Mark B. Pritchard
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Town of Lee - Mark B. Pritchard, 76, a life-long fifth generation farmer, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2022.
He was born in Rome, the eldest son of Bertrand W. and Gladys Tuthill Pritchard. He graduated from West Leyden Central School, in the Class of 1963, where he achieved Empire Farmer in 1963. Mark excelled in soccer and basketball. He could drop the basketball from center court consistently. Upon graduation he joined his father on the family farm doing what he loved.
He met the love of his life, Vernie C. Hardin, on a blind date and married her on October 1, 1966. Together they worked the land and raised five children. In 1982 Mark and Vernie took over the farm and continued to dairy until 1996. Then they switched to beef until June 3, 2021 when a tornado destroyed the 170 year old barn, but he never gave up.
Mark also served as an election custodian for the Town of Lee for 20 years. He retired from Adirondack Central School after 20 years as a school bus driver in April 2021 due to poor health. He continued to farm with his sons and grandchildren until the day of his passing.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years; sons, John M. Pritchard (Brenda), Town of Lee and Luke M. Pritchard (Colleen), Forestport; daughters, Elaine Pocchiari (Dennis), West Leyden, Korinne Smith (David), Utica and Megan Pritchard, Boonville; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; brothers, Ivan, Eric and Jason Pritchard, Lee Center; sisters, Janice Henderberg, Rome, Eileen Sturtevant, Lee Center, Elinor Stevens, and Violet Pritchard, both of Whitesboro.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Point Rock Methodist Church at 12 p.m. with burial in Point Rock Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 3-7 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post Street, Boonville. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Point Rock Methodist Memorial Fund. For an online message of sympathy please go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.