Roland Gay Obituary
He was born March 7, 1921 in McGraw, NY, the son of the late Leon and Rena Coates Gay. Roland was a 1939 graduate of McGraw High School and continued his studies at Syracuse University, where he studied drafting.
Roland had been a resident for more than 30 years of Homer Gulf, prior to relocating to Binghamton in 1980.
Mr. Gay retired in 1986 from Link Aviation after more than 20 years of service.
He also was an independent drafting contractor to many industries in the Cortland and Syracuse areas for many years.
Surviving are two sons, Gary S. Gay of Unadilla, NY and Gordon A. and his wife, Ellen Pepper Gay of Bainbridge, NY; two grandchildren, Lisa Gay and her fiancé; Chris Wilt of Shreveport, LA and Landon Gay of Johnson City, NY; a great granddaughter, Alexandra Johnson and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Norma Jean VanSickle Gay in 2007, a brother; Russell Gay in 1997 and a sister; Elaine Russell in 1998.
Memorial services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Gay's name may be directed to the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, 153 Court St., Binghamton, NY 13901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Paul Boyd
June 14, 2012
Gary, I am truly sorry to hear of your father's passing. I appears that he led a good and fruitful life and has now moved on to the next level.
Paul Boyd and Bernie Cavanaugh
Paul Marinaro
June 13, 2012
To Rolands family. Sue and I offer our condolences. We knew Roland and Jean for a number of years. I worked at Link with Roland and traveled with him. He was an ecellent worker and a devoted husband. I am sure you will miss your father and grandfather. He is in our thoughts and prayers. Each time that I drive by his blue house on Katelville road, he will be fondly remembered as a man who was good to know.
Brian Dunn
June 13, 2012
Dear Gordon, Ellen, Gary and Family, Terri & I are very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Even though it has been 38 years since I moved from Homer Gulf to the Buffalo area, I have always remembered Mr. Gay with much respect. His attention of detail and upkeep of cars,model trains and motorcycles was taught to his sons and his former neighbor. I also remember on how both Gordon and Gary would look forward on their father arriving home each Friday after working in Binghamton during the week. Your family has been very blessed to have a wonderful father and grandfather for many years.
June 13, 2012
To the Family of Roland S. Gay,
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. God is our refuge and strength a help that is readily to be found in times of distress.-Psalms 46:1
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Lisa Gay
June 13, 2012
My Grandfather was an amazing man. It's unfortunate that it wasn't until his death that I learned of the legacy he really left our family. Grandpa Roland was quite a family man in his later years visiting every weekend as I grew up bearing a fresh box of Dunkin Donuts and his proud wife (Jean) on his arm. He never missed a birthday nor a holiday and taught me a few things about commitment, hard work, living on little and caring for your home and vehicles. The best times I had with Grandpa were weekends or a week here and there spent at their home in Chenango Bridge. We would stay up late after Grandma went to bed to watch a boxing match, he would always tip his box of Ludens cherry cough drops in my direction offering as I thought it tasted more like candy. He always had a way of egging on Grandma and I as we would tease him giving us just the look or comment we desired. I'll miss my Grandpa Roland; just as much as I miss my Grandma Jean. I was blessed to have such wonderful grandparents. While part of me feels as if a chapter in my life has ended, I will always cherish the fond memories I have. I love you Grandpa.
My condolences Dad and Gary, I know this is a tough time for you.
Bill Deering
June 13, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of your father's passing. May he rest in peace.
June 13, 2012
Landon,
Sorry to hear about your Grandpa.
Stu
Susan Preston Moehring
June 12, 2012
Dear Gary and Gordon,
I am saddened to hear of Uncle Ron's death. He was always a favorite uncle with his wit and smile. You may find this strange , but he seemed quite exotic to me as a child, with his penchant for interesting cars, designing a house, even commuting to a city to work. He had wonderful stories to tell. I was sorry to lose contact with him after Aunt Jean died. I was blessed to love and know him. He possessed a gentle soul. Thank you for calling. Please keep in touch. You have my heart felt condolences.
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5016 US Route 11, Homer, NY 13077
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