Gerald ‘Jerry’ Couse, of Elizaville
Gerald “Jerry” Couse passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of March 20, 2017.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilynn; daughters, Melissa and Cynthia Couse all residing in Elizaville, N.Y.; son, Daniel and his wife Jennifer Couse residing in Kingston, N.Y.; grandchildren, Khial, Keegan, Ariana, Emily, Celia and Makenna; sisters, Nancy Couse and her husband Rick McGlauflin from Salt Point, N.Y. and Patty and her husband, Robert Couse-Baker from Sacramento, Calif.
His parents Earl and Ruth predeceased him. Born and raised in Rhinebeck and Elizaville, Jerry stayed in the area in which he grew up.
Jerry was many things to many people: a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War; a lifelong volunteer firefighter and later, Chief. He was a die-hard New York Yankees and Giants fan; a lover of “The Oldies”, an avid dancer and a bowler. He was a longtime umpire, and a founding father of the “Elizaville Coffee Klatch.” Jerry was a steadfast friend, knowledgeable co-worker, helpful mentor, and all around great guy. Jerry hated most to say “no”. He gave so much to everything he touched. It did not matter whether it was a friend or not, someone he knew or just met, he never hesitated to do what was needed. This included giving his two cents when asked whether you wanted to hear the answer or not. A man of never-ending principles, he stood for what he believed, regardless of the popularity of those convictions. Jerry loved to laugh. He loved to share his time and knowledge with anyone willing to take the time. He was forever teaching anyone who would listen. He was known for his sense of humor, an impeccable matter of punctuality and infinite pride in his grandchildren. Jerry was a man that everyone seemed to remember, even years later. He was a man that cared deeply for his family and Country. He is proof that it is not the years in your life that count, but rather the life in your years. He has left a mark on all of those that knew him that will not fade anytime soon.
Visiting hours will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y., with an Honor Guard ceremony at 1 p.m. Refreshments and a Celebration of Jerry’s life will follow at Elizaville Fire House from 3 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Northern Dutchess Paramedics, P.O. Box 672, Rhinebeck, N.Y., 12572, or VFW Post 7765, P.O. Box 293, Red Hook, N.Y., 12571.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.
For directions, or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.