Rev. Joseph N. Ary, 88 of Church St. in Copake, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday July 10, 2016 at the Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation residence in Canaan, CT.
He was born May 19, 1928 at home on the family farm in Greene County, OH son of the late Venis and Bertha Ann (Hoover) Ary.
Rev. Ary attended a one room schoolhouse through eighth grade and was a graduate of Xenia Central School, class of 1946. He furthered his education graduating from Ohio State University in 1950. After his graduation he taught Vocational Agriculture in Lost Creek, Ohio.
He proudly served his country with the United States Army as a corporal during the Korean War from 1952-1954.
Upon his discharge from the Army he entered the Drew Seminary where he graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1957.
His first charge appointment was to the Copake and Craryville United Methodist Churches in 1957. He later served at the Ossining Methodist Church from 1968-1970, the Red Hook and Rowe United Methodist Churches from 1970-1977 and lastly at the Walton, NY Methodist Church until his retirement in 1990 when he moved back to Copake.
For several years after his retirement he helped his son doing carpentry work just as he had helped his father when he was a boy. He also continued his ministry by helping his longtime friend, the Rev. Gerry Pollock in serving churches in Pawling and Poughquag, NY.
Rev. Ary was a member of the former Hillsdale Lodge #612 of Free and Accepted Masons and also the New York State Annual Conference of United Methodist Churches.
On September 14, 1952 in Hamilton, OH he married Faye M. (Smith) Ary who survives him at home.
In addition to his wife Faye he leaves a son and daughter in law, Joe and Dru Ary of Hillsdale, NY; granddaughters, April Jo Whalen and husband Dave of Millerton, NY and Hollie Ary and fiance Bryan VanTassel of Claverack, NY. In addition, two great grandsons, Riley and Parker Whalen.
He was pre deceased by his daughter, Lynn Rachel Ary in 2011 and a sister, Marcella Shaw.
Funeral services will be held on Friday July 15, 2016 at 11 AM at the Copake United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Rogers officiating.
Friends are invited and may call on Thursday July 14, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22 in Copake NY.
Interment with military honors will be in the Copake Cemetery.
A reception and time of sharing to which all are invited will follow at the Copake Methodist Church house.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider the following organizations, The Copake and Craryville United Methodist Churches, PO Box 127, Copake NY 12516; The Roe Jan Food Pantry, PO Box 343, Hillsdale NY 12529 or the Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Rd., Lake Luzerne NY 12846.