Obituary of Hubert A. Pritchard

Hubert Andrew Pritchard, 81, of Westmoreland, NY, passed away on July 6, 2023 at Oneida Health Hospital after battling cancer for several years.

The son of Herbert F. Pritchard and Marian R. Tudman Pritchard, he was born at their home in Spencer Settlement, NY on August 27, 1941. He started his education in the neighborhood one-room school, entered the 9^th grade at Westmoreland High as a 12 year old, and graduated when he was 15 years old with the class of 1957. He was active in the Future Farmers of America at the school and NY State levels. He was the 1958/59 NY State FFA Vice President. While he was a senior in high school, he milked the cows at his grandfather’s farm on Shed Road before school. Of course he did “chores” again after each school day, too.

Upon his grandfather’s passing in 1958, he purchased the farm from his grandmother. Over the decades, he and his family modernized the farm and expanded it from 75 acres to over 800 acres. Even with the technological advances, chores are an everyday thing on a dairy farm- the chores still needed to be done through weekends, vacations, holidays, and sickness. Hubert never complained about the amount of work. He loved the life-style that he had chosen. Even though there are new generations of Pritchards who do most of the work on today’s farm, Hubert was still working in the fields on a couple of his recent “good days” during April and May.

Hubie and Nancy Ann Ott’s relationship began as neighbors and friends.   They dated for three years, enjoying dancing and Elvis movies.  They were married at the Lowell Methodist Church on April 11, 1964. Together they raised three children and then celebrated the addition of seven grandchildren, always attending and supporting the family’s music and athletic events all over the state.  Happiness was also found through their decades-long friendships that included cross country travels, snowmobiling and parties. Hubie’s antics always entertained whoever was around, living life to the fullest and finding joy in everything. Spending time with his family and friends always brought a smile to his face.

In addition to dedicating his time to his family and his farm, he served the Town of Westmoreland in various roles (including several terms as Town Supervisor) in a government career that covered more than 30 years. He was also a founding member and the first president of the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Farm Credit Nominating Committee and the Farm Service Agency governing board.

In addition to Nancy, his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his two sons:  Karl (Laureen) and his children Emily (Shawn) DeLancey and Graham (Paula); James (Heather) and his children Sarah (Luke) Aubin, Evan, and Joanna; and his daughter:  Karen Burcroff and her children Casey and Kierstin. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws. He especially enjoyed his time with his niece, Marianne Augenstein (daughter of his late sister, Ruth) and sister-in-law, Margaret Pritchard. Those interested in donating in Hubie’s name should choose a cancer organization of their choice or consider the Lowell Cemetery Association [6340 State Rte 26, Rome NY 13440].

A celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 11 A.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 2 P.M. - 5: 30 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Lowell Cemetery.