1926 - 2018
WEST WINFIELD, NY - Derward Jay "D. Jay" Gifford, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018 at his home.
D. Jay was born March 4, 1926, in Jordanville, the son of Raymond and Lena (Werner) Gifford.
D. Jay attended Van Hornesville School. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII. During his time in the Navy, he was involved in the Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach.
D. Jay founded Gifford Paving in 1959 and built a thriving business that continues to be family operated today, three generations later. He was also formerly involved, for many years, with West Winfield Rotary and Optimist Club and currently a member of West Winfield VFW and the American Legion.
D. Jay is survived and loved by his wife, Elizabeth; three children, Thomas (Marlene), Marlene (Ronald) Loiacono and Craig (Theresa); nine beloved grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Christopher (Mary), Keith (Suzanne), Jack (Faith) Hotaling; seven step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren. D. Jay was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Ruth Kissner; his parents; his brother, Gordon; and sister, Louise.
Per D. Jay's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.
Please consider donations, in D. Jay's name, to the VFW in West Winfield.
Published in The Observer-Dispatch from Apr. 26 to Apr. 28, 2018
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
