Gilbert Hall Ferris

In Loving Memory of Gilbert "Gil" Ferris
May 25, 1936- October 2, 2025

Gilbert Hall Ferris, a beloved husband, father, educator, counselor, and community leader, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, humor, and compassion.

Born in 1936 in a house across from the post office in Bath, NY, Gil grew up surrounded by family including his parents Walter Ferris and Lina Thompson Ferris as well as his brother, young Walt Ferris. Gil was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where he served faithfully on the Vestry and as a Trustee of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester for 31 years.

Though both Gil and his brother Walter once aspired to become Episcopal priests, life led them down different paths. Gil attended Hobart College, completing his studies after serving in the U.S. Army, and later pursued further education at Geneseo University and Alfred University. Walt, his brother, earned full scholarships to Hobart College and Syracuse Law School.

Gil married Columbine Baran and together they raised three children-Mary (Doug Daly), Danny, and Christine (Christopher Harris). Gil was predeceased by Columbine, Walter, and Doug. Later, he found the love of his life in Linda, with whom he shared 39 joyful years. Together, Gil and Linda nurtured an extended family that included grandchildren Heather (Matt Voss), Jamie (Jennifer Cragg), and Rowan and grew to include great-grandchildren Mason, Avery, Breigh (Riley Curran), Taylor, and Parker along with a recently arrived great-great-grandson, Cooper.

Gil dedicated his professional life to education and guidance. He taught in Hammondsport, NY, worked at the NYS Employment Office, and served as a guidance counselor for Steuben BOCES in Coopers Plains as well as districts including Northern Tioga, Troupsburg, Cohocton, and Seneca Falls. Even after retirement, Gil remained active, working as a winery tour guide, selling real estate, and teaching SAT review sessions overseas.

His commitment to the community of Bath was unwavering. Gil was a Boy Scout Leader, Chief of the Steuben County Scottish Society, President of the Steuben County Historical Society, and a proud member of Kiwanis. He played a key role in renovating the Magee House as a volunteer with the Historical Society.

Gil loved sports, especially tennis, golf, and football, traveling, and reading. He was a member of the American Legion and the Bath Country Club. Known for his sense of humor, he was famous for telling bad jokes and always knowing where the nearest bathroom was.

Above all, Gil cherished his family and the joy of raising his children and grandchildren. His life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and the belief that life should never be taken too seriously. He will be remembered with every telling of a bad joke.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath, NY, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Gil's memory to the HosPeace House, 7824 West Hollow Road, Naples, NY, 14512 that helped make his final days comfortable.