Jerry W. Gifford

Jerry W. Gifford, 62, of Delanson, NY, passed away on July 22, 2020.   He was born September 8, 1957 to the late Winfred Levey and Melvina E. Gifford.  To cherish his memory, Jerry leaves his wife Gayle Gifford, his son, Levey W. Gifford, his daughter, Samantha Lyn Gifford and his loyal companions, Lewey and Copper.   Also surviving are his sisters, LindaSue Gifford and Trish Gifford along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Jerry was a skilled and respected machinist for 40 years.  He was very proud of his accomplishments and had vast knowledge in many fields such as fabrication, all levels of mechanics, hunting, gunsmithing and cooking to name a few.  He was a trusted source for many in need of advice on troubleshooting mechanical repairs. He was a hardworking man with integrity to spare.   If you say a thing, then you better do what you say, it don’t matter if anyone is looking.  Jerry was a fierce protector of the people he loved and a trustworthy, dependable friend.  He enjoyed making family meals, hunting, camping at Lewey Lake, campfires with a few bottle rockets, family history, tinkering with motors, a good book and he could fix anything, except light bulbs.

His booming voice made you stand up and notice and he generally had something important to say.  Sometimes you did not want to hear it and sometimes you did, but it was always the truth…like it or not!

His greatest joy were his children.  Seeing their accomplishments and watching them become adults.  He was an all in Dad and so proud.  He was present for everything from their first bath to their first apartment and everything in between. A loving and dedicated husband with a rough exterior and soft touch.  Inside he was a big mush bag, but I was sworn to secrecy.  It’s the little things that mean so much…He saw me.  He got me.  He paid attention.   He knew me better than I knew myself and sometimes it frustrated me.  I wish I embraced that more.  His gifts were never about expense or size.   They were thoughtful acts of kindness, making my morning tea, serving supper sides in vintage bowls that I collect, surprising me with flowers for no reason, choosing a catalog dress and telling me I’d look pretty in it, I would buy it even if I didn’t agree, warming my side of the bed on a cold night…so much more left to say.   I will miss these little moments and just everything else.  Per Jerry’s wishes there will be no services.  Please share a memory with us at www.hawthornefuneralhome.com

HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave.

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404