Gerald W. "Gerry" Hodnett

Obituary
The world lost a lot of it's sparkle with the passing of Gerald W. Hodnett (Gerry or Ger-Bear) on July 4, 2023 but Heaven announced his arrival with a spectacular display of fireworks. Gerry was born November 23, 1947 in Amsterdam NY. His parents were Russell C. Hodnett and Virginia S. Hodnett (both deceased). He was big brother to Donald R. Hodnett (deceased) and Sandra V. Arden.
Despite many challenges throughout his lifetime, Gerry lived life to it's fullest potential every day. He was a life long artist working with a wide assortment of tools whether it be crayons, markers, paints, wood, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, etc. Gerry looked at every single item as a potential art project. He was well known for taking one item apart only to glue the pieces to another item. Trash was never trash to Gerry. One of Gerry's proudest moments was when a large amount of his artwork was put on display in the store front window of an unused building in downtown Ithaca.
One item on Gerry's bucket list was he wanted to give a speech about acceptance and inclusion despite one's differing abilities. He never got the chance to do that but please take his message to heart. Kindness really does matter always. Gerry was truly an inspiration to all lucky enough to know him. And how blessed were you if upon meeting Gerry you were lucky enough to be gifted a piece of his artwork or a beaded necklace or bracelet.
Thoughts of Gerry will forever include the color red, all things tie-dyed, smiley faces, singing dancing automated toy animals, harmonicas, microphones, American cheese slices and any thing he could talk into. And of course his smile. Oh but lets not forget the sound of hundreds of beads spilling across the floor.
Gerry lived with his parents until their advanced age made it necessary for Gerry to move. In 2011 he was blessed with his second family at Unity House's Sheffield Road house where his housemates and staff became his second family. Gerry's family asks that you all keep the residents at "Sheffield" in your prayers as they adjust to the loss of one of their housemates.
Gerry is survived by his sister Sandra Arden and brother-in-law Erik Arden of Clarence NY. His love for his two nieces was well known. Niece Tiffany Flynn and her husband Michael Flynn of Lockport NY. Niece Tianna Kunkes and her husband Evan Kunkes of Amherst NY.
There will be a graveside service at Frear Memorial Cemetery on Hayts Road, Ithaca NY on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. All who wish to say goodbye to Gerry are welcome to join us.
Gerry was fun loving and would want everyone to smile when they think of him. Share a memory, hug each other, grab some markers and color for awhile. Say hello to everyone you meet. Enjoy all the colors of the world, especially red. And be happy. And in the words of Gerry, "keep on trucking".
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Gerry's family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.
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