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BORN
1922
DIED
2012
C. TATE Obituary
Age 90 of Horseheads, NY passed away on Friday October 26, 2012 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Dick was born June 14, 1922 in Sayre, PA the son of the late Charles Henry Tate and Irene Baxter Tate. He grew up in Troy, PA and graduated from Troy High School. Dick was a Veteran of World War II serving his country with The U.S. Navy. He married his wife, Matilda Oparil "Tillie" Tate, on September 21, 1946 and they dedicated their lives to each other until he death on June 30, 2007. Dick was also pre-deceased by his sister Dorothy Irene Tate Puro and by his brother-in-law Stanley Oparil Jr. Dick was the owner of Tate Equipment in Horseheads, NY since 1968 as a businessman with the highest degree of integrity. He was a member of Horseheads Old Oak Lodge #364 F & AM. Dick enjoyed travelling and finding new products and services for his business in order to better serve the community. Dick is survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Clara Johnson of Webster, NY, Suzanne Oparil, M.D. of Birmingham, Alabama, Marjorie (Mrs. Stanley) Oparil of Elmira, NY, and Richard & Marilyn Oparil of DeWitt, NY; nephews and nieces and their spouses: Linda Puro Dudman of Rochester, NY, Gary & Gail Johnson of Geneseo, NY, David & Rita Johnson of Webster, NY, Steven & Julie Johnson of Hampton, NH, Stanley ("Jake") Oparil & Stacey Oparil of Elmira, NY, Richard Oparil & Donna DeSilva of Washington, D.C., Donald & Debbie Puro of Ann Arbor, MI, Barbara & Robert Rosenthal of Hampton, ME, and Nancy & Stephen Yarnell of Minoa, NY; several grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and a host of caring friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Thursday November 8, 2012 from 9-10:30 AM. Officers and Members of Horseheads Old Oak Lodge #364 will conduct a Memorial Service at the conclusion of calling hours at 10:30 AM. Mr. Tate's Funeral Services will be held following his Masonic Memorial Service with the Rev. Anne L. Mowery officiating. Dick will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Tillie. Those wishing may remember Dick through memorials to a charity of one's choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for C. TATE
May 30, 2013
Dick sold my Dad a Gravely LS Tractor on July 16, 1960. He was driving a Volkswagen Bus with a big T on the front of it. His wife Tillie was with him.
Sarah Wrenn
November 8, 2012
May God bless and comfort the family of Mr. Tate during this time. He was such a sweet man and is greatly missed. It was always so nice to see his smiling face come into the bank. The world lost such a special man.
November 7, 2012
Remember the chicks?
and my favorite stories are of Mr. Tate taking back mowers because of operator failure.
M.Mccracken
November 7, 2012
Mr. and Mrs Tate were my truest valentines. The world is a bit dimmer now that they left us. I shall miss them always.
Margaret Greible-McCracken.
Joseph and Cornelia Maffia
November 6, 2012
Blessing to the family of Dick Tate.
Words alone could not fully express the experience of being a "friend" of Dick/Tillie Tate. We had the privilege of calling them Uncle Dick/Aunt Tillie, I believe there are hundreds of "same" stories about the Tates. Became aquainted during the delivery of a Snapper, and from friends became "family". They enjoyed our family and were always so very encouraging to us and our children with there "awe" for each accomplishment. Truly wonderful friends and examples of true love and concern for others. Our entire family will miss them both and will always cherish the "family photos" including them and the times we shared. Love The Maffia's
Caroline Rankin
November 5, 2012
going to miss you around love caroline rankin RIP MR TATE your the best oxoxox
Susan Carne
November 5, 2012
When we moved to Horseheads 26 years ago, the first neighbors we met were Tillie & Dick. The Gravely mower we purchased with our new home brought us together initially, but their sweet natures and love for family and values kept us connected. Our little herd of boys (ages 6, 4, 2, & newborn when we met) trick-or-treated - by invitation -every year at their home, where Tillie & Dick would fuss and fuss over their costumes, and ask them for all the details of their school successes, and send them home with about 5# of candy. Dick & Tillie stayed interested in the boys' achievements through the years, and every time a Carne name would appear in the newspaper for Honor Roll or Reading Club or sports or community service, our phone was sure to ring with a congratulatory call from Mr. & Mrs. Tate. With the boys' own grandparents living many states away, Mr. & Mrs. Tate provided an intangible benefit to my boys, that of knowing that a loving older couple up the street was paying attention to them and tracking their successes. Dick & Tillie were able to be at all the Carne high school and college graduation parties we had over the years, and I am positive the joy we celebrated at their accomplishments was felt just as deeply by Dick & Tillie. Even though the boys are grown now, and Dick & Tillie are reunited in Heaven, Halloweens at the Tates will always be a near & dear memory to us all. We will miss them.
November 5, 2012
I recently flew on the same flight with Dick from Elmira to Philadelphia and on the same return flight several days later. It was the first time we had seen each other in probably ten years. I told Dick that I always thought about him as I traveled past his shop on Route 13.
G. Richard Morris
Troy, PA
Ted and Judy Pack
November 5, 2012
My family bought many pieces of lawn equipment from Dick Tate over the years. He was a fine businessman, but beyond that he was a wonderful person. Dick ran Tate Equipment with a special trust and honesty that is hard to find. Such a tragic end to a terffic life. Rest in Peace, Dick.
Jean and Floyd Smith
November 5, 2012
Dick and Tillie were dear friends of the Munsey family. My aunt work with Tillie for years at the Eclipse and they were also friends before that. Now Dick, enjoy reuniting with Tillie, Ruth, Ray and Ervesta and have the time of your life..May you all R.I.P. To a hero of all! God Speed!
Dick's grand nieces
Richard Oparil
November 4, 2012
As Dick's nephew and executor, I want to thank everyone for their kind and thoughtful words. He was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Deb Brenzo
November 4, 2012
I've know Dick for over 30 years. He is kind, smart, creative, Professional and very customer oriented....I loved listening to his stories and wisdom....I know he missed Tilly and will now be together again. Dick and Tilly were great people.
Sandra & Thomas Green
November 4, 2012
My Dad, Leonard Schmitt, was employed at General Electric in Elmira for 30+ years and retired in 1976. I believe that he and Mr. Tate were employed at GE during the 60's.
My Dad spoke very highly of Mr. Tate and was a Gravely customer at Mr. Tate's business.
When my husband and I moved to Horseheads, we became Kerosun customers of Mr. Tate.
He was a kind gentleman who was interested in his customers. It was evident that he loved his family, friends, and life.
We were sorry to learn of his passing.Our condolences to his family and many friends. He will be missed.
Sandra and Thomas Green
November 4, 2012
My dad, Leonard Schmitt, worked at General Electric in Elmira for 30+ years. He retired in 1972 and I thought that he and Mr Tate were both employed there in the 60's.
My Dad always spoke highly of Mr. Tate and was a Gravely customer of Mr. Tate's business.
When my husband and I moved to Thomas Road, Horseheads, we were also customers who purchased Kerosun products. He was a kind gentleman who was interested in his customers and loved life.
My condolences to the family and friends of Dick Tate. May he rest in peace.
Susie Sampsell-Wade
November 4, 2012
God Bless You Dick Tate. You were a fine businessman and a true gentleman. May you rest in peace.
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