Obituary of Alton J. Prime

Mr. Alton J. "Tony" Prime, 94, of Maple Avenue, Canajoharie, New York died Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at St. Mary's Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born on March 26, 1920 in Buel, NY, he was the son of John Prime and Lulah Eckler Prime. He was a lifelong area resident and a graduate of Cherry Valley High School, Class of 1937. Tony also attended Hartwick College for 2 years. Mr. Prime was employed by Beech-Nut Corp. in Canajoharie for 35 years, retiring as Manager and Agriculture Purchasing Agent for all of Beech-Nut in 1982. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US Marine Corp. in Marshall Islands and Wake Islands. On June 8, 2013 Tony was given the opportunity to take the Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the National World War II Memorial. He donated his Marine uniform and World War II memorabilia to the Marine Museum in Rotterdam, NY. Mr. Prime was a member of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church and former Church Council member. Tony was a member of the Beech-Nut 25 Year Club, the Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #333, the Last Man Club of the Post and Canajoharie Senior Citizens. He was a former member of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain B.P.O.E. #2621 and former member of the Fort Rensselaer Club. On August 9, 1947 in Canajoharie, NY, Tony was married to Louise Mingst Prime. She preceded him in death on September 22, 2012. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Belva Nichols, Pauline Cervo, Goldie Gordon; brother, Merton Prime. Mr. Prime is survived by his sister, Veda Downes of Nelliston, NY; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:00 am at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY, with Rev. Zachary Labagh officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery with Military Honors. Contributions in memory of Mr. Alton J. Prime may be made to the Leatherstocking Honor Flight, PO Box 621, Cobleskill, NY 12043.