Mohawk - 6 June 2014 Gerald Orendorff Sr. 97, formerly of Mohawk, NY and currently a resident at Valley Health Services in Herkimer, passed away on Friday June 6, 2014 at Little Falls Hospital. Gerald was born on February 11, 1917 in Ilion, NY, the son of the late Orlando and Estella Streeter Orendorff. He was educated in the Ilion Central School System. Gerald was united in marriage to the former Bernadette Frechette on February 2, 1938 in Herkimer, NY. Gerald was a retired toolmaker from Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, NY, and he also worked with the Herkimer County Highway Department. Gerald attended the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk. In his earlier years Gerald served with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He was an avid camper, snowmobiler, and ice hockey fan. Gerald also loved working on stock cars at the old Brookfield and Fonda Speedways with Theron Moore of Herkimer, and he continued to enjoy local racing and NASCAR. For many years, Gerald greatly enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida. Gerald is survived by his loving family, his wife Bernadette, three sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald Jr. and his wife Janet of Camillus, NY, Gary and his wife Janice of Mohawk, NY, and Alfred and his wife Nickie of Canajoharie, NY, two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Bernie Rockwell of Mohawk, and Mary and John Rucco of Richfield Springs, NY, as well as his grandchildren Christine, Mark, Melinda, Gerald III, Jason, Mike, Shaun, Trevor, Andrea, Carrie and Lucas, and his great-grandchildren Cody, Curtis, Henry, Brianna, Nicholas, Anthony, Sarah, Claire, Mason, Dane, Zoey, Joslyn, Michael, David, Katie, Tyler, Gabryela, Makayla, and Lauralye, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Floyd Orendorff of Ilion and Arthur Orendorff of Mohawk, and a sister, Laura Kinney of Orlando, Fla. Friends are invited to attend calling hours for Gerald from 12:00 to 2:00 PM with funeral services immediately following on Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc., 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY, with Sister Mary Jo Tallman officiating. Interment will follow in the Upper Mohawk Cemetery. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Valley Health Services for the exceptional personal care given to Gerald, and to the 3rd floor staff at Little Falls Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Blessed Sacrament Church of Mohawk. To light a candle please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com