Hubie

Hubert N. Wandover, 85, more affectionately known as “Hubie” or “Pops”, a longtime resident of North Lake Road and husband of Pauline, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024 while surrounded by his loving family. Without the help of Hospice, Hubert’s wishes to be home, in the house he loved so much, may not have been possible.

Hubert was born in Rome, New York on August 8, 1938, a son of the late Jerome A. and Florence L. (Smith) Wandover. He grew up in Forestport spending many summers at Gordon Lodge where his father was a caretaker. Hubert graduated from Forestport Central School with the Class of 1957.

On September 19, 1963, Hubert was united in marriage to his wonderful wife, Pauline A. Gleasman. A blessed union that lasted 60 years until Hubert’s death.

Early in life Hubert was employed as a UPS driver in the Rochester area. After moving his family back to Foresptort he became a US Postal mail carrier, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Forestport, a heavy equipment operator for Swartout Construction Co. and finished his working career at Koenig Bros. Sawmill in Forestport before retiring in 2002.

Hubert was a member of the Forestport Presbyterian Church, the White Otter Fish and Game Club and served honorably in the National Guard.

Hubert’s love of the outdoors, hunting deer and fishing in the Adirondacks, was passed down from his grandfather, George Wandover who was an Adirondack Guide in the early 1900s in the North and South Lake areas. Hubert continued to pass down his love of the outdoors to his daughter Kim whom he took on many hunting and fishing adventures. They, along with his grandson Todd, traveled to New Foundland moose hunting, a trip that was always on Hubert’s bucket list. His daughter, Lilly learned to love the sport of fishing and together they caught big salmon together on Lake Ontario. Hubert’s love of the outdoors also shines bright in his grandsons. Over the years he has taught them to be great hunters and fishermen and respect the outdoors. They share many memories of hunting Adirondack bucks, fishing for trout in local brooks and streams and catching big salmon on Lake Ontario. Hubie was always proud of his former son-in-law Bob Kratzenberg for his good morales and dedication when it came to deer hunting. If there was anything that Hubert wanted to instill in his family, it was teaching them good morales and values, always respect your elders, work hard every day and save for a rainy day. He was a simple man who never needed or wanted anything special. His life was a blessing to his family and now his memory will be a treasure they will cherish forever.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pauline Wandover; his two daughters, Kimberley (David) Neary and Lillian Noti. He also leaves behind five grandsons; Robert Kratzenberg & Whitney, Kyle Kratzenberg & Mikala, Todd Henry & Denise, Ryan Henry & Brittany, and Nicholas Noti & Hannah. In addition to his grandsons, Hubert was blessed with and leaves behind 11 great grandchildren, Brooke, Blake, Taylor, Azaleia, Atlas, Ledger, Rylee, Hunter, Bryce, Arayna and another soon to join the family in June. He leaves behind his special Sister; Beatrice Lawrence whom was his partner in crime growing up and his two brothers-in-law Arthur (Jean) Gleasman and Herbert Gleasman. He also leaves behind is special fishing buddy Jim Moore.

Hubert was predeceased by his daughter, Katrina Marie Wandover on December 12, 1976. Also, his mother, Florence L. Wandover; father, Jerome A. Wandover; Brother, Alonzo (Lonnie) Wandover; Sisters, Lillian Cugliandro, Viola Thorhauer and Margie Nichols.

The family would like to extend a few special Thank-Yous. First and foremost, to the amazing, caring, compassionate Team from Hospice. Without their support, Hubert’s wishes to be home may not have been possible. The family will be forever grateful to the Angels of Hospice. A very special thank you to Andy Markopolous for always giving Hubie the privilege and freedom of hunting and riding his four-wheeler all around the “back 40”, the land he came to love, cherish and respect. A very loving thank you to Steven & Nicole James and their family for being the best neighbors Hubie and Paulie could ever ask for and for always being there in their times of need. A special thank you to his caregiver, Monica for the love and compassion she showed Pops when he needed it the most and finally thank you to their “helper” Faron who always helped them with anything they needed.

In keeping with Hubert’s simplistic lifestyle and wishes, there will be no calling hours and burial will take place in Beechwood Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.