Obituary of W. Graham Heaslip

William Graham Heaslip (Graham), age 92, died peacefully in his home in Cortland, NY on January 26, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Graham was born in Brooklyn, New York to William (Bill) Heaslip and Alice (Covert) on March 26, 1928. On April 1, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Moore, and they raised five daughters together. Graham is predeceased by his wife Barbara, his parents Bill and Alice, his brother Frederic Heaslip, and his son-in-law, Brad Noble. He is survived by his daughters: Pamela Dass, Linda (Sylvain) Ndebi, Nancy Jeff) Heaslip, Margaret (Brad) Noble, Gail (Jon) Finton; grandchildren Michelle (Kristopher Wallace) Ndebi, Christopher, and Julien Ndebi; Erin (Victor) Schaefer, Cory Noble; Paige and Taylor Spafford; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; nephews Stephen and Graham Heaslip and their families. A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Graham enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1946, serving for one year. He then attended Columbia University and received his Doctorate in Geology in 1963. His education was interrupted by recall into the Marine Corps Reserves in October of 1950, serving in Korea until 1952. While studying for his Doctorate Degree, Graham taught Geology at Syracuse University for 4 years. He and his family then moved to Cortland where he spent the remainder of his career teaching Geology at SUNY Cortland. He retired from his full-time teaching position in 1991, continuing as an Emeritus Professor until 2003. During their later years, Graham and Barbara traveled together extensively, visiting various places throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. They enjoyed bowling and square dancing with their friends. Graham was a loyal and active member of the Cortland County Detachment of the Marine Corps League, and played as Santa for their annual Toys for Tots party for local children. He also served for several years as chairman for the SUNY Cortland and Community United Way campaigns. He and Barbara also volunteered together by serving meals for the local Loaves and Fishes and assisting with cataloguing fossil specimens at the Paleontological Research Institute in Ithaca, NY. Graham organized several Elder Hostel events and taught summer Arts and Sciences Academy for children. He was the recipient of numerous professional grants and awards throughout his career. A small, private family service will be held at the Wright Beard Funeral Home in Cortland on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 1pm. The service will be live-streamed through the Wright Beard Website Obituary page as well as https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/william-graham-heaslip-funeral-live-stream Contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York or any charity of choice. To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com