Roland Lee Voorheis

Roland L. Voorheis, age 76, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on March 17, 2024 following a brief hospitalization. He was surrounded by his entire family.

Roland was born in Montour Falls on March 26, 1947, one of eight children born to Edwin and Betty (nee Crippen) Voorheis.  He worked for the family paving business until he left to work in the oilfields in Oklahoma, Alabama and Ohio, where he spent many years as a watchman and operator. He then returned to the area where he worked for Dalrymple Contracting and eventually Seneca Stone. He was an equipment operator and an expert in paving and road construction. In his retirement, he operated the family farm in Valois with his wife and sons.

He was a proud man who worked hard to earn everything he had. He didn’t make excuses and was quick to stand for what was right. His sizable stature and massive hands intimidated some, but those close to him found comfort in his presence. He was a gentle-hearted giant that wouldn’t hesitate to help a friend in need without asking for anything in return.

His family was his whole world, and he would take on the whole world for his family. His door was always open, all you had to do was pull up a chair at the kitchen table. No one left without a cup of coffee or bite to eat. He would “charge you the same” whether you ate or not, so you might better enjoy. He was known for telling animated stories, sharing words of wisdom, and affectionately picking on his loved ones, especially his grandkids. When he winked at you and flashed that mischievous grin, it was a sure sign that he was up to no good. He was always down for a game of euchre, and he’d even give you lessons whether you wanted them or not.

Roland made a positive impact on everyone who crossed his path and had the ability to turn strangers into dear friends. He always said that a man’s handshake was as good as his word, and if he shook your hand, you knew he would stand behind it. He was a firm believer in God, family, and Country. Although we wanted more time, he lived a full, honest life. He accepted Jesus Christ into his life, and he knew that he would be reunited with his loved ones in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda; and his children; Vincent of Lodi, Ernest of Valois, Joanna (Mark) Clark of Alpine and Kurtis (Dawn Potts) of Lodi; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Kyle, Michelle, Derek, Ernie Jr., Laura, and Ashley, 8 great grandchildren and his siblings, Theodore Herforth, Gail (Adolph Bussey) Mazourek, and Linda Abbott. Roland was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christina and by his siblings, Edwin “Buck”, James, Jeanie Pike, and Carol Osborne.

The family would like to thank the South Seneca Ambulance responders, Dr. Francis, and all the wonderful nurses at Cayuga Medical Center ER and ICU for the excellent, compassionate care they provided.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life held on April 6,  2024 from 1:00 to 5:00pm at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge. A private burial will be held by his family at Hector Union Cemetery in Burdett. 

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