Mr.
Updyke was born on May 25, 1940 in Greenwood to Waldo and Helen (Goodrich)
Updyke. On April 15, 1961 at the United Methodist Church in Canisteo, he
married Joanne M. Ordiway, who survives.
Jerry
worked as a mechanic for Town of Greenwood Highway Department for 20 years,
retiring in 1994. He also worked as an auto body repairman for Elsenheimer’s
and Bud Bush’s Body and Fender Shop, both in Hornell as well as owning his own
auto body shop in Greenwood.
In
addition to his wife of 59 years, Jerry is survived by nine children, Jerry S.
Updyke of Greenwood, Michael S. Updyke of Greenwood, Gail M. (Mick Ahearn)
Updyke of Greenwood, Linda (Dennis) Loucks of Addison, Julie Hulsey of
Greenwood, Thomas Updyke of Greenwood, Ricky (Candace Cornell) Updyke of Greenwood,
William (Jen) Updyke of Canisteo and Lynna (Brock) Friends of Greenwood; 28
grandchildren, Amber Tompkins, Amanda Updyke, Britney Updyke, Kasandra Updyke,
Natasha (Ryan) Phillips, Ashley (Luke) Szymanski, Trent Ahearn, Mark (Kaitlyn)
Ahearn, Sarah (Ryan) Vallieres, George (Niki) Donaldson, Jr., Dustin (Jessica)
Updyke, Christopher Dickinson, Christy (Jonathan) Dickinson, Cody (Alisha)
O’Dell, Bryce Updyke, Nicholas Updyke, Olivia Updyke, Abigail Updyke, Blake
Updyke, Evan Updyke, Reagan Updyke, Alicia Updyke, Bailey Updyke, Brockton
Hunt, Jade Hunt, Colton Friends, Mason Friends, and Colin Friends; 39 great
grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr.
Updyke was preceded in death by his siblings Doris Ann Jackson, Boyce Updyke,
and Richard Updyke; three grandchildren, Brandon Donaldson, Tiara O’Dell, and
Tyler O’Dell; and one great grandson Bryson Hunt.
Given his mechanical ability, it’s not surprising that Jerry was a stock car enthusiast and raced his own car, #81, in both Woodhull and Dundee, Pa. He was also an outdoorsman who delighted in fishing and hunting. Seneca Lake was his favorite place for camping. Boating and salmon fishing in 1000 Islands were among his best memories.
In giving to those around him, he also found a way to do that outdoors as he served his community for many years as the sexton at Greenwood Cemetery.
Due
to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be
held in the spring with the date to be announced. Arrangements are under the
direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover. Online condolences may be
offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial
contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to Greenwood Cemetery c/o Bob
Streeter, Main Street, Greenwood, NY 14839 or Greenwood United Methodist
Church, PO Box 966, Greenwood, NY 14839.
