Larry Ayers

Larry R. Ayers, age 77, of Penn Yan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, with his wife and two sons by his side.

Larry was born in Penn Yan, NY on July 7, 1947, to Richard and Marjorie (Lawton) Ayers. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm, where he helped both on the farm and at the dairy. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968, attending electronic warfare school. Larry humbly served his country for four years and, in recent years, proudly wore his USS Brownson shirts and hat. After leaving the Navy, he earned an associate's degree from Corning Community College and a bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

In 1977, Larry began working for NYSEG. Over the years, he worked at the Greenidge Power Plant, became a first-class lineman, and ultimately rose to the position of Chief lineman before retiring in 2008. During his career he braved winter storms, hurricanes, and emergency outages putting the lights and power back on for numerous families. 

For several years, Larry guarded first base on the C&D Wager slo-pitch team, where he built lifelong friendships with many from the Yates County league. He also became an avid golfer, sharing countless rounds with good friends, and took great pride in his hole-in-one. He especially looked forward to the annual Elks Club "Just Say No" tournament each year.

Larry and Pam first met at church when they were young, and over time, their friendship grew into a lasting love. Family was the most important part of Larry’s life. He was a devoted father who coached his sons, along with many of their friends, in Little League baseball and youth soccer. Larry always cheered on his sons’ successes in life and was a doting grandfather to his three grandsons, who lovingly called him "Pop."

A lifelong resident of Penn Yan, Larry spent summers at the family cottage on Keuka Lake. He cherished boat rides with friends and family and cooling off in the lake on hot summer days. He was also an active and loyal member of the Penn Yan Elks Lodge, where he enjoyed the camaraderie it offered. Additionally, Larry was a member of the Penn Yan Johnson-Costello American Legion and the USS Brownson Association (DD-868).

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pam (Ingram) Ayers, his sons Jeffrey (Katie) and Ryan, and his grandsons Larry, Hank, and James Ayers. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn York, of Lebanon, Oregon; sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Mike Bishop; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Arland Ayers (Jean) and Robert Ayers (Anne); brother-in-law, Lee York; and nephews, Brian, David, Rick York, and Robert Ayers.

Calling hours for Larry will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Weldon Funeral Home (102 East Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527), with a funeral service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. A celebration of Larry’s life will take place after the service at the Penn Yan Elks Lodge (133 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 Rt 54 East Lake Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527, and Friends of the Outlet, Inc., PO Box 65, Dresden, NY 14441.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Keuka Comfort Care Home, and all their loving friends and family for their compassionate care and support.