Gerald D. “Jerry” Canty – 84 – of 47 East Washington St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (January 23, 2019), at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell following a long illness.

He was born in Hornell on March 12, 1934, and was the son of Dennis & Ruth (Logue) Canty.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Jerry was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1952) and later attended Alfred State College.

In 1953, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country during the Korean conflict until his honorable discharge in 1955. The story he tells is that he was part of a group known as the “Fearsome 12” and once it was heard that they were headed to Korea, they ended the war.

Following his discharge from the Marines, Jerry returned to Hornell and began working at Loohns Cleaners which later became Morgan Linens. For over 40 years he served as a Route Salesman, “retiring” in 1996. Following his “retirement” Jerry returned to the workforce as a custodian for the Hornell School System, primarily at the Hornell Middle School, retiring in 2004.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years, Jerry enjoyed youth sports and served as a basketball coach for the Hornell Biddy Basketball League, the YMCA 5th & 6th, and the 7th & 8th Grade Traveling Teams. In 1986 he was awarded the YMCA Man of the Year in appreciation of his many years of volunteer leadership as a coach. Also, for 12 years he volunteered his time to the Hornell midget football league serving as coach for the Colts. In 1982 he received an award for his consistent interest, dependable support and unselfish service to the league. However, he found his greatest enjoyment simply following his children & grandchildren’s sporting events. He was their biggest cheerleader!

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Don Canty and Jack Canty; 3 sisters, Eleanor Jankowski, Patricia Curran and Vivian Haring.

He was married on August 22, 1964 to the former Ruth Egmond who survives. Also surviving are 6 children, Kathy (Robert McLaughlin) Canty of Hornell, David (Annie Allison) Canty of Hornell; Tim (Melanie) Canty of Fort Mill, SC; Helen (Matt) Shick of Hornell, Joanne Canty of Canandaigua and Mary Ellen Canty of Hornell; 2 sisters, Nancy Douglass of Horseheads and Shirley Bettinger of GA; 7 grandchildren, Abbie, Alex and Joe Shick; Jerry and Jack Canty; Eadie Allison & Jimmy Canty; several nieces & nephews, sister and brother in laws, friends and his most faithful companion Charlie.

“SOME PEOPLE JUST PLANT THEMSELVES IN YOUR PAST
AND MAKE YOU SMILE WHEN YOU THINK OF THEM”

The family of Gerald D. “Jerry” Canty will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Jerry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

In recognition of Jerry’s service to his country as a member of the US Marine Corps, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.