Gilbert Harris Daby, 89, of Parishville

PARISHVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Gilbert H. Daby, 89, a longtime resident of Clark Street, passed away Sunday morning, March 19, 2023 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Gil was born on October 18, 1933 in Hopkinton, the son of Gordon W. and Mary Elizabeth (Tebo) Daby. He attended Parishville-Hopkinton Central Schools, where he graduated in 1951. While in school he participated and excelled in many sports. Following his graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps, serving his basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina. He continued onto aviation electrical school in Jacksonsville, Florida. Following graduation, he was stationed in Cherry Point, South Carolina and was discharged from Osaka, Japan in April 1955. On November 19, 1955, he married, his high school sweetheart, Jane Prittie at the Hopkinton Congregational Church with Rev. Frank Johnston officiating.

In 1955, Gil started his employment with Niagara Mohawk retiring in 1993 as a line foreman. Gil dedicated many years of his life to his community as a member of the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department as their secretary, past president of the Fairview Cemetery Association, and a member of the Parishville United Methodist Church serving many years as Chair of the Administrative Board and on the Board of Trustees. Additionally, he was a member and secretary/treasurer of the Potsdam Mens’ Bowling Association, past secretary of the Utilities Employee’s Association of Niagara Mohawk, and served on the Board of Directors for the Moosehead Hunting Club.

Gil was a kind faithful, humble man who put the needs of others before his, whether it was in his community, his friends, or his family he was always there to help them. He enjoyed a great round of golf, hunting and fishing, gardening, feeding the birds, and for many years wintering in Florida with his wife. Never one to sit idle, Gil would be found tinkering around his house, helping his sons on any of their projects, or any other task that needed to be done.

Gil is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jane; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jody Daby of Potsdam; his grandchildren, Joshua and Elizabeth Daby of Rochester, Amber Daby of Potsdam, Micah and Kate Daby of Denver, Elna Daby of Boston; his great grandchildren, Emma, Josiah, Johnny, Marie Daby and Ollie and Dackenlove Cherfills; his daughter-in-law, Marlene Daby of Philadelphia and her chidren, Jason, Justin, and Jeffrey Brash, all of Philadelphia; his sister, Edna Potter of Potsdam; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, Michael John Daby on November 28, 1966 and Todd M. Daby on October 17, 2022; and two brothers, Gordon C. and Robert Daby.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 AM on April 1, 2023 at the New Hope Church. His family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held privately in Fairview Cemetery, Parishville.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made in his memory to the Parishville Fire Department, PO Box 264, Parishville, New York 13672 or the Fairview Cemetery Association, c/o Jolene Rosenbarker, 1997 State Highway 72, Potsdam, New York 13676.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.