Gerald Aurthur Coye

Gerald Aurthur Coye, 96, from Georgetown New York, has finished his stay with us on this earth. He has gone to be with his wife, Patricia Dare Ash. He passed peacefully at his home in Leesburg, Florida in the early hours on July 26, 2024. Gerald was born March 6, 1928, in Georgetown, NY. He was the oldest of two boys to Archie and Ona Coye. He grew up on a dairy farm just South of the town limits of Georgetown, NY. Many early life stories were of life on the farm, utilizing horses instead of tractors and taking milk to the local milk stations. Archie, Ona, Gerald and Richard worked hard to build the dairy farm into a successful business which still stands today. This is where Gerald’s “work hard and always take care of your family” mentality probably came from. Gerald would tell stories of having one of, if not the first TV set in Georgetown and people coming to the house to watch it. Today that may not sound like much but back then what a marvel. Gerald was amazed at the progression of modern technology. During his lifetime he went from no phones or tv, to watching tv on a phone that fits into your pocket. He really enjoyed his Alexa device, listening to 40’s music and the Yankees games. Gerald attended both Georgetown School and South Otselic School. He played baseball in the Spring and Basketball in the Fall. He graduated from South Otselic School. After graduating from school, he worked on the farm during the day and ran with his cousins and friends through the night. One memorable story he told, was when 3 of them drove down to Florida, to live in a trailer on some beach until they ran out of money. They had to have their parents wire enough money to get them back home. This was the start of many traveling adventures he would undertake in his lifetime. Gerald decided that life on the farm was not his calling. He enlisted in the Navy June 1949. He attended boot camp in Great Lakes. Upon graduating boot camp, Gerald was assigned to the Aircraft carrier USS Midway CV-41, stationed out of Norfolk, Virginia. Gerald’s rate was a Boiler technician (BT) and was part of a team responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 12 boilers. As fate would have it, he became best friends with Jim Twyman, another BT. Jim was from West Virginia and dating a girl from Rivesville, West Virginia, named Peggy Ash. Peggy had an older sister, Patricia (Patty) Ash. When Gerald and Jim were granted weekend leave, they would drive to Rivesville so Jim could see Peggy. Gerald started dating Patty and eventually both Jim and Peggy and Gerald and Patty would Marry once discharged from the service. While Gerald was assigned to the USS Midway, they conducted several tours in and around the Mediterranean Ocean. He was extended 6 months due to the Korean War. During his Naval career he obtained the rank of BT2(Boiler Technician, second class). Gerald was honorably discharged in March of 1953. He would return to the Midway 60 years later, visiting her as a museum in San Diego, California. When they found out he was a returning shipmate, they gave him a special treatment. Gerald spent the day sharing stories with some of the staff. Gerald and Patty married in Rivesville, West Virginia and settled in Georgetown, NY. This is where they raised their 4 children, Janiece, Diana, Dorreen and Steven. After some local small jobs, Gerald went to work with his cousin Paul Walrod for S.J. Groves and Sons. A heavy highway contractor doing road work in NY state. He started his career as a laborer and would become one of the best dirt superintendents in the business. His career with S.J. Groves would take him to LaPaz, Bolivia SA in the early 80’s. S.J. Groves International was contracted to construct a new section of highway leading out of LaPaz. This new road replaced what many considered the most dangerous road in the world featured in many documentaries. Gerald considered this project one of the most challenging and satisfying of his career. The friendships he made while working for Groves were some of the strongest and have endured throughout the years. After numerous road projects and a dam or two, Gerald would retire from S.J. Groves in 1990. In 1992, Gerald would come out of retirement to work for Sevenson Environmental Services. Gerald worked for Sevenson until 1998, when he retired for good. In retirement, Gerald and Patty bought a Winter home in Leesburg, Florida. When the turning leaves would start to fall in Georgetown, NY, they would migrate to the warmer weather of Florida. They would stay until the temperatures of late Spring would signal it was time to head back North. This traveling cycle would continue until Patty fell ill. Gerald was by her side, caring for her at home until her passing in 2005. He continued to travel between New York and Florida until his passing. Gerald Coye was a great family man, strong of virtue, loyal and hardworking. He valued friendships, led by example, expected a lot and gave the same in return. He was tough as nail with a heart of gold. Gerald Coye was simply a great human being! Gerald is survived by his daughters Janiece (Loren), Diana (Pete), Dorreen (Ron) and Son Steven (Amy), 13 Grand Children, 18 Great Grand Children and 1 Great, Great Grand Child. An intimate ceremony at the cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a future date in 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Gerald Aurthur Coye

March 6, 1928 - July 26, 2024