Gerald V. Strife, 89, of Marcy passed away Friday, February 1, 2008 in St. Luke's Hospital. Gerald was born in Old Forge, NY on October 12, 1918 the son of William and Hattie (Lombar) Strife. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in the European Theatre. In Utica on April 24, 1946 Gerald married Helen VanHatten a blessed union of 43 years until her passing away in 1989. For many years until his retirement in 1980 Gerald was employed with the Coca Cola Bottling Co. He was a member of St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, Utica, American Legion Post #229, Deerfield Fish & Game Club, Teamsters Union and a former member of the Maynard Fire Department. Gerald enjoyed his retirement spending time at the hunting camp in Woodgate and fishing the local lakes. He looked forward to his Tuesday afternoon socialization trips Remsen, Barneveld and South Trenton. Gerald is survived by his four children; Paul and Jacquelyn Strife, Marcy, Kathleen and Jack Beckett, Schenectady, NY, Michael Dale and Patricia Strife, Utica, and Anne and Thomas Nelson, Utica, nine grandchildren and spouses; Michele and Eric Enos, Oriskany, Stephen and Elizabeth Strife, Utica, Kevin Strife, Utica, Jeremy and Stephanie Beckett, NC, Adam and Donna Beckett, CA, Bethany Beckett, CA, Erin and Wesley Dyer, NC, Craig Nelson, OH, and Alicia Spoon, Whitesboro, five great grandchildren; Ryan and Matthew Enos and Caitlin, Molly and Jack Beckett, two sisters; Catherine Laird, PA and Jane VanHatten, Utica, a brother; Harold Strife, Oswego, two sisters-in-law; Eleanora VanHatten, Marcy and Doris VanHatten, Marcy and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his son John in 1985 four sisters; Martha Williams, Henrietta Panzone, Margaret Shell and Beatrice Strife and three brothers; Richard, William and Raymond. Mr. Strife's funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and at 11:00 from St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday from 4-8. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Gerald's name to the Faxton ? St. Luke's Regional Dialysis Unit, envelopes available at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Dr. Eldridge, Dr Tisch, the staff of 2W of the Allen Calder Unit and the staff of the Regional Dialysis Unit for all the kindness and care extended to Gerald.