- Date Of Birth: March 11, 1920
- Date Of Death: March 28, 2013
- State: Florida
Chester Wilbur Gridley, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at home in Melbourne, FL. He was born on the family homestead in Caton, NY on March 11, 1920 to Wilbur O. and Bertha L. Pock Gridley. He attended the Browntown School and graduated from Corning Free Academy.
A lifelong dairy farmer, Chester belonged to the Dairymen’s League Cooperative and served as district delegate to a number of state conventions.
He worked continuously to improve the farm by expanding his herd, adding a milking parlor, and managing the woodlands. In the early 70’s he received the annual New York State Soil and Water Conservation District award for drainage improvements to his crop fields.
Chester was often the first to welcome new neighbors or to help someone in need. He had a great sense of humor and told many varied stories about old times on the family farm.
Chester was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Grace M. Rouse Gridley, with whom he ran the farm. He is survived by his wife of 8 years Dorotha R. Williams-Gridley, daughters Elaine (Dennis) Murphy of Big Flats and Judith (Thomas) Gridley-Riff of Caton; a son Brian (Judith) Gridley and grandchildren Matthew, Travis and Andrea Gridley, all of Caton; step-son Lawrence (Sandra) Williams, step- grandsons Robert and Gerald Williams of Golden Glow. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for the tender care given to Chester and his family.
