Obituary of Gordon R Wiggins

Gordon (Gordy) R. Wiggins 64 of Vestal, NY passed away in the early hours of Tuesday December 19th at Lourdes Hospital Binghamton, NY after a long and brave battle with lung cancer. Born in Auburn, NY on August 12, 1953 he was raised on the family farm on Rockefeller Rd in Moravia, NY where he cultivated his love of animals, John Deere tractors and tinkering with anything mechanical. The family moved to Auburn, NY in the early 70's where Gordy graduated from Auburn High School. He worked at Columbian Rope Company until they closed their doors in the early 80's. On July 3, 1982 he married Patricia Hawelka. He returned to school at BOCES to become a Machine Maintenance Technician where he then was employed at Powerex until they moved south. He then headed to the Binghamton area to seek fame and fortune and worked for Atlantic Design Vestal, NY, Hadco Corporation Owego, NY and Sanmina Corporation Owego, NY as a Machine Maintenance Technician. Fall of 1989 brought the joyful birth of his daughter Amy who he nicknamed "his little entertainment center". In early 2015 Gordy became disabled by several strokes but that didn't keep him down and he could still be seen taking his daily walks. Then in August of 2016 he received the diagnosis of Stage IV Lung Cancer. He fought the good fight. Gordy had a love of politics, model airplanes and trivia (he was accused of studying the Trivial Pursuit cards on more than one occasion). He had a passion for history specifically military and a deep respect for anyone who had served. Gordy will continue to give as his corneas were donated to the Lions Eye Bank of Albany for transplant or research purposes. He was predeceased by his father Eugene (Gene) Wiggins, brother Tim Wiggins and sister Dale Fletcher. Gordy is survived by his best friend and confidant wife Patricia Hawelka Wiggins, daughter Amy Wiggins, mother Doris Wiggins, sister-in-law Pat Hesse-Wiggins, brother Jerry (Grace) Wiggins and sister Christine (Robert) Vogel. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Rose Hawelka, sisters-in-law Sharon (John) Bower, Christine (Eddie) Shitanishi, Shelley (Robert) Delaney, brother-in-law Thomas (Carole) Hawelka, many loving nieces and nephews and great friends who will miss him. The family would especially like to thank Broome Oncology, Dr. Kloss and Dr. Haq and all of their wonderful staff too numerous to mention here and Lourdes at Home especially Carlee, Jared, Molly and Terry. You gave Gordon the courage to face this challenge with dignity and grace. The family will receive friends on Wednesday December 27th from 12-1 pm with the service immediately following at 1 pm at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home LLC , 6519 Route 434 Apalachin, NY 13732. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to Broome County Habitat for Humanity 103 Adams Ave Endicott NY, CHOW Broome County Council of Churches 3 Otseningo St Binghamton NY 13903, Speak Animal Hospital 351 Flint Rd Binghamton NY 13905 or a charity of your choice.