Obituary of Gilbert S. Rouff

Gilbert Rouff, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017. He is survived by Rose Ann (Burti) his wife of 50+ years; his children Dr. Lisa K. Rouff Willis of Rochester, NY and Matthew (Heather) of Binghamton, NY. Also surviving are his granddaughters Corrina and Merrell Rouff; , mother-in-law Sue Burti of Old Forge, PA; nieces and nephews including Larry, Stuart, Linda, Jack, Michael and Cindy Rouff, Christopher and Maria Roma, and Eamon Martin; as well as sisters in law Carol Burti and Mary (Anthony) Roma. He was predeceased by his mother (Katie), father (Jacob) and three brothers (Benjamin, Leonard and Harold). Gilly was a true family-man. The gifts of wisdom, self-sacrifice and inner strength he possessed are only eclipsed by the unconditional love he shared with his most treasured family in whom he took great pride. His greatest joy was watching his family and friends succeed and he was honored to quietly contribute his talents and let others take the attention. He grew up in Endicott, NY and graduated from Union-Endicott High School at a time when the Triple Cities was growing and changing rapidly. He is a graduate of Harpur College. He was an American patriot at heart and loved his country serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon return, He devoted his adult life to serving humanity through business, community involvement and charitable acts. He carried a steadfast love of God and deep open-minded spirituality throughout his life. For over 50 years he worked for Olum's Furniture Company, the family business started by his father as Rouff Furniture Company in the early part of the 20th century. He found tremendous satisfaction working side by side with his brother Benjamin to lead the growth of the business while always staying true to his values. His business wasn't about selling furnishings, it was about giving people a fair chance to establish roots and grow their own family. He beamed watching generations make a loving, welcoming home. He never shied away from an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of our community serving on numerous boards and as a volunteer with charitable organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, United Health Service Foundation and the United Way. Many will recall that Gil had at least one joke for every occasion and was a constant source of humor and light. He also had a quiet and artistic side spending hours reading, bird watching at Quaker Lake, acting in numerous productions with Ti-ahwaga Players and even took up painting with both water colors and oil. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful care and respect Gil received from Asceracare Hospice, Lourdes Hospice and the Mercy House of the Southern Tier. Funeral Services will be held at Temple Concord, 9 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, Tuesday at 10 a.m., Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell, will officiate. Burial will be in Old Forge Cemetery, Old Forge, PA. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at Temple Concord, Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Shiva will be observed Wednesday at the family home in Brackney, PA. The family requests the flowers please be omitted. Expressions of sympathy in Gil's name may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.