- By Lansing Funeral Home
- Obituaries
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John Wade "Jack" Ettinger, Sr., 71, of Lansing, NY died Saturday, August 25 after a short illness.
A native of Skaneateles, NY, and a 1954 graduate of the Manlius Military Academy, Ettinger served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950's, stationed in Germany.
Music was a big part of Jacks life He was the drum major while a student at St. Lawrence University and later played locally in bands, primarily as a renowned Dixieland drummer. He was a member of various drum and bugle corps outfits, and was also a huge lover of country music.
After a career in sales with his family's business, Highway Materials, he was the President and owner of University Sand & Gravel, a local construction industry leader through the 60's and 70's.
A member of Lansing Fire Station #5, Jack served over 35 years in the Lansing Volunteer Fire Department. He long held a position as Commissioner. He served as president of the Finger Lakes Kennel club, and, with Wife Nora, raised champion Bernese Mountain Dogs and Tibetan Spaniels.
Jack was an avid patron of athletics for Lansing High School, Lemoyne College, Canisius College, Clarkson University and Cornell University, where his children competed on various teams. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Nora Ettinger, along with five children - Jessica Ettinger Gottesman of New York City, John Wade Ettinger, Jr. of Nashville, TN, Kevin Riggs of Malone, NY, William Kerry of Lansing, NY, and Maxwell Kerry of Grand Rapids, MI. He is survived by three grandchildren - Jackson Wade Ettinger, Zachary John Gottesman and Joshua George Gottesman. He is survived by daughters-in-law Jill Ettinger and Courtney Stevens-Kerry, and son-in-law Dr. Eric Gottesman. He is also survived by brother Joseph Ettinger of Moravia, NY and sister Susan Ettinger of Ithaca, NY. He was preceeded in death by Son Keith Riggs.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that a contribution be made to the Lansing Volunteer Fire Department, 80 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY, 14882
A memorial service will be held on September 17, 2007 at the Lansing Funeral Home.