DELHI - John E. Tuthill, 94, of Delhi, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.

Born on June 18, 1926, in Hoboken, New Jersey, he was the son of the late John E. and Lillian (Rhodes) Tuthill Sr.

John spent much of his early years in the Sidney Center and Masonville areas and later moved to Meridale, where he met his wife of nearly 66 years, Grace Odell. He and Grace were married on Aug. 15, 1954. The couple later moved to Delhi where they raised their two children, Mark and Vicki.

John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Tuthill was employed by the former Deltown Foods (Dellwood). He started at an entry level position and worked up to supervisor. Following its sale to NEDCO, (Northeast Dairy) he continued with the company and eventually retired from Eastern Milk Producers in 1989 as a quality control inspector, where he enjoyed visiting and inspecting dairies throughout the area. John especially enjoyed working with the farmers while covering a large area and had an opportunity to meet many special people over his career.

He was an outdoorsman, who loved fishing, hunting and took many trips to the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

John volunteered at a local nursing home where he assisted the activity director and enjoyed fishing trips with patients to Spring Lake.

John served as an elder at some local churches and 25 years ago began supporting his son-in-law and daughter who pastor the Word of Faith. He was a faithful and loyal leader all those years.

John loved people in every arena of life, whether at church, his son's auto shop, or just a stranger on the street. He was known for his friendliness and ready smile.

His grandchildren have many memories of Friday trips to various destinations, including a favorite, Zoom Flume, a water park. In his later years he became "Poppy John" to his five great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy.

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by a brother, David Tuthill and sister, Laura Bourn and her husband, Ernie.

John is survived by his wife, Grace; children, Mark Tuthill and Vicki (Frank) MacCracken; grandchildren, Allison Tuthill of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Scott Tuthill of Walton, Lacey (Kevoy) Howard of the town of Maryland, Lindsey (Andrew) Shingler of Worcester and Levi MacCracken of Schenevus; great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Melina Howard, Autumn, Jack and Mason Shingler; brother, Charles Tuthill; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law.

Because of COVID 19 restrictions, private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to Word of Faith Church, 6568 State Highway 7, Maryland, NY 12116, or Delhi EMS, P.O. Box 93, Delhi, NY 13753.

Share condolences with John's family at www.hallandpeet.com.