Obituary of Gary A. Yourdon

Mr. Gary A. Yourdon, 74, of Deerfield, NY passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

     Gary was born in Utica, on June 20, 1950, the son of the late Howard and Gwendolyn (Meine) Yourdon. Gary was a proud resident of Deerfield, living and serving the community his entire life. On December 28, 1974, Gary was united in marriage to Cathy Jo Bush, sharing 44 wonderful years. Cathy Jo predeceased Gary on May 12, 2018. He is fondly remembered by family and friends as a kind, hardworking man who went above and beyond to help his community, serving as a loyal member and past Captain of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department for 56 years and as a Boy Scout leader, earning numerous awards for his dedicated service. He brought this same dedication to his 43 years of employment at Midstate Communications, Inc. where he was a Vice President. Gary brought light into any situation with his contagious sense of humor. One of Gary’s true joys was spending time with his family and friends on the St. Lawrence River fishing, boating, and camping. His other passions included MOPAR cars, never being on time, and his beloved puppy friends, especially Wolfie. 

     Gary is survived by his children Tia Lock, New Hartford, Jason (Celena) Yourdon, Saratoga Springs, NY, Patrick Yourdon and his fiancé Malerie Meredith, Utica, Kevin (Maeve) Yourdon, Deerfield, adored grandchildren Dr. Ryan Lockwood and his fiancé  Connor Copeland, Kiaya Lockwood, Brittany Lockwood and her husband Fawad Mian, Brady Lockwood, Yten Lock, Finley, Cambry, Scotty, Aibrey Yourdon, Hezikai, Mattais, Ashary Malloy, Moira Yourdon and new granddaughter on the way, great granddaughter Raiya Mian, and several nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents Howard and Gwendolyn, wife Cathy Jo, brother Bruce (Spike) Yourdon, sister Gwendolyn Appley, and his beloved son Justin Yourdon.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to bring their smiles and casual attire to a celebration of Gary’s life on January 12, 2025, starting at 1PM, at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica, NY. Gary will answer his final call at 1:30.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company, 5476 Trenton Road, Utica, NY, 13502 or to the Believe 271 Foundation, 9565 Main Street, Holland Patent, NY, 13354.

     Gary’s arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc, 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY