Corydon D. "Cordy" Suprise

Corydon "Cordy" D. Suprise

1930 - 2024

FENIMORE - Cordy Suprise was reunited with his parents, brothers and sister from Fenimore on January 27, 2024 after an incredibly blessed and fulfilling 93 years.

He was predeceased by his mother, Sarah, father, Fred, as well as siblings and their spouses: Little Freddie Suprise, George Suprise (Evelyn), Leonard Suprise (Adeline), and sister, Margaret Hughes (Arthur).

Born in 1930, and growing up within the salt-of-the-earth community of Fenimore (Moreau) during the Great Depression, Cordy was easily the most precocious of the Suprise clan on Ferry Boulevard. Despite being of modest means (as most were at that time), the enterprising President of Fenimore Grade School Class of 1946 was among the first of his friends and family in the community to own and ride horses and motorcycles, much to his mother's chagrin. Teaching himself to play music by ear, Cordy became a fairly accomplished mandolin player during this time, and he would keep music close to his heart throughout his days.

Cordy's life was made in 1950 when he was introduced to Priscilla Reese of Fort Edward at a square dance, they married two years later on Easter Sunday 1952, and then lived for 72 years in the home he built with his father in 1952, back when Feeder Dam was a dirt Road.

Cordy's professional career included three years working at McCann's Rexall Drugs of Hudson Falls, and then a combined 45 years at Comack & Whiteman Chevrolet of Glens Falls, the last 39 as the Body Shop Manager. Cordy served in the New York State National Guard in Glens Falls from 1950-1957, and was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls for over 70 years.

Well known for a remarkably consistent and positive approach to everyone, Cordy had an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence in work; he would often say he wasn't the easiest guy to work for, as he was widely regarded as the best auto-body professional in the Northeast during his time. Yet, the loyalty and devotion of customers and fellow staff remains an enduring legacy.

Cordy approached life as an opportunity to be seized every day, and the manner in which he lived serves as an example of the joy and fulfillment one can realize in tirelessly serving others. If you were privileged to be among his extended family of relatives, friends, or customers, there was very little that he couldn't or wouldn't build or repair in need, as he was an accomplished carpenter, electrician and plumber.

His dependability as a friend demonstrated to all who knew him that this was a man to be relied upon, and he truly cherished the opportunity to love others by serving them. Authentic and simple servant leadership by example was the manner in which Cordy approached every single one his days.

Later in life Cordy regaled family and friends with tunes on his Hammond Organ from time to time, often joined by the Casey's, Ryan's, Manning's Frost's Thombs's, Fr. Nugent, and others; their associated amateur musicians joining in, usually with a couple of whiskey sours for keeping spirits high. Those whiskey sours were legendary, appeared during special occasions only, and which, from time to time during holidays, might trip up a relaxed friend or family member or two who all too eagerly forgot their potency.

He is survived by his devoted and loving partner of 72 years, Priscilla (Reese) Suprise; son, Timothy and loving daughter-in-law, Mardy of Saratoga Springs, NY; grandson, Gabriel, of Boston, MA; granddaughter, Sarah (Kade); and great-granddaughter, Sunny Jane, of Carbondale, CO; Cordy is also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Reese; sister-in-law, Nancy Monsour and Cordy's best friend, brother-in-law, Theodore "Ted" Monsour; brothers-in-law: Edward Reese, Thomas Reese; and a few nieces, nephews and cousins. Cordy is predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Reese, sister-in-law, Rae Reese, sister-in-law, Maxine Reese, brother and sister-in-law, Vincent "Winnie" and Veronica "Ronnie" Benware and sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Leo Williams.

The Suprise family will remain forever grateful for the loving and tender care provided by Danielle Gagliastri, Nikki Allen, and particularly for the love, extra care and devotion of Maureen "Missy" Linehan, dear family friend and caregiver.

Friends may call from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 80 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, NY with Rev. Guy A. Childs, Pastor officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery on a date to be determined in the spring.

In lieu of flowers our family suggests making a donation in Cordy's name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, whose team approach to timely, thoughtful and considerate care was a blessing during a difficult time.