Obituary of Gerald L. Bull

Gerald LaVerne Bull, 98, of Amsterdam passed away peacefully April 14, 2011 at River Ridge Living Center, with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 11, 1913 in Amsterdam, the son of the late Charles O. and Jessie Helmer Bull. Mr. Bull is a life time resident of the area and attended local schools. He worked at various jobs though out his life time, in 1932 he first worked at Mohawk Carpet Mills as a finisher, he then went onto working for the American Locomotive Co. in 1941 until 1950 when he went to work for Vollmer's Bus Line as driver and a mechanic. In 1958 he opened Jerry's Rotary Gas Station on Guy Park Avenue. He also worked as a mechanic for Eagle Street Garage for a number of years before going to work at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital for 25 years until his retirement in 1998 at age 85. Along with being a hard worker Mr. Bull also enjoyed bowling and golf. He made a hole in one on the fourth hole at Muni Golf Course on September 4, 1980 and in that same victorious month he bowled a 298 game in the Progressive league at Imperial Lanes. Mr. Bull was also recognized for his 50 years served as a Mason, Lodge # 84 F& AM, he was also honored at Saratoga Raceway for his 80 years of attending opening day at the track. On June 23, 1934 he was united in marriage to the late Armetta Aniece Engle. Their union lasted a beautiful 65 years. She passed away February 28, 2000. He is survived by his nine children, LaVerne Joan Bull and Ronald Bull of Amsterdam, Wayne Lorraine Bull of Ballston Lake, Dennis Donna Bull of Ft. Johnson, Shirley Edward Picinich of FL., Donna Bernie Strain of MD., Marlene Pingitore and Sandra Robert Scott of Fort Hunter, and Bonnie David Betz of FL. He is also survived by 24 grand children and 31 great grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents and his wife Armetta Bull, he is predeceased by his daughter in law, Isabella Bull and son in law Francis Pingitore, a grandson Ronald C. Bull, Jr. and infant grandchildren, Robert Michael and Holly Rene Pingitore, Rebecca Ann and Lynn Marie Scott. He is also predeceased by his brothers Robert and Harry Bull. Funeral services for Mr. Bull will be on Monday, April 18, 2011 at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 24 Pine St. in Amsterdam at 11 AM. Rev. Dr. John Califano will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Amsterdam. ` Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sunday evening from 4 until 7 PM at the Betz Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave. Amsterdam, NY 12010. In lieu of flowers contributions in Mr. Bull's memory may be made to River Ridge LLC. or to St. Luke's E.L. Church in care of the funeral home office.