John “Jack” C. Gaze

ALBION – John “Jack” C. Gaze, 86, of Albion, New York passed away peacefully in Florida on April 6, 2023.

Jack was born on November 20, 1936, in Albion, New York.  As a child, he enjoyed listening to the New York Yankee games on the radio including the greats like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio.  He attended DeSales Catholic High School from 1950 to 1951 and Albion High School from 1952 until graduation in 1954.  Throughout high school, Jack was very active in the glee club, band (drums), drama, football, basketball, baseball, and track.

After graduating from Albion High School, he went on to further his education at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport, New York, between 1954 to 1955.  At the same time, he worked for the New York Central Railroad until 1959.  Later, he accepted a position as a Traffic Manager with Nifty Foods from 1959 to 1964.

It was at this time he became a Police Officer with the Village of Brockport, New York.  During this time, he simultaneously obtained his New York State Real Estate Brokers License in 1967.  He served honorably for the Brockport Police Department until 1969.

From 1969 until retirement, Jack started his own business and worked in real estate both in New York and Florida.  He earned an additional credential in 1990 when he became a New York State Certified Appraiser.  He enjoyed selling real estate, both residential and commercial appraising, and teaching real estate courses for Bryant & Stratton, Genesee Community College, and SUNY at Brockport.  After hours, Jack enjoyed playing drums in a band on the weekend at various local clubs.

Jack sponsored the team Gaze Realty that captured the inaugural United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association (USSSA) Classic C World Championship in 1975.  After decades of waiting, Gaze was inducted into the New York State USSSA Hall of Fame in 2016.

After retirement, Jack split his time between Central Florida and Upstate New York to enjoy what was most important to him, spending time with his family and friends (and of course rooting for the New York Yankees).

Jack is predeceased by his parents Clare Mason Gaze and Geraldine Rhoda Gaze.  He is survived by his loving family, brother Jim Gaze and wife Susan;  his sister Patty Harrold and husband William; his three children, Kenneth John Gaze; John Patrick Gaze, and wife Elizabeth Gaze, and Jacqueline Ann Hedin; his seven grandchildren, Candice; Christine; Chase; Joshua; Mackenzie; Bryan; Christian, and companion Connie Aulenti.

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned.  The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.