DELMAR — Gerald W. Grippin of Delmar — a Marine, volunteer firefighter, and mechanic — died peacefully in Albany on Thursday Oct. 27, 2022.

Son of the late Ralph and Harriet (née Bogart) Grippin, he was the beloved husband of Pauline (née Carl) Grippin with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.

“Lovingly known as ‘Jerry’ to those close to him, he will be remembered by his brothers and sisters of the New Salem Fire Department where Jerry served as a first responder for many years,” his family wrote in a tribute.

“Jerry courageously served his country and was honorably discharged, earning the rank of sergeant in 1952,” the tribute said. “He was an avid hunter and fisherman and greatly enjoyed ice racing cars at the local lake events and competed in auto racing during the summer months.

“Many happy memories were made at the family camp on Sacandaga Lake where Jerry and his family have been enjoying family time for 50 years.

“Following his career in the United States Marines, Jerry worked for New Salem Garage as a mechanic, a trade he excelled at. He also worked many years for Otis Elevator in Albany.

“Jerry was proud of his work on the many projects constructing elevators over his career, including the elevators in the 1980 Olympic ski jump tower and his work at the Empire State Plaza.

“Following his retirement in 1990, Jerry cherished his traveling experiences throughout the U.S. and abroad. Jerry visited Australia, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. Jerry and Pauline were members of ‘Busing Buddies,’ a travel motorhome club.”

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Gerald W. Grippin is survived by his wife, Pauline (née Carl) Grippin; his sons,  Randy Grippin and his wife, Sally, and Jeffery Grippin and his wife, Lynn; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings Harold Grippin and his wife, Dorothy, and Gordon Grippin and his wife, Mary Ellen.

His parents, Ralph and Harriet (née Bogart) Grippin, died before him, as did his children, Joan Grippin and Matthew Grippin, and his sisters Marian Countryman, married to Edward, and Carol Wengenack.

Calling hours and a prayer service were held at the Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont on Nov. 2.