Obituary of Erastus Corning Davis

Erastus Corning Davis III, 91, of Fonda passed away on September 16, 2011, at the E.L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility. He was born in Albany, NY on January 7, 1920, a son of the late Erastus Corning and Blanche Robinson Davis, Jr. He attended Albany Public school, Boys Academy and graduated from Miline School in 1938. Shortly thereafter he became the proprietor of Davis News in Fonda and entered the insurance business. He was a WWII Veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps in the North Africa and Foggia, Italy with the 96th Squadron, Second bombardment group for thirty months. Sgt. Davis was awarded twelve battle stars. Upon his return stateside, Erastus was employed for many years at the General Electric Company, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bridge, going to the flat track, dining at Saltsman's and watching the NY Yankees. He was a member of the Fonda Reformed Church where he formerly served on the Consistory and American Legion Post 701. Mr. Davis married Lois Nesbitt on August 15, 1942. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his sons Douglas Norma Davis of Albany and James Davis of Fonda, a daughter Lydia Anthony, Jr. Cacace of Canton, MI. Cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Javier, Cassandra and Anthony Cacace, Jr.; beloved great grandchildren Nathaniel and Angelina; a special niece and nephew Sharon Jim Gebhardt and John Nesbitt. He is predeceased by a brother, Joel Robinson Davis. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1 PM at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street in Fultonville, NY 12072 with Rev. Joshua Baron presiding. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at 11 AM preceding the funeral service. Cremation will take place at Vale Cemetery Crematorium; burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Fonda Reformed Church, Window Fund or a charity of ones choice in care of the funeral home office.