Jerry Tryon

Cobleskill- Jerry Frank Tryon, 85, of Union Street, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the residence of his youngest son, Bruce, surrounded by loved ones.
Mr. Tryon was born Sept. 25, 1922 in Middleburgh, NY, the son of Gordon C. and Ethel Louise (Rickard) Tryon. He was a 1940 graduate of Schoharie Central School and in1943 graduated from General Electric Apprentice Course in Schenectady. He was a manufacturing engineer at General Electric in Schenectady and retired after 42 years of service in 1982.
Mr. Tryon was a United States Army veteran, serving in the European Theatre during World War II and was awarded European Theater Ribbon, 2 stars, Combat Infantry badge, the Purple Heart and the NY State Conspicuous Service Medal.
He was an active member in the scouting program and many other local charity organizations. Jerry served 21 years as superintendent of the Fruit and Vegetable Building of the Cobleskill Agriculture Society of which he was awarded a life membership.
After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, and Alaska. They spent the summers at their camp on the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, NY.
Being very active as a Mason, Jerry served as Past Master (1955), Treasurer, and 62 year member of Cobleskill Lodge No. 394, F. & A.M.; Past District Deputy Grand Master (1960) of the Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District; Past member of Grand Lodge Committee on Benevolence; Past High Priest and 62 year member of John L. Lewis Chapter 229/Oneonta Chapter 227; Past Illustrious Master and 62 year member of Oneonta Council 87 Cryptic Masons; Past Commander 1973-74 of Otsego Commandery 76 in Cooperstown;
Member of United York Rite College No. 127; Member of Utica Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Charter Member of Charles Smith Council No. 324 Allied Masonic Degrees; Past Sovereign Master of Giles Fonda Yates council 22 Allied Masonic Degrees; Past High Priest of John L. Lewis Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Member of Glencarron Council No. 14, Knight Masons; Member of Crusade Priory #57, Knights of the York Rite Cross of Honour; Founding Member of Schoharie County Shrine Club.
Jerry married Beatrice J. Coughtry August 1, 1943 and she predeceased him on March 4, 2008. He was also preceded in death by 2 sons: Robert Jerry Tryon in 1944 and Donald Alan Tryon in 1995.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan Lape of Cicero, NY; 2 sons: Craig (Mary Ann) Tryon of Marietta, NY; Bruce (Carole) Tryon of Howes Cave, NY; 6 grandchildren: Gregory Tryon, Laura Riggleman, Neal and Bruce Lape, Carley and Maggie Tryon, and 9 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 23, 2008 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home 171 Elm St. Cobleskill, with Rev. Bert Mayne officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 PM on Sunday at the funeral home where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:45 PM. Burial will be in Cobleskill Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cobleskill Historical Society, P.O. Box 432,
Cobleskill, NY 12043, or the Cobleskill United Methodist Church Chapel St. Cobleskill, NY 12043.