Gerald "Fergie" VanNest

LYONS FALLS – Gerald “Fergie” VanNest, 87, of McAlpine Street, passed away early Friday morning, September 27, 2024 at his home, under the care of his loving family and Lewis County Hospice.

A private graveside service at Wildwood Cemetery, Lyons Falls with Deacon James Chaufty will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lyons Falls Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Lyons Falls, NY 13368 or Friends of Lewis County Hospice, P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367.  Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley; four children, Jerry VanNest (Pamela Bray) of Rome; Doug and Monica VanNest of Lowville; Brian and Deana VanNest of Pawley’s Island, SC; and Julie and Dennis Conmay of Windsor, CO; grandchildren, Hailey and Kacey Conmay, Mikayla VanNest, Brennan and Nicholas VanNest, Melissa Scott (Tanner Blair), Jason (Sara) Scott, Eric (MacKenzie) Scott, Dylan Eddy; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is predeceased by a granddaughter, Madison VanNest; his siblings, Robert (Ardeth) VanNest, John (Katherine) VanNest; Keith (Betty) VanNest, Rachel (Bill) Szucs; Mary (Robert) Burr; Joan (Charles) Skiff.

Gerald was born on November 24, 1936 in Barnes Corners, NY, a son of the late Ferguson John and Anna McDonald VanNest.  He graduated from General Martin High School in 1954 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until his honorable discharge in 1957.  On July 19, 1958, he married Shirley Teal at St. John’s Catholic Church, Lyons Falls with Rev. Aloysious Isley, Pastor officiating.  Gerald was a truck driver for Teal’s Express for 35 years, retiring in 1992. 

He was past Fire Chief of Lyons Falls Fire Department and also a member of Boonville American Legion.  He was a past board member and president of the South Lewis School Board of Education for five years and was a member of Lyons Falls Village Board. 

Gerald enjoyed coaching the Georgia Pacific Babe Ruth Baseball Team and was an avid Yankee fan.  He cheered on the New York Giants but his favorite past time was watching his children’s sporting events as well as piano recitals and band concerts.  In later years he traveled the country to visit his children and grandchildren.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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