Obituary of Arthur T. Myers Jr.

Arthur T. "Art" Myers, Jr., 90, of Owego, NY went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Art was predeceased by the love of his life, Patrica Murray Myers, beloved son, James Patrick Myers, and infant grandson, John Robert Prato. He was also predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Myers, his sisters, Catherine (Sr. St. Gerard, IHM), Betty Hernquist, and Clare Ann Jones, and his brothers, Joe, Leo and Gerard. Art is survived by daughters, Catherine (Joseph Prato), Kristin (Mark Felice) and son, Thomas (Bob Knapp). Art was also "Pop" to his adoring grandchildren, Elizabeth and Thomas Prato, James, Carolyn, and Anna Felice, and Grace Myers. He was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews. Arthur was a proud graduate of St. Rose High School in Carbondale and the University of Scranton. After a semester at the University of Scranton, Art joined the Air Force. He worked as a munitions specialist and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time he enjoyed traveling Europe with and was always very proud of his service to his country. After completing his four year commitment, Art was able to complete his degree in Business Administration. He started his career at IBM Owego in 1959 as an operator, then worked as a programmer, systems analyst development programmer/manager of Product Assurance and Cost Systems. After retiring in 1987, Arthur and Tricia got their real estate licenses and worked for Coldwell Banker for 10 years. His final career was working for the Tioga County Board of Elections as the Democratic Elections Commissioner. Art should be remembered along with his wife Trish for being a part of the Tioga County Democratic backbone for the last 50 years. Thousands of petitions, hundreds of candidates, dozens of election night returns and a few national conventions make up the journey of one of the most dedicated democrats to hold the position of Tioga County Democratic Chairman. He was inspired by his parents and upbringing during the Depression when FDR'S government helped families like his with programs like the W.P.A. As Commissioner at the Board of Elections, Art used his vast experience with elections to help him. His diplomatic and peacemaking skills were invaluable––memorizing election law just added more to his breadth of knowledge. His sense of fun has never been more evident than when he would attend the yearly NYS Election Commissioners meeting. In the true spirit of bipartisanship, the Tioga County BOE was always a costume standout with his colleagues at the themed party. It was not unusual to find him dressed up in pajamas, in a hula skirt or even as...the POPE! Differences in opinions on issues never warranted personal attacks. For Dad, government was a vehicle for service to others, not a means to gain power or prestige.Through it all, in a political world that is full of greed and corruption, we are able to revel in the knowledge we walked with one of the most steadfast incorruptible Democrats that there ever was. At his core, Arthur valued family above all else. He worked many jobs as a student after school to help support his family and continued that support as his parents aged. He was our constant North through difficult times and shared with us his wisdom in knowing the right thing to do, while counting on us to always do the same. He worked hard but also knew how to have fun. He was always up for an adventure with us and showed us that hard work has to be balanced with the joys of playing, relaxing and spending time with family especially in Pop's Pub. Arthur found his purpose in helping others, never expecting anything in return. Painting our houses, building decks and garages, car maintenance, flood repair… there was nothing he wasn't good at. He was happiest when he was helping so his participation and work in community organizations like the Elks Club and TCRM were a natural fit for him. As "Pop," Arthur was the ultimate playmate and supporter. He was ruthless with a SuperSoaker, meticulous with his additions to our drawings and building block creations, and a constant presence at all of the milestones––big and small––in our lives. There was no case of the blues that couldn't be cured by a "Pop talk," which usually included something to the effect of "you're wonderful, you're smart, and you're funny…thank God." He taught us how to give the perfect handshake and how to truly care for others, no matter who they were. Despite the decline in his memory in his later years, he always knew that we were his. He never forgot to tell us that he was proud of us and that he loved us. He would invariably follow that up with a "God bless ya." We know that God did bless us. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 300 Main St., Owego, NY. Burial will be at Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Carbondale, PA at a later date. The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 31st from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY. Condolences may be made to Art's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tioga County Rural Ministry. Then go eat an ice cream, drink a beer and don't forget to VOTE!