Obituary of Paul R. Gerling

Wayland / Perkinsville - Paul R. Gerling, 91, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 27, 2016 at his home. Paul was born August 15, 1925 in Dansville the son of Philip and Antionette (Rauber) Gerling. He grew up in Dansville and graduated from Dansville Central School. Paul remained a resident of the Dansville/Wayland/ Perkinsville areas his entire life. Paul served his country during World War II in the United States Air Force. He was an aerial gunner that flew many missions during the war. Paul served from September 22, 1943 until his honorable discharge November 23, 1945. Paul was awarded 4 Bronze Stars during his tour of duty. Subsequent to his discharge, Paul ran a gas station with his brother John for several months. He left that line of work and began a career with Gannett Newspapers (Democrat and Chronicle) in Rochester. Paul was employed there for over 40 years retiring in the circulation department. Paul and Barbara Last were married September 18, 1948 at Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville. Together they celebrated over 68 years of marriage prior to Barbara predeceasing him three days earlier. Throughout the years, Paul was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Dansville and Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville. Paul’s hobbies were many as he enjoyed playing poker, golf, walking around Dansville and Wayland visiting, and making (and of course drinking) homemade wine. Together, Paul and Barbara enjoyed travelling both within the United States and internationally. They really enjoyed boating on their boat “My Buddy.” Paul and Barbara spent a lot of time on Canandaigua Lake and they travelled the Erie Canal. At one point Paul bought a camper hoping to travel with their daughter , son-in-law, and grandson, Ryan, however after a couple of trips that hobby was soon forgotten as navigating the camper was not one his strong qualities. The camper parked in the driveway was used for “happy hour” on warm summer afternoons. His favorite ‘happy hour” establishment was directly across the street at Corky and Ethel’s Chateau Restaurant and Bar. Paul also enjoyed volunteering his time. He was a long time member of the Wayland Lions Club, the Protectives Fire Company of the Dansville Fire Department, the Dansville Moose Club and the Wayland American Legion. Paul was predeceased by his parents Philip and Antoinette Gerling; his sister, Anita Ross and his brother John Gerling and his beloved wife Barbara three days prior. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Gerling-Yelle and Raymond of Alfred Station; his grandchildren, Deborah Walach of San Antonio, TX, Scott (Andrea) Yelle of Glastonbury, CT, Wendy Yelle of North Eastham, MA and Ryan Yelle (Abigail Smith) of Manhattan, NY; his great-grandchildren, Raven, Rebecca, Jessica, Jackson and Lexi; his great-great grandson, Jax; his nephews, Kevin (Maria) McConnell of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Kurt (Lisa) McConnell of Mendon and Kelly (Yashira) McConnell of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Paul’s family and friends may call Tuesday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Paul at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville. Committal prayers, military honors and interment will take place immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Paul L. Gerling’s memory may be made to the Wayland American Legion, Main St., Wayland, NY 14572.