Obituary of Francis J. Gush

Elmira: Age 78, died peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2014. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen Gush, sister Marion, brother Bob, mother-in-law and father-in-law Dorothy and Richard Milazzo, son-in-law P.J. LaVelle. Frank is survived by his loving wife Patricia Milazzo Gush; five children, F. James "Jimmy" Gush with his wife Anne, Susan LaVelle, Michael Gush, Kathryn Lynough and Kevin Gush; grandchildren, Stephanie (Mike) Kulp, Alyssa Lynough, Jordan Gush, Sean Lynough and Taylor LaVelle; great-grandchildren, Eric Gilkison, Mikey and Gracie Kulp; sister Patricia; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and many friends. Frank was a 1953 graduate of EFA where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating from high school he served his country in the U S Army. Frank was a supervisor in the A&P shipping department for 17 years and was one of the last employees to leave when it closed. He was also the owner of "As Is Used Furniture and Antiques Korner" for many years. Frank's passion for sports was lifelong. He was an Elmira sports official for over forty years. Frank was not only a basketball and football referee, a baseball and softball umpire, but he also was the scheduler who assigned the games for referees and umpires for many years. Frank was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club, was a member of the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame and served as an Elmira Small Fry Football Commissioner. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, with the distance to be traveled to their games being no obstacle. Frank was a long-time communicant of St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Military Honors will be accorded outside St. Mary's Church following the Mass. Interment will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Frank with a donation to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira NY 14904 or St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira NY 14904.