Jerry C. Bush, 87, of Purdy Creek Rd. passed away peacefully Monday afternoon Sept. 7th at Elderwood at Hornell with his wife by his side after an extended illness.
He was born April 30, 1939 in the town of Burns to the late Lewis and Gladys (Cline) Bush. On August 9, 1959, in Canisteo, he married the former Ellen Day and was blessed with 67 years of marriage to the love of his life.
Jerry was a graduate of Canisteo Central school and then immediately following he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country honorably from 1958-62. As the first Physician’s Assistant in Steuben County, he spent his life caring for others and was often referred to by many as “Doc”. His PA career included working for the late Dr. Byron Collins, MD of Hornell and retiring from DDSO- Newark in Newark, NY.
Outside of work, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Canisteo where he was an active member of the Methodist Men’s Group, Chairman of the Trustees, Member of the Board of Directors for the Kanisteo Historical Society and the Slate Creek Hartsville Historical Society. He spent many years referring football, wrestling, baseball, and swimming. He loved the simple things that made life meaningful—fishing, hunting, NASCAR, his church, and most of all, his family. He found joy in being outdoors, spending time with the people he loved,
In addition to his wife Ellen of Hartsville, he is survived by a son David (Darcie) Bush of OK. daughters, Angela Easter of Fayetteville, NC, Cheryl Prescott of Portville and Brenda (Gary) Hallett of Hartsville, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. He is also survived by two brothers Billy Bush and Kevin Bush both of Canisteo and a sister Nancy Tapp of Pine City.
Jerry was predeceased by a sister Joanne Norbut, three brothers Shirley Bush of Florida, Billy Bush and Kevin Bush both of Canisteo and sister-in-law Sandy Bush.
The family will receive friends Saturday Sept. 19th from 1-2 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where a memorial service will take place immediately following calling hours at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend a time of fellowship at the Canisteo American Legion following the service.
Final interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Canisteo, 37 Greenwood St. Canisteo, NY 14823.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
