Stephen E. Gergely

Stephen Edward Gergely, age 79, of Elmira, NY passed away peacefully with the stunning autumn sunset on November 7, 2021 after a short illness. A true one-of-a-kind, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; dedicated teacher, musician, farmer, photographer and sports fan. He had an uncanny way of connecting with animals and a wicked, if offbeat, sense of humor. His love for his grandchildren surpassed all. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1942 and was the youngest of 13 brothers and sisters. Steve was a 1960 graduate of Johnstown High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and joined the Navy band, playing clarinet and saxophone. He travelled the world putting on concerts for dignitaries and world leaders, spending part of his service stationed in the glorious French Riviera where he had hoped to return one day. After four years of military service, he attended Mansfield State College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and Elmira College, adding a Master’s Degree in Music Education. Steve began his professional career teaching music and photography in the Elmira Heights School District in 1968 and remained there for 32 years, impacting thousands of lives along the way. His marching and jazz bands travelled all over the East coast for competitions earning a multitude of awards. One band was even invited to march in Philadelphia’s Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everywhere Steve traveled in Elmira, he would run into former students or parents who would express how much they loved him as a teacher and mentor. He retired from the Elmira Heights School District in 2000 and, after a two-year teaching hiatus, taught music at Notre Dame High School before “retiring” for good in 2010. In addition to his teaching career, Steve was an avid photographer and snapped wedding photos for countless couples in the Elmira area. He also loved gardening and always kept the property on Maple Avenue meticulously manicured. Always a worker at heart, in 1974, with his brother-in-law David, he hatched a plan to create a Christmas tree farm, giving birth to the Maple Avenue Tree Farm, an Elmira staple to this day. For nearly 50 years, Steve single-handedly operated the 10-acre farm with support from his family and friends. He was always incredibly grateful for the loyal and cheerful customers that returned every year. During his retirement, he spent extra time outside on the farm and enjoyed giving all the grandkids tractor rides, a tradition that endured for 50 years. Many a kid first learned how to drive at the wheel of a tractor on the farm. Steve was passionate about all things hockey. His love for the sport began at an early age when he became an equipment manager for the Johnstown Jets, immortalized by the 1977 movie Slap Shot starring Paul Newman, which played on loop in the Gergely household. The Jets honored him with his very first pair of ice skates and he began playing youth hockey as a young boy. He was among a group of people that co-founded Elmira’s Youth Hockey league and he played for many years in adult leagues at the Murray Athletic Center in Horseheads and then later, the First Arena downtown. In the winters he would build backyard skating rinks for his children and friends to learn to skate and play hockey. During the 2-year gap in his teaching career, he lived out a hockey dream by driving a Zamboni for his job at the arena. He loved Penn State football and the New York Yankees. He attended countless games with his children and attended the very first game at the new Yankees Stadium in 2009. While all three of his children attended Penn State, Steve, along with his wife, hosted large tailgate parties for the kids and all of their friends, memories he always cherished. To this day, one of his most prized possessions was a VHS tape of Penn State’s’ National Championship victory over Miami in 1986. To the envy of many sports fans, he also got to attend a Super Bowl. Of all the wonderful things that were important to Steve, his grandchildren were closest to his heart. He relished breakfast with “the boys,” wrestling with the kids on the living room floor, and telling grandpa jokes. He loved early morning breakfasts at diners and enjoyed discussing politics with his friends, no matter the affiliation. He would return home to his still sleeping family and try to convince them to go to breakfast again, often being outed by the server for having just been there. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Novalis) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania and 11 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret; daughter, Amy of Trumansburg, New York; sons Stephen (Tina) of Macedon, New York and Peter (Tanya) of Wanaque, New Jersey; grandchildren Griffin, Camden, Rhys, George, Landon, Graciella, Emma and Brooklyn; sister Teresa (Bill) McKinney of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; brother and sister-in law Jim and Jeanne MacKenzie of Phoenix, Arizona; sister and brother-in-law Cathy and Jim Springer of Bay Islands, Honduras; dozens of nieces and nephews; and beloved dogs, Phoebe, Loki and Mojo. Steve will be sorely missed but his memory and legacy will live on through his family and all those who knew and loved him. Our family wishes to thank everyone who sent their love, prayers and kind wishes during his illness and upon his passing. We are grateful for all the stories about how Steve impacted your lives and invite you to continue sharing them. There will be calling hours at James D. Barrett Funeral Home in Elmira, NY from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, November 12th and a funeral service at the same location at 1pm on Saturday, November 13th. He will be laid to rest privately at Woodlawn National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to your local S.P.C.A. or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. The family also respectfully asks everyone to consider getting their Covid vaccine, so that the immunocompromised and the most vulnerable in our communities can be as protected as possible. Other ways you can remember Steve: Plant a tree Rescue an animal from the shelter Reach out to a person with different beliefs Learn to play an instrument Go outside Mow the grass Have a solid rotation of good Dad jokes Buy someone breakfast Learn to skate Teach a kid to ride a bike Understand what to say after “We Are…”