Gilbert "Gil" Allyn Lewis

Tucson, AZ formerly of Newark, NY – Gilbert Allyn Lewis, 98 entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

Fulfilling Gil’s wishes, there will be no prior calling hours or funeral services. Those wishing may attend a graveside service on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 11 a.m. in East Newark Cemetery.

In memory of Gil, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society, 120 High St, Newark, NY 14513

Gil was born on Monday, February 23, 1920, in the family home on Vienna Street, the son of the late John and Alice (Jackling) Lewis. Because it was a snowy winter night the family doctor was unable to get there so a doctor from the Newark State School delivered the baby. Gil always joked, the doctor brought him from the state school, for which his father did not think that was very funny.

Gil attend kindergarten at Roosevelt School and transferred to Perkins School on its opening in January of 1926. Deciding he was ready, they moved him right into the first grade. He graduated from the old Washington High School class of 1937. Gil was the last surviving member of the class of 1937. He was a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, and believed to be the oldest living member, joining in 1936.

His first job the summer after graduation was four weeks at a sour cherry orchard and twelve weeks at two other farms riding his bicycle to get to work. In 1938 he went to work in the office of C.W. Stuart Nursery Company and continued there for forty years, retiring in February of 1982. Gil worked closely with Arthur N. Christy and became the office manager and ended up as controller of the North Main Street division. In 1955 he became president of the Administrative Management Society for the Finger Lakes Chapter. Gil enjoyed gardening and stamp collecting. Many people enjoyed his gladiolas.    

He led a very active volunteer life. In 1949 he was made acting clerk of school district #10 for the legal sale of its school building property to the Way-Ont Saddle Club. Later he became president of the club and served for 18 years and became a life member. Gil joined the Finger Lakes Stamp Club in 1976 and served as Secretary for the next 16 years eventually becoming a life member. He promoted stamp collecting at the Newark Public Library and St. Michael School. He also worked as a volunteer for the Newark, Lyons, Farmington and Canandaigua post offices concerning special commemorative postmarks.

Gil and his first wife, Evelyn, attended a meeting of the Arcadia Senior Citizens. On that first day Leon Taylor, president, asked Gil to become treasurer which he did at the second meeting, and served as treasurer eight years and Trustee for four years, becoming a life member.

Gil’s first wife, Evelyn (Elliott) Lewis died in 2001 and in 2005 he married Mary Rider VanNorman. He is survived by his wife Mary; daughters, Sandra (Ken) Casselman and Kathy (Michael) Lewis-Atherton; grandchildren, Timothy and Rebecca Casselman, Debra Baker, Kim and Kevin Owen; Corey and Kier Atherton; great-grandchildren, Conner, Cameron and Parker Casselman, Christoffer Pedersen, Victoria and Nicholas Owen, Evelyn and Leverett Atherton; step-children, Robert and Jeffrey VanNorman, Karen Crandall and Cathie Roeland; step-grandchildren, Michael, Joshua, Alexandria and Megan Roeland, Chelsea VanNorman, Erica and Daniel VanNorman, Robert and David Villasenor; many nieces and nephews.

Gil was predeceased by his daughter, Carol Owen; brothers, Harry, Charles and Edwin Lewis; sisters, Dorothy Chapman and Frances Clark.

You may write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com

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