Obituary of Cyril E. Jordan

Friendship – Cyril E. Jordan "Proud to Be An American"

            Cyril E. Jordan, of 7738 County Rd. 20, passed away Monday, July 30, 2018 in the Cuba Memorial Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He had resided in the Cuba Memorial Hospital for the past two years.

            Cyril was born on July 30, 1929 in Oliver Township (Oliveburg), PA and was a son of   S. Cyril & Luella Henry Jordan. On November 2, 1952 in Port Jervis, NY he married his loving wife of 65 years Catherine Ronna Richards, who survives.

            Cyril first attended school in a one room schoolhouse, before his family moved to Friendship on Election Day 1936. As a seventh grader, Cyril was charged with plotting the US troop movements during WWII on the classroom's map. He listened nightly to his shortwave radio, and was able to pick up the broadcasts from Europe. He graduated from Friendship Central School where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America.

            Cyril was an active 4-H member throughout high school, and won many awards for demonstrations, judging and growing vegetables and showing cattle. Cyril and his father spent many years in the dairy business, raising registered Ayrshire cattle. Cyril was a member of the Cooperative Extension of Allegany County since 1976. He was very active volunteering as a 4-H leader and often judged produce at the Allegany County Fair. In 1957, Cyril was the first recipient of the Soil Conversation Farmer of the Year for his insight in constructing drainage ditches to increase productivity in large tract of land.

            Cyril was a member of the United Methodist Church in Friendship for nearly eighty years. He sang bass as a member of The Enchanted Mountain Chorus for several decades, and wrote many of the annual programs, often in poetry form.

            Cyril met and married his life-long sweetheart in 1952. He was noted for driving his 1948 Mercury Coup over East Hill to court C. Ronna Richards from Scio. Together, they raised children and hosted dozens of corn roasts, fresh cider and donuts get-togethers, sledding and ice skating parties and lobster fests.

            In the early 1970's, Cyril began enrolling in courses for fire inspection certification. He completed advanced courses in other insurance areas, and became a licensed broker in seven states. What started as a side line to farming ended up as a second career when the entire herd of cattle was sold to a buyer from Canada. Cyril was well-known in Bolívar as the president and co-owner of Jordan-Hilton Insurance Inc., where he was a member of the Lion's Club.

            As President of the Allegany Cooperative Insurance Agency, Cyril was instrumental in updating the Mosher House in Friendship when the Headquarters was moved to that location. Cyril closed his investment and brokerage office in Olean and moved it to his home when he semi-retired.

            As a Life Time Members of the National Rifle Association, both Cyril and Ronna were active in many events. Cyril designed and built the current barn on County Rd. 20 (with the help of an Amish crew). "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms" painted across its front is one of the topics Cyril was passionate about. He will long be remembered for his staunch political stands, essays and poems that have been published over the years.

            Cyril is survived by his wife, Ronna (Richards) Jordan of Friendship; daughter Karen Ronna (Jordan) Sinkovitz of Parkton, NC; grandson Michael Jared and Katie (Graney) Sinkovitz of Chicago, IL; granddaughter, Cathryn Johanna Sinkovitz of Jacksonville, Fl.

            Cyril is survived by a son, Daniel Cyril and Cheryl Ann (Oddo) Jordan of Bay Village, OH; step-grandson, Kristopher Zan Robinson and Jesica Fugate of Buffalo, NY with step great grandson, Tyler Anthony Robinson and Oliver Robinson; a granddaughter, Sarah Catherine Jordan of Bay Village, OH; a granddaughter, Hannah Marie (Jordan) and Wesley Nelson of Instead Falls, OH with great granddaughter, Ava Marie Nelson and great grand son, Porter Hugh Nelson; grandson, Ryan Daniel and Ashley (Licciardello) Jordan, with great granddaughters, Kinley Marie Jordan and Rowan River Jordan.

            Surviving also is Cyril's sister, Ruth (Jordan) Collins of Louisville, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

            Cyril was pre-deceased by a son, Ronald Cyril Jordan in 1975. Cyril was also predeceased by siblings, John Jordan, Eva (Jordan) Greisch, and Anna Mary (Jordan) Youngs.

            Friends will be received on Saturday, August 18, 2018 in the Friendship United Methodist Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at which time a Celebration of Life Service will be held. The Rev. Clara E. Wilder, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship.

            Memorials may be made to the Friendship United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Genesee Pkwy, Cuba.   Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com