Gerald “Shorty” Gene Nellist

Gerald “Shorty” Gene Nellist, 97, of Lyndonville, passed away Monday, December 2, 2024 at Medina Memorial Hospital.

He was born in his family home, in the Town of Yates, on September 22, 1927. The son of the late Bert and Addie Nellist, he attended several local one-room school houses and graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1946.

Upon graduation, he followed his brothers by enlisting in the US Army and served in the Japanese Occupation of World War II. On August 2, 1952, he married Arline Costich and together they raised four children. Gerald was employed by A & P Grocery as a produce manager for 25 years and was a previous co-owner of White Birch Golf Course.

He enjoyed playing cards, puzzles, camping, fishing, hunting, antiques, golfing, gardening, traveling, wintering in Florida, and spending time with family. He was also a longtime member of the Lyndonville American Legion as well as the Yates-Carlton Sportsman’s Club.

Gerald was honored this past year as the grand marshal of the 50th anniversary of the Lyndonville Lions Club 4th of July parade along with a New York State Senate proclamation as the oldest surviving World War II veteran in the Town of Yates.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Arline (Costich) Nellist and sister-in-law, Queenie Nellist. As well as children Roger (Fran – Pre-Deceased) Nellist, Diane Whalen (Robert Kazukiewicz), Joanne (Harold) Suhr, Judy (Joseph) Cuttitta. Grandchildren Jacqui (Steven) Grabowski, Gary (Karen) Barber, Joseph (Maegan) Suhr, Trevor (Alisha) Powers; step grandchildren Vincent Cuttitta, Frank (Kim) Cuttitta. Great grandchildren Payton, Amber, Kennedy, Brooks, Ella, Paxton, Brodie, Lucas, Dylan and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Harry (Norma-Jean), Bertie, and Willard Nellist.

There will be no public calling hours, instead a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In accordance with Gerald’s wishes, there will be a public burial with full Military Honors, followed by a celebration of life party, held in the spring at the White Birch Golf Course. Everyone is encouraged to attend to celebrate a long, happy life (tentatively scheduled for May 4th, 2025).

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to Cure Childhood Cancer (www.curekidscancer.com/donate), Hospice of Orleans County (https://hospiceoforleans.org/give), or Yates-Carlton Sportsmans Club.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Shorty at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com