Lyman D. Gridley

Age 91, of Elmira and Glenora on Seneca Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 22, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Lyman was born July 12, 1919, a son of Frederick B. and Marjorie (Drake) Gridley. He is predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Grandison “Bud” and Ruth B. Gridley. Lyman is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years Lois Myer Gridley; children, Richard M. Gridley, with Debby Rockwell, of Elmira, Lyman “Jeff” Gridley, Jr., with wife Jeanne, of Burdett, Alida G. Schamel, with husband Norman, of Elmira, Mimi D. Gridley of Elmira; and daughter-in-law Janie B. Gridley of Elmira. Also surviving are grandchildren, Alison (Marc) Richard, Megan (Phil) Conley, Lindsay (James) Simmen, Sydney (Justin) Fitzgerald, Nathan G. Schamel, and Jacob M. Schamel; great-grandchildren, Carter and Caroline Richard, and Madison Conley; brother and sister-in-law, John Haines and Marilyn Gridley of Richmond, VA; along with several nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of Elmira, Lyman was a graduate of EFA, Class of 1937. He then went to the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1942. Lyman was President and owner of Lyman D. Gridley Lincoln Mercury, and Merlin Leasing Company from 1959 to 1987. An active member of the community he was a member of the “Whiz Kids”, a civic group that during the early 1960’s worked toward the betterment of downtown Elmira, member and past president of the Elmira Rotary Club, member and past president of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce, also serving on numerous community boards over the years. He was very active with Boy Scout Troop 18, serving at one time as the Scoutmaster and was proud to see his sons and grandsons become active scouts. Lyman was a member of The Park Church, and the Elmira City Club, where for many years he took his daughters and granddaughters to the annual Father/Daughter dinner. Upon his retirement Lyman and Lois enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and abroad. Their favorite times were those spent with family and friends at their home on Seneca Lake. A Memorial Service will be held at The Park Church on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. with The Rev. Felicity Wright conducting the service. Donations in Lyman’s memory may be directed to The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St., Elmira NY 14901, Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning NY 14830, or Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and Finger Lakes Inc., 307 E. Water St., Elmira NY 14901.

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