Thomas C. Pike

Carle was born on September 21, 1930 to Louis and Emilie Pike in Norwich, New York. He attended a one room schoolhouse on Springvale Road in his early school years and then attended Norwich City School. At age 16, he left school to run the family farm due to his father’s failing health. At age 19 Carle married the love of his life, Louise Meyer, on July 22, 1950. Together they ran a farm near Mt. Upton, then a gas station in South New Berlin and about this time, Carle also began driving school buses for South New Berlin Central School and later Unadilla Valley Schools. Always a farmer at heart, Carle was able to get back onto the family farm on Wells Road where he remained until his semi-retirement. Carle moved into a newer home and continued school bus driving for many years, even training other school bus drivers.

Carle enjoyed the outdoors and hunted, fished, and gardened whenever he could. Carle also found pleasure in traveling during his retirement years. He was diligent, faithful, and caring. Carle served Holmesville Baptist Church for many years in the choir, as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and as a driver for children and adults. One of his delights was taking children to Vacation Bible School in the summer. When Louise developed dementia, he cared for her for as long as his health allowed.

Carle is survived by his wife, Louise; his daughters, Audrey Burman, and Joanne Pike; his sister, Shirley Meyer; his grandchildren, Kevin Roofner, Dawn Williams, Amanda Ansel, Jeremy Burman, Jason Cooley, and Jessica Doolittle. Carle also has 19 great grandchildren. Carle was predeceased by conjoined twins, Dawn Marie and Donna Lee, his eldest daughter, Susan Roofner, his grandson, Ryan Roofner, and his two elder brothers, Robert and Harry.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, November 18, at Holmesville Baptist Church, 3024 NY-8 South New Berlin with Pastor Grant Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the North Norwich Cemetery, Route 12, & Steam Sawmill Hill. Flowers can be sent to R.J. Fahy Funeral Home or gifts in memory of Carle made to Holmesville Baptist Church, 3024 NY-8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.