Gordon Martin Vannederynen

Gordon M. VanNederynen of Ithaca passed away at home surrounded by family on March 23, 2022 at the age of 87.

Gordon was born in Ithaca on June 19, 1934, a son of the late Fred and Marie (Rockwell) VanNederynen. Gordon served in the US Army for 2 years after graduation from High School. Upon leaving the service, he went to work at the New York Telephone Company for 12 years. He then went into self-employment working at building and repairing houses.   He went on to earn his electricians license working to install and repair fire alarm systems throughout the city of Ithaca and Collegetown.  He also acquired several rental houses in Collegetown and in downtown Ithaca.

Gordon loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing, tending his vegetable garden, cutting and splitting wood, even mowing the lawn.  Gordon was well known for cooking his smoke oven chicken enjoyed at many family gatherings.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor; three children, Steve (Linda) VanNederynen, Thomas (Winna) VanNederynen, and Karen VanNederynen; eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Dustin (Amanda), Daniel, Darrell (Linnea), Jocelyn (Dave), Ryan (Lauren), Zoë, and Lukas; ten great grandchildren; brother, Stanley VanNederynen; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by a sister in law, Irene VanNederynen.

In keeping with Gordon’s wishes there will be no services at this time. A Celebration of his Life will be announced at a later date.

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Gordon’s memory to kindly consider Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Salvation Army, 150 N. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.