Roger Ward TownsendHorseheads, NY

Roger Ward Townsend, age 86, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY.

Roger was born on November 4, 1939, to the late Alfred S. Townsend and Alma C. (Townsend) Hogben.

He was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Norman Hogben; and a daughter, Sally (Townsend) Ormsby.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Joann (Semski) Townsend; his children, Susan (William) Borden, Sherry (Mark) Lombardo, John (Carol) Dunbar, Christie Anderson, and Melisia (Richard) Reilly; son-in-law, Dan Ormsby; brother, Chauncey (Kathy) Townsend; sisters-in-law, Diann (Mark) Murphy, Susan Kelly, and Carolann (David) Dreisbach; and grandchildren, Dawn (Ben) Edwards, Jeff (Autumn) Ormsby, Matt (Heather) Ormsby, Tiffany (Nick) Joseph, Brandisue (Doug) Perry, Justin (Faith) Townsend, Katrina (Mitch) Woodward, John Michael Wood, Carrie Dunbar, Celeste (Adam) Leach, Steven Shaffer, Zackary Shaffer, Erica (Joseph) Westervelt, Courtney (Paul) Flahive, Kaylee Reilly, and Julia Reilly. He also leaves 21 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Roger attended Trumansburg High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a helicopter mechanic on the USS Wasp. He spent most of his career as a heavy equipment operator with the New York State Department of Transportation in Ithaca, NY, and continued to work as a full-time bus driver in Alexander County, NC, during his retirement.

He was an active community member and volunteer, serving as past Fire Chief of the Interlaken Volunteer Fire Department, and maintaining active membership in both the Trumansburg American Legion and the Interlaken Sportsman Club. Roger was also a faithful member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed hunting, gardening, camping, traveling, and watching NASCAR.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Seneca View Skilled Nursing, Unit 3, for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held in May at the Trumansburg American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Interlaken Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 274, Interlaken, NY 14847.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.