June 18, 1928 ~ February 2, 2025 (age 96)
WALWORTH: Gordon J. Youngman passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by loving family.
He was born on June 18, 1928, to Ezra and Ida (Snyder) Youngman. After graduating from Walworth High School, he began his retail career with a soda shop, later moving across the street to open Youngman’s Variety. In 1952 Gordon served his country in the Korean war in the CIC unit. Upon returning in 1954, he opened Youngman’s Variety which he ran with his loving wife, Kathryn Luke (Katie) whom he married on Oct. 29, 1949. In 1973 he purchased Wick’s Hardware and reopened it as Walworth Hardware Store where he worked until his retirement.
“Gordy” was well known and respected in Walworth, working seven days a week and often opening the store after hours. He was active in the community as a volunteer firefighter, member of the Chamber of Commerce, Charter member and past President of the Walworth Historical Society. After Katie’s death, Gordy became reacquainted with a former friend, Betty (Garlock) Brown, at an Alumni Banquet. They began dating and were married on August 2, 2008, and resided in Greece.
Predeceased by parents, Ezra and Ida Youngman; first wife, Katie; second wife, Betty; young siblings Muriel and Richard Warren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Esther and Leon Fisher, Leona and Jim Lochner, Bessie and Ed Padgham, Edie and Henry Heyenck; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Arlene Youngman; son-in law, Steve Hall; granddaughter, Helaine Kathryn Hall; and several nieces and nephews.
Survived by daughters, Marlene Hall and Kathy (Rory) Fernaays and their families; stepdaughters, Jan (Al) Harradine, Sue (Gus) Gringer, Gayle (Duane Benjamin) Garrand, Lynne (Bill) Bennett, Karen (Randy) Smith and their families and many nieces and nephews.
A church service will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, 3679 Main St, Walworth, NY at 10:00 AM followed by a small reception at the church. Interment at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gordy’s name to Walworth Second Baptist Church, 3689 Main St. Walworth, NY 14568 or Hildebrandt Hospice Center, 2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626.
To share a special memory please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.
