Saratoga Springs, NY- Gene Usher lived in his home in Saratoga Springs with his wife until his recent move to Wesley Nursing Home where he died peacefully on October 27th at the age of 97.

Gene was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on September 16, 1928, to Melvina and Merton Usher. He spent his formative years in the Albany NY area, graduating from Columbia High School. He met his "bride", as he referred to his wife Sue, at First Church in Albany. They bought a house on New Scotland Rd in Slingerlands, eventually moving to a larger home in Slingerlands, where they raised their family. Gene was very active at the Delmar Reformed Church acting as an Usher, Elder and Deacon for many years, then becoming an active member at the Old Saratoga Reformed Church in Schuylerville when they moved to Saratoga NY.

As a young dad, he was very involved in the local baseball leagues, coaching his sons from Little League through American Legion. He also loved hunting with his sons, finding the sunniest spots of the woods. His grandchildren fondly remember running along the trails in the woods, long talks, many stories, hugs that never ended, and trying to find that hidden penguin. Beyond his family, his greatest love was music. From a young age of 7 he played the violin and was even given the opportunity to play with the Albany Symphony when in high school. Eventually he put together his own orchestras in Saratoga and Florida. In his retirement years he would play his music in the area nursing homes. Gene was active, playing on baseball teams himself, in tennis leagues and always walking as he grew older.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne Usher (Wesley Nursing Home); his 4 children Marc Usher (Lisa Cartier), Michael Usher (Katie Usher), Jill Kelly (Stephen Kelly), and David Usher (Brenda Usher); his beloved grandchildren Matt Usher, Daniel Usher, Eric Usher, Kathryn Pangburn, Kristen Usher, Christina Takach, Andrew Lohman, Jacob Kelly, Nicole Kaloyeros, Joseph Lohman, Jonathan Usher, and Lucas Kelly; and 15 great grandchildren.

The family will hold a private graveside burial and ceremony Monday November 3rd.

There will be a gathering in the near future at the Old Saratoga Reformed Church for all who would like to come share stories. The family asks that anyone interested in donating in Gene's name, send their donations to the Old Saratoga Reformed Church in Schuylerville NY.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com