Roger Ward Townsend

Roger Ward Townsend, age 86, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility in Montour Falls, NY. Roger was born on November 4, 1939 to the late Alfred S. Townsend and Alma C. (Townsend) Hogben.

Roger was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Norman Hogben; and a daughter, Sally (Townsend) Ormsby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Joann (Semski) Townsend; his children, Susan (William) Borden, Sherry (Mark) Lombardo, John (Carol) Dunbar, Christie Anderson, and Melisia (Richard) Reilly; son-in-law, Dan Ormsby; brother, Chauncey (Kathy) Townsend; sisters-in-law, Diann (Mark) Murphy, Susan Kelly, and Carolann (David) Dreisbach; grandchildren, Dawn (Ben) Edwards, Jeff (Autumn) Ormsby, Matt (Heather) Ormsby, Tiffany (Nick) Joseph, Brandisue (Doug) Perry, Justin (Faith) Townsend, Katrina (Mitch) Woodward, John Michael Wood, Carrie Dunbar, Celeste (Adam) Leach, Steven Shaffer, Zackary Shaffer, Erica (Joseph) Westervelt, Courtney (Paul) Flahive, Kaylee Reilly and Julia Reilly; along with 21 great-grandchildren, and one that is on the way.

Roger attended Trumansburg High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a helicopter mechanic on the USS Wasp. He spent most of his career as a heavy equipment operator with the New York State Department of Transportation, based in Ithaca, NY. In his retirement, he continued to work as a full-time bus driver in Alexander County, NC. Roger was an active community member and volunteer, serving as past Fire Chief for the Interlaken Volunteer Fire Department, and maintaining active membership in both the Trumansburg American Legion and the Interlaken Sportsman Club. He was also a faithful member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. Roger was also an outdoor enthusiast, and in his free time enjoyed hunting, gardening, camping, traveling, and watching NASCAR.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Seneca View Skilled Nursing, Unit 3, for their kindness and attentive care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Trumansburg American Legion in May. Memorial contributions may be made to the Interlaken Fire Volunteer Department, PO Box 274, Interlaken, NY 14847.