Obituary of Sylvia A. Place

Vestal - Sylvia (Thomas) Place, age 78, of Vestal passed away unexpectedly on July 15th. Sylvia was born in Malone, New York to Grace and Floyd Thomas. While in Malone she graduated from Franklin Academy. She furthered her education at SUNY Potsdam earning a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. She married Richard Place in 1965, at the Vestal United Methodist Church where she was an active member in many church groups and activities. Sylvia taught History for 35 years in the Vestal School District. Most of her work was in the Jr High/Middle School. She was often remembered for her Stock Market Simulation game and the corresponding field trip to New York City. After her retirement, she went on to serve the district as a member of the Board of Education for the past 5 years. Sylvia was active in the community. She and her husband volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Vestal Historical Society. While she was a merit badge counselor and committee member for Boy Scout Troop 221. She had the great joy of helping numerous young men reach the admirable goal of Eagle Scout. All of her work with Scouts was recognized by her receiving the Silver Beaver Award in 2006. In her free time, Sylvia enjoyed traveling, social gatherings with family and friends, playing Bridge and shopping. Many people will remember her annual Christmas party. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Eunice and Margaret, and her brothers James and Robert. She is survived by her husband Richard, daughter Suzanne and son James and his wife Sharon, her 2 grandsons Michael and David Place, and her niece Holly Jones. Other close family members included Charles and Mary Place, their sons Robert and Matthew and the Greenlee family. Calling hours for Sylvia will be held on Tuesday July 20th from 1 to 3 pm at Vestal United Methodist Church on Main St. A memorial service will follow at 3. Memorial donations may be sent to Vestal Dollars for Scholars P.O. Box 959 Vestal, NY 13851-0959 vestal.dollarsforscholars.org or to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome 705 West Main St Endicott, NY 13760-4521 westernbroomemealsonwheels@gmail.com.