Arthur R Engelbert

Faithful servant Arthur Richard Engelbert, 90, of Sunnyside Road, Nichols, NY went to be with his Lord on February 26, 2018 following a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Mary Bernice Engelbert, his brothers K. Kay, Albert, and Edward, and his sister-in-law Dorothy. He is survived by his nephews Kevin (Lisa) Engelbert; and Morton Engelbert, all of Nichols; Al, of Elmira Heights; Keith (Shelly) of Waverly; and niece Kathy (Dave) Shaw, also of Waverly; as well as many great nephews and nieces, all of who brought him a great deal of pride and joy. Art is also survived by his sisters-in-law Ina Mae, and Norma, both of Nichols, and many cousins scattered around the country. Art, as he was known to his family and friends, began his wonderful life on the family farm in Nichols, NY on August 21, 1927, the son of the late Richard L. and Bernice (Cortright) Engelbert. He was a graduate of Nichols High School, class of 1945, and of SUNY Albany, where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees in mathematics. He also took summer classes towards his PhD at Colgate University, but with the outbreak of the Korean War and his two youngest brothers going into the Army, he was needed on the farm. He was a life-long, dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nichols, where he formerly served on the Board of Session, and in virtually every capacity possible, including Sunday School Superintendent, leader of the choir, organist for 25 years, and Chair of the Worship Committee. Art was best known as a high school math teacher in the Tioga Central School District, where he taught for 37 years, followed by another 4 years at the Tioga Center Christian School. He had an innate ability to explain math in a way that enabled students to learn even the most difficult subjects. Art also tutored students, both high school and college, while teaching and after his retirement. He would do whatever possible to help every student succeed, regardless of ability. Many of his students chose a career in mathematics, science, and / or teaching because of him, and many more had positive life outcomes due to his influence. Art was a very caring, giving man, and enjoyed life to the fullest while excelling at everything he did, and he was very community oriented. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Tioga Central Alumni Association, and was very happy to see it thrive. Art was also active in the Nichols Senior Citizens, in the past as President and holding the positions of Treasurer and Activities Chair at the time of his passing. He was involved with Supper for Friends for many years, and was always willing to bake pies, cookies and / or cinnamon buns for any fund raiser. In keeping with his farm upbringing, Art was also an avid gardener, tending to more than 2 acres of vegetables, berries, and flowers until his health wouldn't allow. While he peddled much of his excess bounty, he also gave more away to needy families. In 2006 he was honored for his years of community service by being named the Tioga County Senior Citizen of the Year, of which he was very proud. More recently, he loved spending time with his nephews and great-nephews playing bridge or pinochle, and watching his great-nephews assume the management role on the family farm, the 6th generation to do so. Art was an honest, moral, ethical, hard-working man who had no enemies, was generous to a fault, always tried to figure out a way to help someone in need, and a true gentleman his entire life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, by the community at large, and especially by his family. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 4-7 pm at the Nichols Presbyterian Church, Nichols, NY. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10 AM at the Nichols Presbyterian Church, 140 S. Main Street, Nichols, NY, with the Rev. George Budine, pastor of the Nichols Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be in Nichols Cemetery immediately following the service, with a period of fellowship afterwards at the Nichols Presbyterian Church social hall. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com In keeping with Art's legacy of service, donations may be made to the Nichols Presbyterian Church, PO Box 146, Nichols, NY 13812, or the Community Care Network, PO Box 100, Nichols, NY 13812, in loving memory of Arthur R. Engelbert. Cemetery Details Nichols Cemetery Nichols, NY 13812 Loading map Previous Events Visitation MAR 2. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET) Nichols Presbyterian Church 140 S. Main Street Nichols, NY 13812 Loading map Service MAR 3. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) Nichols Presbyterian Church 140 S. Main Street Nichols, NY 13812 Loading map Luncheon & Period of Fellowship MAR 3 (ET) Nichols Presbyterian Church 140 S. Main Street Nichols, NY 13812 Loading map