survived by his cousin, Richard D. Johnson and Richard’s wife, Harriett Johnson; daughter, Ruth (Johnson) Borra; and son, Royce Johnson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Cas Michalski; and his wife, Marilyn Michalski.

A memorial service in Evergreen Cemetery is planned for the spring.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be sent to Evergreen Cemetery, 431 White Store Road, Norwich, NY 13805, or to the Tribute Fund, Guild of Glimmerglass Festival, P.O. Box 191, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Funeral arrangements are by Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home of Morris.