Obituary of Willis Brian Newman

Willis Brian Newman, 55, of Cortland passed away Friday, January 23, 2015 at Cortland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy struggle with disabilities due to a stroke. He taught physics and engineering at Henninger High School in Syracuse for 12 years prior to his disability. He attended Grace Christian Fellowship in Cortland. He was born in 1959 in Cortland to Willis R and Jane C Newman. He earned a B.S. in biology from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. in geology from Syracuse University. Will loved all things science related and was always learning. Teaching and inspiring young people was one of Will’s passions. An avid model train enthusiast, he enjoyed building, painting, repairing engines and cars as well as designing layouts and creating scenery. He was active in the Boy Scouts, and firmly believed in their ideals. Willis was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, camping, canoeing, fishing, backpacking and hiking. He loved cats, history, playing thinking games, building and flying model planes and rockets. He had a quick, dry wit and sense of humor. He possessed a quiet strength, an easy going manner and a willingness to help wherever there was a need. Willis was a devoted and loving husband, father and son. He is survived by Lauraine, his loving wife of 30 years; his children Kaitlyn, 17, Willis Michael, 15, and Jennifer, 12; his mother Jane Newman; brothers Karl (Judith) Newman, Robert (Deborah) Newman and Matthew (Suzanne)Newman; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Willis was predeceased by his father, Willis R. Newman. A celebration of his life will be Monday, February 2, 2015, with calling hours from 1:30-2:30pm at Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 1250 Fisher Ave, in Cortland. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 1250 Fisher Ave, Cortland, NY 13045, the Boy Scouts of America, 2150 NYS Route 12, Binghamton, NY 13901 or the Cortland County SPCA, 879 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for the outpouring of love and support received from family, friends, fellow teachers, church members from Grace Christian Fellowship and United Presbyterian Church, the nurses, aides, physician and therapists at Cortland Regional Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Cortland Regional Medical Center, especially the ICU nurses during Will’s final days.