Vernon Haver Gridley Jr. of Liberty, a local construction business owner and lifelong resident of the area, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at the Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY. He was 83.
The son of the late Vernon H. Gridley Sr. and Inez George Gridley, he was born July 27, 1938 in Liberty.
Vern had a thirst for knowledge, love of nature, history and music. In his younger years he played sports and was a musician where he received a scholarship to Julliard for singing and tuba playing.
Vern did not accept the scholarship, but instead followed his passion to put his hands to use in the construction field for almost 60 years. Vern was predeceased in 2006 by the love of his life and partner in business; his wife of fifty years, Lucy Truncale Gridley. He then found love and companionship with his partner Laura Carter for more than 15 years. The family would like to thank Laura for her unconditional kindness and for taking care of Vern during the last years of his life.
Vern is survived by a son: Timothy Gridley and his wife Lisa of Santa Monica, CA; a daughter: Lori Anne (Gridley) Wolkoff and her husband Jay of Silver Spring, MD; two grandchildren: Jake and Ryan Gridley; two sisters: Carol Smythe and Linda Lane; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sons: Charles and Vernon.
Graveside services and burial will be held at the Claryville Cemetery on Saturday, July 30 at 11:30 am with Pastor Bridgette LeConey officiating. A celebration of life will follow immediately after at the Claryville Community Hall.
The family requests no flower deliveries, however in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Time and The Valleys Museum, P.O. Box 254, Grahamsville, NY 12740, www.timeandthevalleysmuseum.org or to a charity of your choice.