Obituary of Edward Skip Bierstine

Edward "Skip" Bierstine of Pine Island, NY a retired produce farmer with Bierstine Brothers and Bierstine Farms and Truck driver and laborer for Pine Island Turf , Pine Island entered into rest Friday August 24, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. He was 78. The son of the late Benedict Sr. and Frances Lempka Bierstine he was born December 1, 1933, in Goshen, NY. Skip was a founding member of the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, he played the accordion, piano, and bass guitar. Through his time with the band they amassed several Grammy awards; he retired after 30 polka filled years. Skip was a life member of the A.T.A Amateur Trapshooting Association. Trapshooting with his buddies, Bob Edwards, Woody Doty, Pete Kaleita, Jeff Philbar, Skip Jr. and brother Jim among so many others was his true passion in his twilight years. His favorite saying was "one lousy bird". He was an avid hunter, enjoying many trips to Saskatchewan Canada in search of the "big ones." Jigging for Walleye on the frozen rivers of Canada brought him such enjoyment that often times he'd dare go on ice so thin just to be the first one to fish. Skip and his brothers enjoyed decades of farming together in the heart of the black dirt region, Bierstine Brothers grew into Bierstine Farms and cultivated so many fond memories for so many to enjoy. "Dad you will always be missed but will still provide us with a chuckle when we look back at the glorious life you led and the fun you all had along the way, we love you dad!" The family would like to extend a special thank you to Christine and Kathleen from hospice for the exceptional care they provided to dad in his final days. And a special thank you to "Uncle Nancy" for all her loving care she gave to dad and to us at this time. Survivors include his sons Skip Bierstine Jr. of Sussex, NJ, and Tony Bierstine of Middletown; 4 Grandchildren Nicole, Jeremy, Alanna, and Edward III; great grandson Wyatt; 3 Brothers Butch Bierstine and wife Anne, Bob Bierstine and wife Lorraine, and Donnie Bierstine; Sister Nancy Devine of Vernon, NJ; Sister in law Chrisy Bierstine of Pine Island; and several nieces and nephews. He was pre deceased by his brother James Bierstine. Visitation will be held on Friday August 31, 2012 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home 690 Co. 1 Pine Island, NY from 10 am – 11:45 am. Funeral Mass will be held 12:00 noon on Friday August 31, 2012 at St. Stanislaus Church, Pine Island, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan 800 Stony Brook Ct. Newburgh, NY 12550 or to a charity of one's choice.