Obituary of Gerald H. Maxam

CHESTERTOWN -- Gerald H. Maxam, 88, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Eden Park Health Care Center in Glens Falls following a long illness. He was born Aug. 31, 1917, in Chestertown, the son of Bertha and Lemuel Maxam. He was a graduate of Chestertown Central School. On June 1, 1947, he married Ethel Potter of Warrensburg. Gerald worked with his brother, Lester, operating the movie projectors at the Carol Theatre in Chestertown and during World War II, worked as a sawyer at the Chestertown Veneer Company which had a contract to provide materials for the war effort. He was employed as a plumber with the late Burton Duell, Town of Chester Water Superintendent, and worked on the installation of the town's water lines. He retired from International Paper Company in Corinth in 1977 after 26 years as and industrial pipefitter and was a member of the IP Co. Quarter Century Club. In his youth, he was an avid golfer and skier. He enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, gardening and antiques. He loved going to lawn sales and auctions and he and his wife enjoyed their visits to the Black Bear Diner in Pottersville on Sunday mornings. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Gladys Tibbitts; his brother, Lester B. Maxam, both of Chestertown and three granddogs, Samson, Velvet and his beloved Pupper. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ethel; two daughters, June Maxam of Chestertown and Janet Agard and her husband, Richard, of Chestertown; two granddaughters, Cyndi Bailey and her husband, Rich, of Warrensburg and Becky Otruba and her husband, Rich, of Chestertown; a grandson, Keith Agard of Chestertown; a great-granddaughter, Bethany Bailey of Warrensburg; two great-grandsons, Austin Otruba of Chestertown and Brandon Bailey of Warrensburg; and three nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Chestertown Rural Cemetery. Contributions in Gerald's memory may be made to the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation, 5562 Central Ave., Suite 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33707 or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg.