Gordon "Gordy" C. Beardsley Jr.

Dalton --- Gordon “Gordy” C. Beardsley Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, surrounded by his family after a brief illness in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. He was born on May 3, 1949, in Hume, the oldest child of Gordon “Butch” C. Beardsley Sr. and Ruth A. Hoyt.

Gordy was raised in Nunda and was a graduate of Nunda High School, class of 1967, and began serving his community shortly after as a volunteer with the Nunda Fire Department. In 1971, Gordy was drafted into the United States Army, serving until 1977, and was stationed in Germany, where he was a mechanic and vehicle recovery specialist, a role that suited his natural talent with machines. During his service he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his dedicated service.

After returning home, Gordy worked in several garages around Rochester, near Strong Hospital. Whether under the hood of a vehicle or behind the wheel of a tow truck, he was known for his skill, dependability, and hard work. A lifelong motor head, Gordy had a deep love for cars, especially his 1965 Chevelle, which he raced at Lancaster Drag way, Spencer Speedway, and Empire Speedway. He was a passionate fan of drag racing and NASCAR.

When he was not watching races or working on engines, he was rooting for his beloved Buffalo Bills or spending time with his dogs. Over the years, he raised many German Shepherds, but his final and most loyal companion was Duke.

Every morning, Gordy tuned in to his favorite Tradio show, WCJW-CJ Country and never missed his 4:20 breaks. He loved his routines, his family, his cars, and his dogs—with a loyalty that never wavered.

Gordy lived life on his own terms—with grit, heart, and a deep love for his family and passions. His legacy is one of horsepower, hard work, and unconditional love.

Surviving in addition to his beloved mother, are his siblings, Esther Hinrich, Ivan (Tammy) Beardsley, and Rodney (Tina) Beardsley. He was the proud father of Christina (Jeremy) Gray, Aimee (Mark) Campbell, Jeanne (Darren) Hunter, Tina (Timothy) Dieter, Terry Madonia and Larry (Tessie) McKenzie Jr. Gordy also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his devoted father, he was predeceased by his sister, Carol Beardsley, brother-in-law Evan Hinrich and nephew Michael Hinrich.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00 am in Oakland Hill Cemetery, Nunda. Paul Palmer, pastor of the Oakland Wesleyan Church, will officiate. A Celebration of Life will follow at Kiwanis Park, Nunda.

Donations if desired to: Aimee Campbell, 107 Washington Street, Wayland, NY 14572