Francis L. Gerow

Age 76 passed into peace Monday, July 8th, 2002 at the Bath Veteran?s Hospital in Bath, NY. Francis was born in Elmira, NY on May 15th, 1926 to the late Clayton and Nellie VanHouten Gerow. Surviving Francis are: his loving children; daughter and son-in-law; Gail and Danny Wandell of Elmira, son and daughter-in-law; Clayton and Magdelena Gerow of San Diego, CA, daughter and son-in-law; Bonnie and Joseph Todd of Horseheads, NY, former spouse; Ellen Gerow of Elmira, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister; Mildred McLaughlin, brother, Lawrence and Betty Gerow all of Elmira and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving parents, Francis was predeceased by a brother-in-law; John R. McLaughlin. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Friday from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Funeral service will be shared at 1:00PM with the Reverend Howard Hunt officiating. Graveside committal prayers will be conducted at the conclusion of the funeral service in the Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats, NY where full military honors will be accorded. Francis was a devoted Thatcher Glass Employee. His dedication stemmed for over 45 years as a maintenance supervisor. He was very proud to serve his country in the United States NAVY during World War II. Francis was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Catholic War Veterans. He had a great love for the outdoors and nature. Francis had a desire to love all the animals that blessed his life with a smile, especially his birds. Family and friends would know him best for his kind and gentle nature, his love of Cayuta Lake and the many fish he was able to catch and his beautiful garden. Memorial donations in Francis?s name may be directed to the Bath Veteran?s Hospital Memorial Fund, 76 Veterans Avenue, Bath, NewYork 14810. Those wishing may leave a ?Candle of Remembrance? at www.olthof.com.