Obituary of Gerald W. Roberts

Gerald W. Roberts, Jr. Sidney, NY Gerald Wesley Roberts, Jr., 90, of Sidney, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2013 at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford. Jerry was born on February 2, 1923, the only child of the late Gerald W., Sr. and Edna (Becker) Roberts in Schenevus, NY. After graduating from high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. He honorably served in Tinian and the West Pacific during World War II as a torrent gunner with the 9th bomber group on the Golden Jersey B-29 until his honorable discharge in 1945. Jerry married Wanda Tiffany in West Oneonta and they had three children. Wanda predeceased him in 1983. Several years later, on August 18, 1995, he married Sylvia Dermody in Sidney. Jerry worked in the tool room at Scintilla (Amphenol Corp.) in Sidney for 47 years before retiring in 1988. Jerry was a long time member of the New York State Council of Machinists, serving many years as secretary/treasurer, even following his retirement. He was also extremely active in the B.P.O.E., Sidney Elks Lodge 2175, where he served as Exalted Ruler, as well as a term as State Vice President. Jerry and Sylvia enjoyed many years of traveling to various Elks functions throughout the United States, as well as to visit children and family. Jerry was also a member of the Sidney American Legion and VFW. He had a passion for cars, and in his late years was known to be a Cadillac Man. He was dearly loved and will be truly missed. He is survived by: His wife, Sylvia Dermody Roberts (Sidney) 2 daughters: Bonnie and Peter Negri (North Port, FL) and Christy and Charles Yaffie (Walworth, NY) 3 step-children: Sharon and Gary Potter (Elgin, TX), Terence and Karen Dermody (Hamilton, NJ) and Dennis Dermody (Poughkeepsie) 2 daughters-in-law, Kathy Roberts (Oneonta) and Paula Lynch (Warwick, RI) 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren In addition to his first wife, Jerry was predeceased by his son, Gary Roberts and step-son, Kevin Dermody. Friends are invited to call from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday, March 25, 2013 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. An Elks service will begin at 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 26th at Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty St., Sidney, with Fr. Gordon Polenz, pastor officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in Schenevus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the NYS Veterans Home, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830 or to the Elks National Foundation at www.elks.org/enf. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.