Sidney Bartoo Doolittle, Jr., passed away in Syracuse, New York, on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the age of 71. Sidney was born in Syracuse to Sidney Bartoo Doolittle, Sr., and Ivy Virginia (Brinton) Doolittle, and was the eldest of three brothers. He was preceded in death by his brother William Walker Doolittle; and is survived by his brother David Brinton Doolittle of Watertown, Massachusetts, his wife Susan, and their daughter Elizabeth.
Sidney was married three times. His first wife, Deborah Larus Doolittle, lives in Wildwood, Missouri. His second wife, Helen Maxson Cervini, lives in Weatherford, Oklahoma; their son William Maxson Doolittle lives in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Sidney was preceded in death by his third wife, Nancy Barnes Doolittle, and is survived by his dear step-daughter, Christie Gelfand, her husband Daniel, and their son Julian.
Sidney was a graduate of Bucknell University, and received a master’s degree in Science Education from Syracuse University. He taught in a variety of public and private schools on the secondary level, most recently at Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. Beloved by his students, he was highly involved in extracurricular activities, serving as an advisor for the science club, spelunking, skiing, and running, and was awarded Teacher of the Year. Earlier in his career, he introduced public school students to the wonders of the universe as the Director of the Southern Cayuga Planetarium.
Sidney loved the beauty of the natural world and of the stars. He spent many happy years in his Walden, a home on Long Point at the western end of Oneida Lake. He had a lifelong interest in history and in the public discourse on education. He was a gifted and prolific letter writer. He offered a ready hand and a listening ear to those around him, and carried himself with a signature gentleness, thoughtfulness, and modesty.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology.
Sidney was married three times. His first wife, Deborah Larus Doolittle, lives in Wildwood, Missouri. His second wife, Helen Maxson Cervini, lives in Weatherford, Oklahoma; their son William Maxson Doolittle lives in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Sidney was preceded in death by his third wife, Nancy Barnes Doolittle, and is survived by his dear step-daughter, Christie Gelfand, her husband Daniel, and their son Julian.
Sidney was a graduate of Bucknell University, and received a master’s degree in Science Education from Syracuse University. He taught in a variety of public and private schools on the secondary level, most recently at Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. Beloved by his students, he was highly involved in extracurricular activities, serving as an advisor for the science club, spelunking, skiing, and running, and was awarded Teacher of the Year. Earlier in his career, he introduced public school students to the wonders of the universe as the Director of the Southern Cayuga Planetarium.
Sidney loved the beauty of the natural world and of the stars. He spent many happy years in his Walden, a home on Long Point at the western end of Oneida Lake. He had a lifelong interest in history and in the public discourse on education. He was a gifted and prolific letter writer. He offered a ready hand and a listening ear to those around him, and carried himself with a signature gentleness, thoughtfulness, and modesty.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology.
