Gerald Kenneth Favro passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 25, 2020. He was born on July 5, 1929, in Lake Placid, N.Y., and was married over 62 years to the love of his life, Barbara Phalon Favro of Canton, N.Y. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cortland State University Teacher’s College.
Gerry lived a full life; husband, father of four, educator, school principal, Scout leader, Rotarian, and coach. He influenced hundreds of students as an educator for 34 years in Cazenovia Central Schools. He was a teaching principal in New Woodstock, a classroom teacher and resource teacher in Cazenovia, and soccer and track coach. He loved being outdoors and hiking in the Adirondacks. Gerry was an avid skier who taught skiing and co-owned the ski shop for many years at Toggenburg Ski Center. He was also Ski School director at Mystic Mountain. He was passionate about fly fishing and member of Trout Unlimited.
Gerry was very active in the Cazenovia community. He was a member of the Community Chest and spent years as a Rotarian serving as President and Scandinavian Youth Exchange Officer. His family grew exponentially through connections with students from many countries. An active member of the Cazenovia Presbyterian Church, he was the Christian Education Director and member of the Session and Trustees. He served in the Air Force from 1951-1959 as an air traffic controller in England during the Korean War. He loved his time spent with Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 serving as Adjutant for many years.
He led Boy Scout Troop 20 with camping trips to Camp Kingsley and hiking trips in the Adirondacks and supported the Girl Scouts in fundraising events. He helped anyone who needed a sleeping bag, backpack or skis through the “gear-lending” program out of his basement. Gerry and his wife, Barb, instilled in their children a love of life and adventure, kindness to others, and always doing the job to the best of your ability. He was dedicated to his family, community and country.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; children, Tom Favro, Mary Alice Favro (Steve Faust), Judy B. Favro (Scott Jeffrey), Holly Veiders (Chris) and grandchildren, Sara Faust and Eli Favro. He is also survived by sisters, Helen Sawyer and Patti Skeels; sisters-in-law, Janet Favro and Rose Favro; brother-in-law, Richard Skeels and numerous nieces and nephews. The family is thankful for the care and kindness provided by granddaughter Sara, Dr. Andrea Berg, Hospice of Central NY/Finger Lakes and numerous caregivers over the last year.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020. Calling hours and services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia, 27 Albany St., Cazenovia. Donations can be made in his honor to Cazenovia High School Scholarship Fund, Trout Unlimited or Hospice of Central NY/Finger Lakes. To leave a message of sympathy for the Favro family, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
