Gerald was a veteran of the US Air Force where he was a SSGT serving in France as a member of Air Police during the Korean Conflict. After his military service from 1950-1954 he worked in security for Eastman Kodak. He was a farmer and truck driver for Jones Chemicals in Caledonia. After retirement he drove truck for Emerling Farms, Perry and worked at the Tired Iron Tractor Museum in Cuylerville.
Gerald enjoyed antique cars and tractors. He also enjoyed tractor pulling, car shows and spending time in Florida. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He was a member of McKelton Post American Legion in Perry and the NRA.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Madeline (Ess) Graham of Perry; children Deborah Graham-Schmit of Warsaw; Mary (Bruce) Carney of Castile; Darlene (Sidney) Broughton of Silver Springs; Sandra (Brent Maines) Graham of Castile; Gerald H. (Sam) Graham of Perry; grandchildren Hans VanValkenburg, Stacey Jaggard, Amberley (Daryl) Robb, Carrie (Brian) Kehoe, Harvey William Jaggard IV, Melinda (Robert) Trowbridge; great-grandchildren Levi and Grayson Trowbridge, Alexander and Oliver Robb, Hollow Vail VanValkenburg, Merit Scott Kehoe, sisters-in-law Dorothy Neff of Warsaw; Janet Ellis of Warsaw; Cheryl (Jim VonGundon) Bryant of Perry; brother-in-law Edward (Lynda) Ess of Batavia; along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 2, 2020 from 3- 4 PM at First Congregational Church, 7205 Perry Center Road, Perry, NY 14530. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 4:00 PM at the church. He will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Perry with full military honors.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of the NYS Veteran’s Home at Batavia for their compassionate care of Gerald. Memorial contributions may be made to NYS Veteran’s Home at Batavia Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
