Henry C. “Hank” Scudder, 79, a lifelong Norwich resident died in the comfort of his home with his loving family on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Born in Binghamton, NY, on March 11, 1946, Hank was a son of the late Franklin and Edna (Riley) Scudder. He graduated in 1965 after attending school in Norwich and was an accomplished athlete, lettering in football and track and field. Following graduation, Hank earned an Associate’s Degree in business from Broome Technical School. Hank began his career at Christman Motor Sales, Inc. where he worked in various departments including the body shop, parts, and service departments before spending the next thirty years as a salesman. Alongside Thomas Morrone, Hank co-owned Christman Motors Sales, Inc. before selling the business to McCredy Motors. Hank retired after serving Christman Motors and the Norwich community for fifty years.
Hank was a former member of the Elks Club Lodge 1222 and was an active member of the Lost Pond Club where he enjoyed visiting at monthly dinners. He was an avid sports fan following the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and football and softball teams from the University of Rochester and Oklahoma State University. Hank and his family cherished their family camp on the Susquehanna River in Windsor, where he was dedicated to preserving the indigenous history
of the property. Hank had a passion for blacksmithing and took courses from the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown, NY, and at Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA. Hank and his wife, Joan, could often be found at Bouckville and Brimfield antique shows, where they took many trips adding to their antique collections. Most of all, Hank always made time for his family, friends, and countless customers.
On August 26, 1967, in Oxford, Hank married Joan Carey. In addition to his wife, Joan Scudder, of Norwich, Hank is survived by his two children, Karri (Michael) Beckwith of Oxford and Robert (Kathleen) Scudder of Pryor, OK; grandchildren, Kristin (Johnny) Siewers, Lindsey (Andrew Springer) Beckwith, Kayla (Zack Warren) Beckwith, Bradley Beckwith, Allison Beckwith, and Corbin Scudder; cousin, Robert Scudder of Norwich; sister-in-law, Leslie (Brian) Donley of Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Dennis (Tina) Carey of Oxford; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Hank was predeceased by his brother, David Scudder; and his special grandmother, Mable Barnett.
Contributions in memory of Hank may be made to the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum, 45 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY 13815; Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815; or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
A celebration of Hank’s life will be announced when it becomes available. Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of sympathy, please visit www.wilsonfh.com.