Floyd L. Loper – 82 – of County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell died Tuesday afternoon (June 6, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on March 21, 1941, he was the son of Floyd & Eleanor (Murray) Loper.
Floyd grew up in Hornell and later graduated from Hornell High School, class of 1960. While in high school, Floyd worked on his family’s farm. He raised and showed Ashier cows. Floyd won the state championship multiple years with his bull, Herman, and even showed him at the World’s Fair in Chicago.
He served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga from 1960 – 1962. He was honorably discharged when his father became ill and he needed to return to the family farm. Floyd later worked for the Erie Railroad and Dunkirk Ice Cream, and for over 35 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville. During the years that Foster Wheeler was closed and until they reopened, he was employed as a welder on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Floyd was married on May 21, 1965 to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Miller Loper, who predeceased him in 2021. He was also was preceded in death by his three sisters, Deatta Jamison, Hilda Norton, and Harriett Theilen.
Surviving are his son, Jeffrey (Christina) Loper of Hornell; his daughter, Michele (Ed) Flaitz of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Isabelle) Loper, Jessica Loper, AnnaMarie Flaitz, Emma Flaitz & Elaina Flaitz.
He and Charlene shared a true love story for 56 years. Floyd would walk over 6 miles every day after school to make sure Charlene got home safe. After they were married, they began building their own home. They lived a wonderful life together raising their family. They spent countless hours boating on Keuka Lake when not working or spending time on their own property.
Floyd had a love for the outdoors and spent his free time ice fishing, salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, and deer hunting on his property. He also enjoyed four-wheeling with his grandchildren all over their land and having picnics at the picnic table that he built. Additionally, he loved watching drag racing. One of his greatest joys came from watching his son and grandson race and helping them prepare and maintain their bike and dragster on race day.
A true handyman, Floyd could build or fix anything. He was always outside “tinkering” on something. Until the age of 75, he was still riding into the woods, cutting down trees, and chopping them up to heat his home. Floyd was loving, strong, and a great jokester, something he never lost even during his long battle with Alzheimer’s.
The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care for the wonderful care Floyd received the last 4 years. We are grateful he was able to remain in his home that he so dearly loved.
At Floyd’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
