Sid Ayers

Ayers, Sid

West Palm Beach, FL: Sid Ayers of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly of Hyde Park, NY, passed away Tuesday, July 2nd, at the age of 95 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 17th, 1918 to James and Sarah Azersky. At the time of his birth he was given the name of Simson Azersky but he later shortened his name to Sid Ayers. He was a graduate of Binghamton High School, Albany and Oswego State Teachers' Colleges with advanced work at NYU, Syracuse University, Harvard and Yale. He served in the United States Army during WWII being stationed in Africa, Italy, Sicily and Switzerland. He received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars and 1 arrowhead. On June 30, 1946 he married the love of his life, Shirley Semelisky, who predeceased him on May 23, 2005. They began their married life in Johnstown, NY and later moved their family to Hyde Park, NY. Originally Sid was an Industrial Arts Teacher and he later became a Guidance Counselor. Eventually he became the Guidance Coordinator of the Hyde Park Central School District, Rhinebeck Central School District and Marist College. He was a New York State Consultant to the New York State Department of Education. Upon retirement he and Shirley moved to West Palm Beach, FL where they enjoyed sailing, dancing and entertaining friends and family. He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Education Association and New York State Teachers Association. Sid's greatest joy in addition to his family was helping children obtain their goals. He encouraged many teenagers to further their education and believe in themselves. To this day he is still receiving praise from those he assisted. He was a kind, gentle soul. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Susan Bunten (Michael), Highland, NY and Scotte (Thomas) McElwain, Springfield, VA; his grandchildren: Sara-Beth (Michael) Jorgensen, Cobleskill, NY., Brian (Ashley) McElwain, Bristow, VA, and Shawn McElwain, Springfield, VA; and his great-grandchildren: Anders and Aran Jorgensen, Cobleskill, NY and Morgan McElwain, Bristow, VA. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews and their spouses. He adored them all and imparted a lifetime of wisdom to them. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Irving, Julius, and Ralph and his sisters, Esther and Louis and their spouses. He never met a person he didn't like and he was well liked by all. He always had a joke or story to tell and he kept his sense of humor until the end. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Traditions of the Palm Beaches and Hospice of Palm Beach County. Arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Poughkeepsie, NY. Graveside services and burial will take place Monday, July 8th, in the Knesseth Israel Cemetery in Gloversville, NY. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com.