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BORN
1920
DIED
2020
Gerald Early Obituary
Born on March 4,1920 in Astoria, NY to Charles and Clemence (Davis) Early. He was married to Gertrude Schwenn on April 16, 1949 at Kings Point. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage. She preceded him on May 2, 2005.
Gerald served as a Merchant Marine during World War II from April 1942 until the mid-1950s, scuttling the ship Courageous on D-Day to make a break wall on the beaches of Normandy. Early lived in Corning since 1956 and opened the first coin operated laundry in Steuben County, named the Red Arrow, as well as managing multiple rental properties until his retirement at the age of 97.
His hobbies included sailing on Seneca Lake, traveling the world, and his appetite for history books. He was an active member of the Corning Lions Club and First Baptist Church of Corning. He will be remembered for his elephant memory, contagious laugh, and words of wisdom.
Gerald is survived by his three children: Jocelyn, Craig (Linda), and Stewart (Denise); and six grandchildren: Allison and Lindsey, Kate (Kevin) and Megan, and Grace and Charles.
To honor the life and memory of Gerald, please donate to the First Baptist Church or Salvation Army.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Early
6 Entries
Milton & Elizabeth Davis
July 31, 2021
Gerald was my first cousin and it was wonderful to be able to discuss family history with him since he was 26 years older than me. He was unique, his optimism & lively spirit will be greatly missed!
Susan Scheu
June 17, 2020
Mom and Dad, Trudy and Gerald were great friends from the Lions Club and their travels together over the years. Mom, Dad and I visited Corning often and was always welcome to stay with Gerald. He regaled us with his stories of his childhood, Merchant Marines days during WW II and his many business ventures. We always laughed and had a good time as we drove him around town to look at his many properties. One year, mom and dad took my family to NYC for the weekend. Gerald and Trudy rode along with mom and dad to visit their son, Stuart and his family. We were to meet at the hotel, times of arrival unknown. But as we got to the hotel, who was ahead of us, unloading their car? We couldn't have planned it better. I will never forget that. He was very generous to us when we visited. I didn't know him well before our visits and but he always welcomed me like I was part of the family. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is at peace. Sending love and prayers to his family. Remember all the good times.
Dr Richard Diffenderfer diffenderfer
June 15, 2020
MR Early was my across the street neighbor from 1964 until I left home. I kept contact with him through the years and last saw him in 2015, my last visit to corning. He was the first entrpeneur I ever knew and he whetted an appetite for that contct sport from an eqarly age. From 1964-1969 he drove me to school every day. There are very few individuals in this world I have a higher regard for than Gerald MR EARLY
Rev Dr Richard Ricky Diffenderfer
william misnick
June 13, 2020
Gerald,
Remember when we got hired at Ingersoll Rand in 1957. We were both PROJECT ENGINEERS. When I returned from the Military Service, I was told that you quite and opened the RED ARROW washing service, and from there you were a successful Corning New York businessman. I wished you well with your community service. We were both Corning Lions members.
Amy Phillips
June 11, 2020
To the Early family,
Both Gerald and Trudy were both loving , caring people who carried their love over to my family, as my Mom and Dad were neighbors, friends and travel mates. The stories they shared with us were priceless. Something about a camel :) All memories consisted of laughter, historian lessons and good times. Gerald will be truly missed but we find comfort knowing he is back in the arms of his beloved Trudy. Sending prayers, love and hope the family finds peace in his memories.
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