Gerald J. Rauch I

Gerald J. Rauch I, 83, of Oswego, NY, died on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Heidi (Brian) Webb of Fulton; his son, Gerald (Amy) Rauch II of Oswego; his two grandchildren, Quinn (Jacob) Webb of Rochester and Gabriel Webb of Fulton and his cousins, Mark (Marybeth) Pollock of Fulton and Michael (Joanne) Pollock of Fulton.

He was predeceased by second wife, Karen; his mother and her husband, Eva (Arthur) Barker; his brother, Steve Rauch; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Nicholas) McDougall and his father, Jack Rauch.

Gerald was born on May 8, 1941 and grew up in the Oswego, Minetto, Hannibal and Fulton area. He was a fantastic athlete and he played baseball, basketball, softball and also skied, played racquetball and sailed- and he did it all well. He loved the Yankees and Alabama University football- ROLL TIDE!! Bear Bryant was his idol. He attended high school in Hannibal, NY and started college at SUNY Brockport but, due to his keen sense of humor and superior pranking ability, did not complete his degree. This did not discourage him in the least as “stubborn” may or may not have been his middle name.

He went on to spend his working years at Nestle and ended up working in the Westreco lab helping perfect some of their signature chocolate products. He eventually became a Senior Food Technologist- the first to receive that title without a college degree.

As with everything he did, when he became interested in sailing, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the wind, so to speak. In the beginning he read and studied everything about it but mostly learned by experimentation and often sailed by seat of his pants- much to the dismay of the non-sailing family members he talked into coming on the boat. Wild rides, inclement weather and big waves were a thrill to him just as much as anchoring offshore in the sun and listening to the Yankees play ball on the radio while his kids swam off the boat.

He enjoyed good food and good drink – especially Lemon Drops (if you know, you know). He was a great teacher and even potty trained his grandson on how to utilize your surroundings when no bathroom was available. This initially translated into going anywhere, anytime, in any parking lot. He adored his grandkids, and they spent many of their time growing up with him on the boat and many weekends at his home.

Sometimes impatient, sometimes short-tempered, but always genuine and fiercely loyal to those he cared about and he was deeply loved. There will be no calling hours or services. Burial will be in the Minetto Union Cemetery. To leave a special message for the family, please sign the guestbook.