Gerald C. Templeton, 70, of Newfane, NY, passed away on May 7, 2023 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late George and Bernice (Stempian) Templeton.
Gerry was a graduate of LaSalle High School. He served proudly in the United States Air Force in Little Rock, AR, as an Optician from 1971 until his honorable discharge in 1974. Gerry was employed as a machine operator with Harrison Radiator/Delphi for 30 years until his retirement in 2006. On April 3, 2004, he married the love of his life, Tammy J. (Braunscheidel) Templeton in Cambria, NY. After his retirement, Tammy and Gerry traveled the United States, visiting family and friends and frequenting various casinos along the way and having the time of their life. They spent 8 years in the Carolinas, where they made many close friends. It was there that Gerry found his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church in North Carolina, where he enjoyed playing on their softball team. He shared a very close relationship with his Pastor and dear friend, Joe Lawing, who baptized him and made the word of God very clear and understandable to him. Being a Christian was first and foremost in Gerry’s life.
Gerry was an avid golfer, and loved spending time on the golf course with his buddies, where he was known for his many sayings. He loved the camaraderie they shared, and was always respected for playing by the rules of the game. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling, and was a member of the Groundhogs at Romanek’s Bar in Niagara Falls, where he was affectionately known as ‘Crash’ and ‘Hogger’, and Gerry was fond of giving others nicknames as well. He was also a member of the VFW. Gerry was also a diehard fan of the Boston Bruins. After living in the Carolinas, Gerry and Tammy moved to Las Vegas, where they lived for 6 years before returning to Western New York. A huge Bob Segar fan, he lived by the lyrics of the song “Beautiful Loser”: “He’ll never make any enemies”. He loved everyone unconditionally with all of his heart, and always had a smile on his face. A jokester at heart, he will be remembered fondly for his quick wit. Even at the end of his life, Gerry knew in his heart he was going to Heaven, but was more concerned about those he was leaving behind.
In addition to his wife of 19 years, Gerry is survived by his children, Jeremy Templeton (Christina Ryan) and Leah Templeton (Jason Jeffords); his step-children, TammyJo (Justin) Powley, James (Stephanie) Wares, and Melissa Wares; 13 grandchildren, Austin Templeton, Kayla Templeton, Kaeden Templeton, Jacob Templeton, Simon Powley, Lucas Powley, Osiris Powley, Jerome Powley, Skylar Wares, Eliott Wares, Kweigne Elam, Steven Canndy, and Scholarjean Westfield; 1 great-grandchild, Pharoah; his siblings, Richard (late Leslie) Templeton, Don (Maria) Templeton, and James (late Patricia) Templeton, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 2 – 6 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will be held at 6 PM concluding with Military Honors. Private interment will be held in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, https://lcfamerica.org/get-involved/donate-to-lung-cancer-research/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
SERVICES
Visitation
Saturday, May 13, 2023
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 13, 2023
6:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
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