Francis Munch

Francis "Bud" Munch, age 86, of 975 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY passed away Friday, January 30, 2009 at Lakeside Nursing Home. Mr. Munch was born July 28, 1922 at Caroline Center, NY a son of the late Peter and Grace Barnum Munch. He faithfully served his country in the US Army during World War II after which he was employed for more than 30 years at Cornell University in the Agronomy Dept., retiring in 1978. "Bud" as everyone knew him, was a charter and Life member of the Varna Volunteer Fire Company and was active for over 40 years holding various company offices as well as being a fire fighter. As a member of Varna Methodist Church for over 60 years, Bud had held various board positions as well as actively working on hundreds church functions. He was well known as one of the folks who enjoyed working on chicken barbeques for both the church and the fire company. Bud was considered the handyman of downtown Varna and would always lend a helping hand to everyone, whether a close friend or just an acquaintance. He was always there for everyone in need and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was truly carrying out God’s work, both in service and spirit.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth of Varna, his three sons Jim (Pam) Munch of Melbourne Beach, FL, John Munch of Kennewick, WA and Bob (Pat) Munch of Freeville, NY; his grandchildren, Mychael, Peter and Nick Munch; his brother, Erwin (Joan) Munch; his sisters, Joyce Hubbs of Newark Valley and LaVerna Woodard of Dryden, a sister-in-law, Christine Marsh of Berkshire. Many nieces, nephews, cousins including Patricia Zimmer of Binghamton also survive.

Funeral services will be held today at 1 PM Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at the Varna Methodist Church with Rev. Jacquie Lewis officiating. Burial, delayed until spring, will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca. Friends are invited to call today prior to the funeral at the church from 12 to 1 PM. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are graciously directed to the Varna Volunteer Fire Company, 14 Turkey Hill Rd., Ithaca or to the Varna Methodist Church, 965 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.