Douglas J. Pokorney of 282 Hayts Road, Ithaca, passed away in the comfort of his home with the love and care of family on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the age of 67.

Born on May 22, 1942 in Ithaca, Doug was the son of George and Edna (Buchman) Pokorney. He proudly served in the US Navy as a Boilerman on the Charles H. Roan from November 30, 1961 until the time of his Honorable Discharge on March 29, 1966. During those years life-long friendships were formed with his shipmates. In 2004 Doug was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Doug was often accompanied by his faithful dogs over the years as he traveled countless miles around Western New York shoeing horses. Throughout the 40 years that Doug shod horses he developed many lasting friendships due to his horsemanship, integrity and old-fashioned values. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and was a member of the American Farrier’s Assn., Ducks Unlimited, and the Turkey Federation.

Doug is survived by his wife Denise; in-laws Helene and Robert Mancuso; son Darrell Pokorney (Lauren Free) of Alpine; daughter Tricia Pokorney of Sarasota, FL; step-son Cody Scott of Ithaca; grandson Hunter; mother of his children Nancy Given of Trumansburg; and his best friend of 40+ years, Steve Kraus (Betsy Keller). Doug’s most cherished memories were those involving family and since Hunter’s birth a new twinkle could be seen in Doug’s eyes.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

Services will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 27, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. John Kotun officiating. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery. Members of the Trumansburg American Legion Post #770 and the U.S. Military Honors Team will perform a Military Honors Tribute at Grove Cemetery following the Committal Prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Doug’s memory to kindly consider The Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier Student Scholarship Fund. Please make a check payable to The Douglas J. Pokorney Farrier Student Scholarship Fund and mail to Tompkins Trust Company, Attn: Cheryl Reynolds, P.O. Box 702, Trumansburg, NY  14886.