Obituary of Elmer E. Selby

Elmer Everett Selby Jr. age 92, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on November 2, 2022. He was the son of the late Elmer Everett Selby and Clara Summers Moist Selby and was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Ann Scheidemantle Selby of 54 years. Elmer is survived by his daughter Heather (Bruce) Smith of Davidson, NC, son Scott (Judy) Selby of Endwell, NY, son Craig (Nan) Selby of Ashland, OH, sister Clara (John) Kelly, grandchildren Kevin Selby, Emily (Andrew) Torba, Tyler and Jared Smith, Melanie Irvine-Selby, great-grandchildren Sophia and Samuel Torba, and sister-in-law Mariellen Burkhart as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Born on July 22, 1930, in Charleston, WV, Elmer grew up moving between his hometown and Carnegie, PA. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Wooster in Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Immediately following his final exam, Elmer flew to Pittsburgh to begin a very successful career with Westinghouse Electric Company. Shortly afterwards, he transferred to Westinghouse in Horseheads. There he rose from Assistant Engineer to Fellow Engineer, working with luminescent screens (awarded a patent), photosensitive surfaces, and clean manufacturing environments with assignments in both Engineering and Manufacturing Departments. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, a member of the American Society for Testing & Materials Committee, Chairman of the Task Force on Surface Examination, and more. During his 35 years of employment, he became involved in metallurgy and nondestructive analysis, was manager of the Chemical & Physical Laboratory, and was involved in Quality Control. One interesting accomplishment was his work on the camera Neil Armstrong used on the moon. Shortly after arriving in Horseheads, Elmer married his college sweetheart in 1955. They settled in Elmira and had two children, Heather and Scott. When Craig was born, they decided the house was too small and moved to Holiday Drive in Horseheads. After retiring, Elmer and Bev spent the winters in a condo in Seminole, FL near Bev’s mother and sister. Elmer reached the rank of Eagle in his Boy Scout troop, being a role model for his grandsons to do the same. He enjoyed years of camping, hiking, and canoeing as well as earning merit badges. He eventually worked in leadership positions in Troop 33 of Elmira and became the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairperson of 44 in Horseheads. He was awarded an outstanding service award for his untiring work with Boy Scout Troop 44 and the Claude V Furman Memorial Trophy from the Sullivan Trail Council for promoting “good camping and the love of nature”. As an active member of the Presbyterian church, Elmer taught Sunday School and served as an Elder and a Deacon. He had a lifelong love for travel, having explored 49 states, Canada, and many European countries. He was also an avid reader of scientific journals and religious books. Elmer was an enthusiastic stamp and coin collector. As a member of basketball teams in college and at Westinghouse, he took full advantage of his 6’5” height. Spelunking was always an adventure and included repelling into shafts to measure rooms and corridors of many unexplored caverns, including a new area of Organ Cave. Other favorite activities included bowling, golf, high school track, and beating everyone in card games. Elmer was well known as a caregiver. After his wife, Bev, developed Parkinson’s Disease, he retired early to travel with her and then to take care of her physical needs. During her 27 years of suffering, he never wavered in his care of her, showing everyone what it means to fulfill his marriage vow, “in sickness and in health”. A worship service celebrating Elmer’s life was held on Monday, November 7th. He was then laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads, 2943 Westinghouse Rd., Horseheads NY 14845.