Gerald S. Ploughman

Of St. Petersburg, Florida and former long-time area resident, passed away on July 20, 2021 at Millard FillmPloughman, Gerald S.

ore Suburban Hospital in Amherst, NY.

Gerry was born on December 26, 1925, in Lynn, Mass to Sarah and William Ploughman. He grew up in Port Rexton, Newfoundland, Canada and his first job was as cook and crew member aboard a two-masted schooner fishing for cod in the coastal waters off of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army - Army Air Corp American Army and was trained and stationed at Ft. Pepperrall, Nfld, located at the most eastern coast of North America, where he watched for German U-boats and guarded against attempts to send landing parties ashore. He was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Corporal and received the American Theatre Service Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.

After military service, Gerry worked on freighters delivering grain and iron ore throughout various Great Lakes ports. In 1952, Gerry married his childhood sweetheart, Amy Fowlow, in Conneaut, Ohio. In 1953, Gerry and Amy moved to Kenmore, NY and subsequently to Williamsville where they raised their family. They were married for 62 years when Amy passed away in 2014.

Gerry held many jobs: he was a Village of Conneaut Police Officer, crew on the Ohio Nickle Plate Rail Road, a skilled interior and ceiling painter, a house insulator, a heating repairman, and a school bus driver. In 1960, he bought Kenmore Heating Company and was in business for 30 years.

In 1990, Gerry and Amy retired and made their home in St Petersburg, Florida. They enjoyed 17 happy summers at their Port Rexton, Nfld home with family and friends.

Gerry loved music -- especially Newfoundland’s “jigs and reels” and other maritime and Irish music. As a child, he taught-himself how to play the “squeezebox” accordian and could play any song played “by ear.” When in Port Rexton, Gerry lead many “kitchen party” and church basement sessions with local musicians playing traditional instruments including penny whistles, Irish drums, guitars, spoons, and banjos. Gerry was a faithful member of the St. Alban’s Church in St. Pete Beach, Fla where he sang in the St. Alban’s choir.

After retirement, Gerry took up golf and greatly enjoyed playing Florida courses with friends. He also loved the pool at Paradise Shores and typically exercised in the pool every morning.

Gerry was a Mason (Evergreen Lodge – Conneaut, Ohio), a Shriner (Ismailia Shrine - Legion of Honor), and a member of the American Legion (Madeira Beach, Fla).

Gerry is survived by his much-loved children, Phil (Yudi) of Clarence Center, Penny of Albany and Judy (Lee) Brenon of Pendleton; his cherished grandchildren Bill (Jorgi), Liza (Brian) Szoszorek, Brianna, Shania and Jada Brenon; his beloved great-grandchildren Steven, Kailyn and Lydia; and his nieces Janice Woolsey, Ruth Leard and Linda Fowlow, and nephews Paul Fowlow and Andrew Fowlow; and his dear friend, Marilyn Ruzicka.

Gerry’s wit, music, jokes and stories, good and kind nature will be greatly missed by many.

The family thanks the extraordinary staff at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (Amherst, NY) for the very special care and kindness shown to Gerry and to family members during his time there.

A memorial service and celebration of Gerry’s life will be Thursday, August 19th, from 5 to 9 PM at PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville. A prayer service will be held at 8:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Alban’s Church, 330 85th Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 or Disabled American Veterans.

To express your sympathy or share a treasured memory of Gerry, please visit www.DenglerRobertsPernaWilliamsville.com