Obituary of Gerald W. Ferguson

Gerald Walden Ferguson, 84, a resident of Wilton, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 18, 2013 at his residence with loved ones by his side, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gerald “Gerry or Walden” was a native of Greenwich, NY. He was born on January 11th 1929 and was the son of the late Harry and Gertrude (nee Toomey) Ferguson. He was a 1947 graduate of Greenwich Central High School. While in high school he played clarinet in the band and also was on the varsity basketball, track and tennis teams. He achieved a letter in all three sports. In 1948 he was accepted into the apprentice program at General Electric in Schenectady where he was trained as a tool and die maker as well as a machinist. He had a career span with General Electric that lasted over 30 years. After training and working in Schenectady, he relocated to the facility in Malta. He eventually took a position at the Hudson Falls- Fort Edward plant and remained there until his retirement in 1993. He was also employed by Espey Manufacturing on Ballston Ave in Saratoga during the 1960’s during a temporary layoff from General Electric. Gerald took a leave from his employment at General Electric and entered the US Navy in 1955. He was stationed on the USS Vulcan AR-5 which supported the Atlantic Fleet with repair services. He received an honorable discharge in 1957 and after his service ended, he resumed his employment at General Electric. From youth to middle aged man, Gerald used to partake in sports like horseshoes (which he used to play every evening after work), alpine skiing and ice skating. He also took pleasure in spending time with his wife and family on the cabin cruiser that he built during his young adult life. The boat was usually launched onto Cossayuna Lake in Washington County or Lake George. Besides boating, the cabin cruiser was used for his favorite activities such as fishing and water skiing His number one vacation spot was the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina which he introduced to his family in 1972. He continued to travel there every summer with family until his illness became severe. Gerry and his wife Betty always planted a vegetable garden every spring that grew many items including his favorite food; rhubarb and peppers. Making and canning pepper relish was an autumn ritual at the residence. Betty also made his favorite dish; rhubarb pie. He excelled in carpentry, masonry work or anything that involved building, fixing or remodeling. Gerald built the family home in 1960 and helped his wife raise their children there. Gerald lived there with his wife Betty until his passing. As a hobby, he also made furniture and wooden toys. Gerald is a former member of the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs where he served as a trustee for a number of years. He also helped with remodeling the Nolan House, where Sunday school classes are held, after a fire destroyed the original Broadway church. Later in life, he became a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church on Ballard Rd in Wilton where he served the church and the Lord in many capacities. Gerald is survived by his wife Elizabeth aka Betty (nee Jones) of Wilton, whom he married March 12, 1960; a daughter Deborah A. Stewart (Robert Jeffery) of Halfmoon, a daughter Patricia E. Stoltz (Michael) of Greenwich, a son Gerald W. Ferguson Jr. (Marie) of Saratoga Springs, a daughter Melissa M. Fordyce (Bradley) of Wilton; eight grandchildren; Andrew Stoltz, Lance Corporal Nicholas Stoltz, Samuel Stoltz, Sheree’ Stewart, Elizabeth Fordyce, Jack Fordyce, Bryan Ferguson and Joseph Ferguson; 2 nephews; Richard Ferguson (Patricia) of East Syracuse, NY, William Ferguson (Patricia) of Lafayette, NY and a sister-in-law; Gloria Ferguson of Minoa, NY. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death in 2006 by his brother Donald Edmund Ferguson. The family wishes our deep appreciation to Sarah Haight and Susan Fernley for their loving care and commitment to Gerald in his last days. Relatives and friends may call from 10-11am Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the Trinity United Methodist church. A funeral service will follow at 11am at the church which is located at 155 Ballard Road in Wilton. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall after the graveside service. Burial will take place at the Greenwich Cemetery, in Greenwich NY. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Flynn Brothers of Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial fund in memory of Gerald.