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Gordon C. Light

FUNERAL HOME

Barton-McDermott Funeral Home Inc

9 Pine St

Chestertown, New York

Gordon Light Obituary

Name: Memorial Mass for Gordon C. Light
Start: 2018-09-07T13:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish

Gordon C. Light, 81, died Thursday, August 30, 2018 at his home.Born in Schenectady he was the son of the late William and Mae (Belouin) Thimineur. Gordon attended LaSalle Military Academy in Troy, and graduated from Nott Terrace High School. He attended Simmons School of Embalming and received a degree in Mortuary science as a funeral director.He served his residency with Light's Funeral Home, Inc. in 1958, becoming a licensed funeral director in 1959.In 1962 Mr. Light moved to Ellenville and was Manager of Loucks Funeral Home, Inc. for one year. In 1963 he was employed as a director for Havey's Funeral Home in Yonkers, NY, were they sent him to the Order of the Golden Rule Management School in Chicago. Upon return, he became Manager of Havey's Funeral Home until 1967.In 1967, Mr. Light was appointed Secretary/Treasurer of Light's Funeral Home, Inc. Schenectady until 1974 when he became owner and president of the funeral home.Mr. Light is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 201 and was elected the youngest Grand Knight ever for the 1971 and 1972.He has been a member of Schenectady Kiwanis since 1968 and has worked on many committees. He was a part of a group to start the first Auto Show in Schenectady at the Schenectady Armory.He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Assn., a member of the New York State Funeral directors Assn., and past president for the years 1971 to 1973 of the Schenectady County Funeral Directors Assn.He was a member of the Federated Funeral Directors of America. He was a member of the former Schenectady County Deputy Sheriffs Assoc. and President in 1973 and 1974.He was a chairman of St. Claire's building fund drive in 1972-1973. Also a sustaining member of the New York State Chiefs of Police. Assoc.He was a former member of the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce. A member of the American Cancer Golf Day Committee in 1976, 1977, and 1978. (Fund raising).He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Annie Schaffer Senior Citizens Center and past president for over 36 yrs retiring in 2000. Mr. Light also served on the committee to build Schaffer Heights and the purchasing the former Sealtest Plant for the Senior Center.He was formerly on the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Home for Women. He served as President for two years. He was on the Board for 40 years, retiring on January 2012.Mr. Light is a former member of the Edison Club and a member of the 27th Division association, Inc.He is former member of the Mohawk Club and a former member of the Board of Trustees. He also was elected to the Board of Directors of The Village Meadows Condominium Assoc. in 2011 where he resided. And served as Vice President.Mr. Light has also served on many sub-committees for his church and many charitable organizations. Mr. Light was elected to the Schenectady City Council in 1980 and serviced four years as a councilman. As a councilman Mr. Light was chairman of all claims brought against the City of Schenectady. He also served on the Parks and Recreation committee.Mr. Light has been a funeral director for over 58 yrs. serving the needs of Schenectady's families. Mr. Light retired on Jan 1, 2004 from Light's Funeral Home.Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Janet F. (Kopec) Light of Niskayuna; two daughters, Dana (Glenn Schneider) Light of Rotterdam, Deborah Beatty of Clifton Park; one son, Daniel (Kelly) Light of Scotia; one sister, Marilyn (Manny) Aragosa of Glenville; one grandson, Sean Beatty of Boulder, CO; one granddaughter, Hallie Beatty of Clifton Park; also many nieces and nephews. At the request of Gordon, Private Graveside Services will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Schenectady.A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish formerly Our Lady of Fatima Rosa Rd Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. It has been requested by Gordon that there be no viewing hours.If desired contributions may be made to Community Hospice 445 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12205.Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Pine St., Chestertown, NY 12817.

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Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Sep. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Light

Sponsored by Barton-McDermott Funeral Home Inc.

21 Entries

Happy 80th Birthday Umpa!

September 11, 2018

Philip Bocketti

September 7, 2018

Janet and family
I just heard of Gordon's passing and I wanted to express to you our deepest sympathy. I worked with Gordon a long time ago in Schenectady and he was always fun to work with and for .

Barbara Saglimbeni

September 6, 2018

My mom, sister, and I first met Gordon Light when our dad passed away in 1989. Our dad's funeral was at Light's Funeral Home. From the moment we met Mr. Light, he was so helpful and understanding. I remember him telling us if we needed anything to call him. I did call for more thank-you notes, and he personally delivered them to our home. My dad had a beautiful car at the time and Mr. Light said if my sister or I did not want to keep the car, he would buy it. That was a big sense of relief to our mom. He was so involved in the community and did so many wonderful things for so many people. Thank you, Mr. Light, for everything It was an honor to know you. Peace be with you always and forever.

