William Francis Jarvis' Obituary
William (Bill) Jarvis died peacefully with his family at his side on Dec. 9, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he lived in retirement. He grew up in Syracuse, New York, and spent his college years and career in Upstate New York. He graduated from SUNY Cortland and received a PhD in Chemistry from Syracuse University. He devoted his career to teaching at Corning Community College-SUNY. He spent endless hours mentoring chemistry students.
His passion for organic and environmental chemistry flourished even into retirement. He loved being in the hills and lakes of the Adirondecks, especially camping and hiking in Upstate New York and in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. He had many memorable travels throughout the United States, the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Germany, Thailand and Dubai.
Bill was a patient and dedicated educator, a devoted father, and a loving husband. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing the guitar, photography and volunteering. When out for hikes, he always had a camera handy. He was an accomplished photographer.
He was especially influenced by his mother who taught him to live life with optimism, kindness, and honesty. He had a quirky sense of humor and a sunny disposition that endured even in his final days.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, his lovely daughter, Anna Jarvis, and his oldest brother, Jim (Cathy) Jarvis, as well as stepsons, Christopher (Nora) St. John, Jonathan (Erin) St. John, and Daniel St. John, and grandchildren, Lucas an Audrey (Jonathan & Erin). He was predeceased by his older siblings, Patrick Jarvis and Janet Young. He had many friends and loving relatives left behind in Upstate NY. Progressing dementia prevented him from visiting in recent times. These include Sue (Warren) Clough, Sharon (Gary) Slate, Bob and JoAnn Jarvis, and his fraternity brother, Tom (Alison) Kuekla (North Carolina). A special thanks to the amazing staff, nurses & CNAs, Ovation Hospice and Dr. Fehlauer at The Auberge at Aspen Park who provided Bill compassion and dignity in this last chapter of his life, and kept him dancing.
You may honor Bill's memory by taking a walk in the mountains, watching a sunset, or fishing, and extend a hand to someone in need. No formal services are planned.
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