Gerald H. Austin, age 78 of Breesport, NY, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was born on December 11, 1947, in Wellsboro, PA. the son of the late Raymond D. "Butch" Austin and Sarah Cleveland Austin. Gerry was a graduate of Horseheads High School Class of 1966. He played football, track & field, and wrestled for The Blue Raiders. Gerry was a Vietnam Veteran serving his country in the US Air Force. He also played football while in Germany with the Air Force. He was a member of The Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 81 of Syracuse, NY. Gerry was a member of the Horseheads First United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and volunteered wherever necessary. He was most known for his singing of "Prepare Ye" each year on the First Sunday of Advent. In addition to his parents, Gerry was pre-deceased by his sister Barbara Austin Bixby Wolcott. He married his wife Mary Jane Comfort on July 7, 1979, and they recently celebrated their 46th Wedding Anniversary on July 7, 2025. Gerry enjoyed making maple syrup with the Four Saps at The Sugar Shack in Breesport. He loved his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with them. Gerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Jane Comfort Austin; their children and spouses: Larry and Sherry Park and Kimberly and Jeffrey Kelly; grandchildren: Father Aaron Kelly, Abbi and Hunter Gordon, Emma Kelly, and Riley Jane Park and Andrew Dolan; great-grandson Dean Joseph Gordon; brother and sister-in-law: David and Sheila Austin; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of caring friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at The Horseheads First United Methodist Church at 1034 West Broad Street Horseheads, NY on Friday February 20, 2026, from 10 AM to 11 AM. Funeral services will be held following calling hours at 11 AM. The Rev. Jeffery McDowell and Father Aaron Kelly will officiate. Full Military Honors will be accorded Gerry at Woodlawn National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Gerry through memorials to The Quilt Ministry at First United Methodist Church of Horseheads 1034 West Broad Street Horseheads, NY. Words of Condolence and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com .