Gordon R. Wackett

Gordon R. Wackett
of BinghamtonGordon R. Wackett, 83, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at Binghamton General Hospital. He was predeceased by his eldest son Paul in 1986, and is survived by his wife, Julia E. Wackett; his children, Roberta (Francis Plunkett) Wackett, Russell Wackett, Arthur Wackett, Theresa (Steven Paden) Ball, and Maria Wackett; grandchildren, Amelia, Alex, and Adrianna Ball; all of Binghamton. He also leaves behind his brother, Bob; sisters, Grace and Jesse; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gordon was born to Mary and Albert Wackett on April 27, 1923 in Niagara Falls, NY. A combat veteran of WWII and a graduate of the Syracuse University School of Journalism, he came to Binghamton to work for "The Evening Press" in 1949 as a reporter and business columnist. In 1953, he joined Link Aviation as director of public relations, leaving this post in 1957 to start his own firm, Public Relations Associates. In 1970 Gordon became an officer of the First City National Bank, retiring in 1980 as Senior Vice President of Personnel and Operations. His vast knowledge about and dedication to his community led him to public service, first as a Broome County Legislator (1981-82), and then as 5th District Councilman of the City of Binghamton (1988-2004). During his exemplary tenure on Council he served twice as President, as well as in many other leadership positions. He worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, and was widely recognized for his intelligence, integrity, and unswerving commitment. Gordon also served as Chairman of the Binghamton Civil Service Commission, a member of the Board of Binghamton General Hospital, the Urban League, Broome County Heart Association and the Sheltered Workshop, and as Executive Secretary of the Route 17 Association. A loving and devoted patriarch, he adored his family, and we will always remember and cherish his ready smile and gentle ways. We are so proud of you, Dad.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Monday, July 31, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the McDevitt Bros. Funeral Home, 88-90 Front St., on Sunday, July 30, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Gordon Wackett's name to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1834, Merrifield, Va. 22116-8034, or United Health Services Dialysis Unit, Binghamton General Hospital, Mitchell Ave., Binghamton, N.Y.