Obituary of Jesse Lewis Quackenbush, Sr.

At the age of 86, Jesse Lewis Quackenbush, Sr., sage advisor, expert macaroni and cheese maker, extraordinary son, brother, father, friend, and all around great man, died on March 23, 2019.

Born on June 23, 1932 in Canajoharie, New York to Leon and Clara (Sands) Quackenbush, Jesse Lewis Quackenbush shared a home with four brothers (Carlton, Burdette, Lewis, and Gerald) and one sister (Evelyn). At an early age, life circumstances forced Jesse to put school on hold so he could help look after his family. Jesse was a lifetime area resident.

As a young man Jesse volunteered for service in the United States Army where he served from 1948-1952 in Korea and re-enlisted in 1956-1958. He was a proud American and Veteran who supported his local VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275.

After serving his country he returned to Canajoharie where he married Deanna Pellegrini and together they raised five children. Anthony (Tony), Jesse, Thomas, Andrea, and Christopher. 

Jesse was employed as a tradesman for several years in the area and spent 19 years working for Beech-Nut. Jesse was a hard worker who provided and sacrificed for his family to give them a good life. In 1981, Jesse embarked on a new adventure when he became proprietor of the Valley Inn in Palatine Bridge, New York. For the next 18 years local patrons were greeted by his warm smile, bright blue eyes, and easy going personality. He was known to all as “Jesse Duke” or “Jake”. Upon his retirement, Jesse settled into an easier, more relaxing life with his faithful companion and best friend, Einstein. A craftsman at heart, Jesse loved to work with his hands. You could always find him tinkering in his garage or under a car. He loved watching FOX news and complaining how the politicians are like preachers and preachers are like politicians. He enjoyed his time outdoors soaking up the warm sun and never missed an opportunity to drop a line at his local fishing hole. 

He had a life-long love affair with sharp cheese, cured meats, licorice, crusty bread, fried green tomatoes, hardy candy, peanut brittle, peanut butter, ketchup and onion sandwiches, and his mom’s recipe for tomato soup cake.

Jesse was genuine, practical, and possessed a big heart, yet he sugar coated nothing. He counseled his children with familiar phrases throughout the years. For timeliness he would say,    “Time to drag your ass!”. When they were about to make questionable life choices, “You need (fill in the blanks) like I need a 747 in my backyard!”. When he was caught in the middle of chaos he’d be the consummate mediator with, “What difference does it make?”. There were many other words of encouragement, nuggets of wisdom, and comfort that kept his children (mostly) in line, taught them “school of hard knocks”, and gave them something to pass down to their children.

Jesse lived a long, simple, quiet and comfortable life. He was a father who made his children better and stronger human beings. He took extreme pride in his family and never hesitated in showing his love. His children are eternally indebted and appreciative not just for their own existence, but for having known and been loved by one of the best men in the World and a truly beautiful person. For his friends that remain, may this obituary ignite fond memories of Jesse, who is smiling down upon us, hoping that we take a moment to appreciate each other. He was never one for religiosity, but if you need a beer, and if you can find him in Heaven, the first round is on the house. He will be celebrating with his old Army buddies and lifelong friends, Elmer Fralick, and Gerald Shreppel, among many other loved ones who have gone before, Expect to find his beloved canine companion Einstein by his side. 

Jesse will be sorely missed and survived by his brothers: Burdette (Elaine) Quackenbush of Fort Plain, Gerry (LuEmma) Quackenbush of Randall, New York, Sister-in-Law Carol Quackenbush of Fort Plain, NY. His loving children: Jesse Quackenbush, Jr. of Amarillo, Texas, Thomas & Susan Quackenbush of Fort Plain, New York, Andrea Quackenbush Perkins and Christopher Quackenbush of Bend, Oregon, and Deborah (Dan) Rouse of St. Johnsville. Numerous grandchildren: Katie Quackenbush, Dillon (Molly) Quackenbush, Karlie Quackenbush, Jesse Quackenbush III, Courtney (Anthony) Quackenbush, Marlowe Perkins, Gigi Quackenbush, Elizabeth Quackenbush, Kristin Quackenbush, Alexander Quackenbush, Stacey Soares, Jessica Quackenbush, Stephanie Quackenbush, Sarah Nestlen (Rich), several great grandchildren. Special Cousins: Doug Quackenbush, Charlie Sands, Carol Weaver, and Jay and Gail Summerson.

He was preceded in death by his father Leon, mother Clara, sister Evelyn, brothers Carlton and Lewis, son Anthony Joseph, grandson Anthony Joseph Jr., and his beloved canine companion, Einstein. 

Following his wishes, there will not be a formal service for the public, but you are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a bar napkin, raise a glass in his honor, vote for Donald Trump in 2020, make a donation to Ayers Memorial Shelter or help your local veterans. 

The family will be holding a celebration of life gathering later in the year. 

The family would also like to thank the St. Johnsville Nursing home staff who took great care of him in his final days.