STAMFORD – Horace W. "Buddy" Rifenbark, III, 62, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012 at home.

He was born September 28, 1949 in Fergusonville, the son of Horace W. Rifenbark, II and Virginia (Gibbs) Rifenbark.

Buddy graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School.

He was a United States Navy veteran serving in the Vietnam War and had received a Bronze Star.

Buddy married Carolyn Osborne in 1974 in Schenevus.

He worked for the Otsego County Sheriff's Department as a Corrections Officer for 10 years, and recently at Wightman's Specialty Woods in Portlandville.

He was a member of the Westford Fire Department where he once served as Lieutenant and Fire Commissioner.

He enjoyed reading and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Carolyn Rifenbark of Stamford; children, Matthew and Cheryl Rifenbark of Westford, Jennifer and Daniel Race of Worcester and Amber Rifenbark of Stamford; grandchildren, Brady, Gwen, Nick, Michael and Dylan; brother, Charles Rifenbark; sisters, Theodora Barber and Linda Swan; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Donald James Rifenbark and a sister, Melanie Dayo.

Calling hours will be held 11 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the Heller Funeral Home, Schenevus. The funeral service will be at Noon, with The Rev. Keith VanDewerker, retired, officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Schenevus Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Schenevus Valley Masonic Lodge.

Donations may be made to the Westford Fire Department, PO Box 24, Westford, NY 13488.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.hellerfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus.