Claude V. Orcutt

HERKIMER - Claude Vernon Orcutt , age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning June 6, 2021 in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center Utica. At the time of his passing, h e had the support and comfort of his loving family by his side.  Claude was born on June 16, 1931 in Herkimer, the son of the late Claude N. and Maude Mickle Orcutt.  He was raised and educated in Mohawk. On August 2, 1952 he was united in marriage to the former Rita Netti at Saint Anthony's Church.  It was in that year that they made their home and began their future together in Herkimer .  Claude retired from Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company in Utic a in 1993 after twenty-seven years of service . H e served as Shop Union Steward and was Regional President for the United Foundry Workers AFL-CIO . For twenty- eight years he proudly served in the Army National Guard , retiring at the rank of First S e rge a nt.

Claude had a strong belief in God and was a communicant of Saints Anthony and Joseph Church in Herkimer. A lways demonstrat ing a genuine sense of community , f or twenty years he served as a board member and President of Oak Hill Cemetery . He also served as a board member of Herkimer Polish Home , East Herkimer Fish and Game Club, and Fort Dayton Steamers Volunteer Fire Company.

Claude was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends . He especially enjoyed his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren and he made a profound imp ression on each of their lives.

Surviving him are his devoted wife of sixty-eight years , Rita, two daughters, Claudia Gloo and her husband Stephen and Cindy Rhymestine and her husband Richard , two sons, Matt Orcutt and his companion Diana Laymon, Dan Orcutt and his wife Sue, all of Herkimer . He is also survived by a sister, Shirley Schmelcher and her husband Robert of New Hartford, eight grandchildren, Catherine Marsh and husband Geoffrey, Brett Rhymestine, Aaron Gloo and his wife Veronica, Eric Rhymestine , Cassandra Cristman and her husband Justin, Ben Orcutt, Jaclyn Orcutt and Jason Orcutt, five great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Bessie Mickle with whom he was especially close , and Perry Mickle Jr and Harold Mickle and his wife Helen who were like brothers to Claude.

Calling hours for Mr. Orcutt will be held on Sunday , June 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. His funeral will commence from the funeral home on Monday, June 14 th at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at the Church of St Anthony and St Joseph , Herkimer . Interment wi th military honors will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St Jude 's Children ' s Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project .  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.