GENEVA- Terry Dale Spittler, 82, passed away on September 18th, 2025, at F.F. Thomson Hospital in Canandaigua. A Memorial Mass will be at St. Stephen Church, 48 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY on Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life reception.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Terry was the oldest of six children of Howard and Genevieve Spittler of Springville, where he graduated from the Griffith Institute. He went on to earn degrees in chemistry and English from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), an M.S. in biochemistry from SUNY Buffalo, and his Ph.D. in physical-organic chemistry from SUNY Albany. He held post-doctoral positions at Syracuse University and Montana State University prior to coming to Cornell's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. Terry received the IR-4 Meritorious Service Award in 1989, the USDA Secretary's Award for Excellence in Environmental Education in 1996 and was elected as a Fellow of the Agrochemicals Division of the American Chemical Society in 2006.

Terry enjoyed fatherhood and actively supported his children's interests in sailing, hockey, swimming, and lacrosse. In the 1980s, he was the lone "Room Father" at his children's elementary school, volunteering to chaperone field trips and bring in treats for class parties. In recent years, he enjoyed being a grandfather. Terry was active on the Geneva Concerts Board of Directors and was a supporter of Geneva Library. A lifelong comedian and jokester, Terry frequently cracked a joke or made a silly face to get a laugh or smile. He also loved tinkering, nature, classical music, and Masterpiece Theatre.

He is survived by his wife Mary; children Elizabeth (Ronald), Max (Kate), and Gretchen (Tony); and grandchildren Carmella and Nino; siblings Jeaneen (Michael), Margaret (Emmanuel), Holly, and Bill (Amy). He was predeceased by his mother, father and brother Donald.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association.