I am eternally grateful for the unconditional love, kindness, and support Gordon showed me these past two decades. Gordon has been a second father to me, and my heart aches for his wife, Jackie, his sons Jefferson and Jordan, his beloved grandchildren Eleanor, Clark, and Alex, his brothers, in-laws, and niece and nephews. His passing marks a deep loss not only for his family and the Binghamton community, but for anyone who ever met Gordon.
In reading his obituary full of academic and professional accomplishments, perhaps what struck me the most was how little he ever spoke of his own achievements. Despite multiple opportunities to leverage his exceptional intelligence to promote himself, Gordon always chose honor, duty, service, and family over everything else. Indeed, his intellect was only outmatched by his thoughtfulness. If you knew Gordon, he undoubtedly showed a genuine interest in what you had to say, and he cared deeply about your success.
Watching Gordon quietly battle cancer for 20 years only further highlighted his exceptional strength of character. He traveled the world. He never missed a family gathering. He welcomed three grandchildren. He attended countless sporting and athletic events. He never complained. Gordon only ever put the needs and wellbeing of others first, even if it inconvenienced him. Ultimately, he faced his death with all the courage and resolve he repeatedly demonstrated throughout his beautiful, full life.
My children and I will miss their Grandbop. I am heartbroken that he doesn’t get to spend more time with his grandbabies, attend more Yankees games, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, win more golf tournaments, and cheer on the Binghamton Bearcats. Gordon was truly the kindest, most selfless, patient, and thoughtful man I’ve ever met. I am so grateful for every moment, every memory, and every lesson he shared with me and my family.