Gary Rumsey

Gary L. Rumsey , 75, of Dryden, NY, died at home on Thursday, July 23, 2009. He was born in Clifton Springs, NY a son of Elmo and Elva Rumsey.

He received his BS and MS degrees in Biochemistry from the Pennsylvania State University. Upon moving to the Ithaca area as Director of the Agway Research Center on Warren Road, he completed studies for his PhD degree from Cornell University. At the time of his retirement, he was Director of the U.S. Dept. of Interior Tunison Laboratory of Fish Nutrition on Gracie Road, Cortland, NY and its sister laboratory in Hagerman, ID. He was also an Adjunct Professor at Cornell University as well as consulting internationally.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; daughters, Amy R. Clark and Jody E. (Greg) McLean both of Atlanta, GA and Ivy R. (Ron) Space of Freeville, NY; and sons, Gary T. (Catherine) and Peter A. (Kathleen) Rumsey both of Exeter, RI. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Marine CPL Cory A. Burchfield, Kelsey L., Callan G., Carson W. and Denver T. Space, Sarah E. and Travis J. Rumsey. He is also survived by a brother, James E. (Barbara) Rumsey of Batavia, NY.

At Gary's request, there will be no services. A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family. Kindly consider a donation to the Southworth Library Association Library for Interiors of the New Lincoln Center, P.O. Box 45, Dryden, NY 13053; or to the Cortland County SPCA, 879 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045. Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street, Dryden is assisting the family.