NORTH CREEK — Adorno Orlando Gezzi, affectionately known as "Gez", "Derny", or "Pop" went on his final jog to go fishing with his son Robin on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. He was 89.
Born Feb. 20, 1923, in AuSable Forks, he was the son of the late Italian immigrants, Ernest and Ida (Augustini) Gezzi, who came from Ascoli Peceno in the early 1900's.
Upon his high school graduation, Gez enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, serving in the South Pacific as a radio operator during WWII before his honorable discharge in 1946.
He always made sure the local folk had ice to skate on, whether he had to flood his yard, shovel a pond, or maintain the town ice rink at Little Gore. Orlando also cleared the original trails at Whiteface Mountain Ski Center, where he became acquaintances with Jackrabbitt Johannsen, the father of North American Cross-Country Skiing.
During his working years, he was employed by the Dept. of Conservation before his permanent job with National Lead in Tahawus.
An absolute environmentalist in his own right, he will be remembered throughout the Adirondacks for his letters to the editors, most of which concerned the property rights of man. One of the major environmental writers commented that "he appreciated his opinions, they were short and to the point." He was the ultimate trapper, hunter, fisherman, father, and grandfather. In the heyday of road races in the area, he was one of the founders of "The North Creek Fleet Feet." A great story-teller, there wasn't a story he wouldn't hesitate to tell twice; all that was required is one person in earshot that hadn't heard it before.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Robin Gezzi; his sister, America Gezzi; and his nephew, Bob Morrison.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Kathleen "Tootie" Gezzi of North Creek; his son, Perry and his fianc^ Tina of Warrensburg; his daughters, Cassandra Rosoff and her husband Corey of Plattsburgh, and Cynthia Drummond and her husband Steve of Riverside, Calif; grandchildren, David Rosoff, Jesse Drummond, and Josh Gezzi and his fianc^ Theresa. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Ruth Morrison; nephews, Bill, Brett, and Barry Morrison; a niece, Ruthie McWilliams; great nephews, Robert and Sean and great nieces, Ali and Christen; and close family friend, Aunt Harriet Lewis.
Friends may call on Orlando's family from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to The North Country Community College, c/o Robin N. Gezzi Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.
