Gerald E. Cushman, 74, of Plymouth passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, November 9, 2017.
Born February 1st 1943 in Norwich NY to Gordon and Ruth Cleveland Cushman. Jerry attended Plymouth school until the 6th grade and then went to Norwich High School. Following high school he attended Morrisville College.
Jerry married Linnea Centerwall, who survives, on November 2, 1963 In Greene NY. They had just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
In his early years Jerry worked for The Benedict Corporation, Child Oil, C&D Telephone company and Raymond Corporation. He purchased an LP Gas business and drove bus for Norwich City School District. Later he worked for several construction companies, Higgins, Wehrli’s and Coleman’s among others. In 1990 he started a career at DCMO BOCES in the Conservation class. Retiring from BOCES in 2010. After retiring from BOCES he returned as a substitute filling in in the Conservation class whenever needed. He then retired from substituting in 2016. During his time at BOCES Jerry also operated a trucking and excavating company until a heart attack forced him to cut back on many things.
Jerry’s lifelong interest was in the maple sugaring industry. Starting his own maple business in 1980. He helped form the Chenango Area Maple Producers Association, was a member and officer of the Central NY Maple Producers and was the former Vice President of the NYS Maple Producers Association. He was also a founder of the NYS Maple Producers Winter Conference and was a former director of the American Maple Museum in Croghan NY.
Jerry was also a lifelong member and former Chief of the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Plymouth Methodist Church and served on the Plymouth town board.
Some of Jerry’s hobbies were hunting and camping, he was always busy with a project from property management to snow plowing.
Jerry is also survived by one daughter and two sons. Melanie Law (Chad Crandall), Brian Cushman (Kim McDonnell), Shawn (Julita) Cushman. 9 Grandchildren. Michael, Chelsei, Branden, Garrett, Heather, Eric, Ember, Grace and Hannah. Brother and sisters-in-law E.T. Centerwall, Kris (John) Wynn, Lans (Jackie) Centerwall, Sigrid (Jeff) Gilkenson. And a half sister and brother-in-law Patricia (David) Martin. Also several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Ruth and grandsons Tyler and Andrew.
At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday November 19th at 1:00 pm at the Plymouth Fire House, State Hwy 23, Plymouth, NY
In lieu of flowers pleace consider a donation in Jerry’s name to the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department, The Plymouth Methodist Church, Or The Gerald E. Cushman Memorial Fund For Conservation which has been set up at M&T bank in Norwich C/O Michelle Manwarren.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home