RIP Umpa

Deborah Beatty

September 6, 2018

John Flynn

September 5, 2018

When I was a Funeral Director @ Havey''s Funeral Home on North Broadway in Yonkers N Y he was remembered for his outstanding dedication to the families that entrusted those they loved into his care.We met once @ a NYSFDA

Dominic Tom

September 5, 2018

The entire Light family: I was shocked and terribly saddened to read of Gordie's passing and you have my deepest sympathies. I often looked up to Gordie at times as a father figure and other times as an older brother I never had. We first became buddies during the mid-1980s, from social occasions with the family to working at the funeral home --- where he and Jan deservedly earned their reputation as the place to go for the classiest and respectful services. Their generosity to all, especially friends, was legendary. I remember one night when my dad's health suddenly took a turn for the worse and my sister couldn't contact me (we're talking 1990 --- no affordable cell phones), so she called Jan and Gordie for help; Gordie dropped everything and drove around the city to some of my favorite after-work establishments and my apartment in a frantic search for me. That will never leave my memory and appreciation. I hope the family is comforted knowing how much of a positive impact they and Gordie have had on so many people far and wide. Rest in peace, Gordie.

Danna Horgan

September 4, 2018

Mrs. Light, Danny, Debbie and Dana.....heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I will remember the times spent talking with Mr. Light as Danny and I would get ready for a night out on the Town or a upcoming Football game. Always good advice with a hearty laugh. I am thankful for the help he gave me in securing a Park and Rec job in Mt. Pleasant all those years ago. RIP.

Tommy Isabella

September 4, 2018

Jan and kids,

We were best buds for 40 years, beginning when we both ran for Schenectady City Council in 1979, winning and beginning a remarkable friendship. Both my late wife, Mary and I were best friends with with Gordie and Jan. Gordie had a larger than life personality, big hearted, devoted to his family, faith and, community. He loved to have a good time, enjoying every facet of life to it's fullest.
What struck me about Gordie was his business acumen, far ahead of his time as a funeral director, innovative, deeply concerned about the families her served. He opened his heart and home to so many people, especially those who had suffered a loss. His legacy was that of a man, who cared deeply for others, went out of his way to console, provide support, dedicated to his craft with an unyielding love for humankind.
Jan was his rock, his stability and partner in life. Gordie had a difficult time remembering names of people so invariably Jan would say, Gordie that's so and so. He was so proud of his children, especially when they achieved different milestones throughout life. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he cherished his time with them. I affectionately called Gordie, Dr. Light, simply out of respect due to his immense knowledge of life in general. He was one in a million, the type of person that stood out in a crowd, a leader who devoted himself to countless community organizations. Sadly I'm going to miss my dear friend but I'm comforted to know that he is now home with his Lord Savior.
Love you forever Dr. Light.

Janet Schiavo

September 4, 2018

Dear Jan,
We send our heartfelt condolences and love to you and your family. We will sincerely miss this caring man. We all had some wonderful times together.
Love,
Steve and Janet

Mary Anne Palmatier

September 3, 2018

Dear Jan,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Gordie's kindness to me and my family throughout many years will be a memory I treasure.

Nathan Pyne

September 2, 2018

Many times spent with this man, both professionally and socially. There were many things I learned from him that were extremely helpful in furthering my career as a funeral director. Although I am only practicing funeral directing part time, many of the lessons he taught me are still with me. Godspeed to Gordy and my thoughts and prayers to Janet, Danny, Debbie and Dana. My best and warmest regards to your family.

Nathan Pyne

September 2, 2018

Many times spent with this man, both professionally and socially. There were many things I learned from him that were extremely helpful in furthering my career as a funeral director. Although I am only practicing funeral directing part time, many of the lessons he taught me are still with me. Godspeed to Gordie and my thoughts and prayers to Janet, Danny, Debbie and Dana. My best and warmest regards to your family.

September 2, 2018

Dana,

Mike and I are sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a wonderful person and his kindness to us at a time of loss will never be forgotten. Rest well good man.

Mike & Michel Hardaker

Kelly Leggiero

September 2, 2018

My condolences to Jan and her family. Gordon was my Dad's (Charles Marhafer) cousin. Gordie was always there for our family making sure everyone had the proper burial. He will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace Gordie ❤ Love you - Jim and Kelly (Marhafer) Leggiero and family

Karla Wayner-Peters

September 1, 2018

May he rest in peace. Gordy saw our family through some of our darkest hours. He was a good friend and took pride in his work. Our condolences to Janet and Family.
The Wayner Family.

September 1, 2018

Thoughts of sympathy are sent to Jan and her family. Don and Kay Ackerman

Paul Tocker

September 1, 2018

I had the pleasure to know "Gordy" as he was effectionally referred to for many years through the Schenectady Kiwanis Club. We sat together frequently. We were also very active in the Republican Party.He was a big asset to his community,got things done with a big heart and very friendly personality. Gordy will be missed, my condolences to his lovely family.

cynthia salvi

September 1, 2018

Dear Janet,Dana,Debbie and Dan..My condolences for your loss. He will live in your hearts forever. Sincerely, Cynthia Salvi (Janet Kelley's mother)

Dana Light

September 1, 2018

Pop, we love you and miss you!! Xoxo
Love,
your Daisy

Charlene Hart

September 1, 2018

My sincere condolences: I knew Gordy since growing up in Schdy: He was always there if needed. He arranged my daughter's death and funeral with such sincere compassion for me and took the time talk with me and my family to ease us through our tragedy. He arranged my parent's funerals - all through tenderness. Again, my thoughts are with you

Mary Ann Millett

September 1, 2018

Jan, Debbie, Dana and Danny, my deepest sympathy to all of you,.
Gordy, a good man, may he Rest In Peace.

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