Gordon Allan Heath

Gordon Heath, longtime resident of Rochester, passed away peacefully on July 18th, 2026 at the age of 100, while residing at the Homestead of Rochester in independent living.

Gordon was born on May 21, in Burlington, VT, the first child of Allan and Clara Heath. He grew up in Vermont and graduated in 1944 as valedictorian from Woodstock, VT, High School, at which time he joined the Army. He was deployed to Leyte in the Philippines during WWII, and upon returning met the love of his life, Phyllis Patrie, on a blind date. They were married in Pownal Methodist Church on Jan 15, 1949. Gordon attended RPI, graduating in June of 1951 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was subsequently hired by IBM, and he and Phyllis moved to Endicott, NY, where they started a family. In 1962 Gordon was transferred by IBM to Rochester, where he earned an MBA from Mankato State University and completed his 30-year IBM career. Education was always an important part of Gordon's life, so after retirement from IBM, he became a professor teaching business class at Rochester Community College.

Gordon was a devoted father and enjoyed camping with his family, starting with a tent in the Adirondacks, and later growing into a travel trailer that took them to 35 states and many National Parks. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for 64 years and was an avid volunteer with his church, the Boy Scouts, Kiwanis, the American Cancer Society, United Way, and Dorothy Day House. Gordon's additional interests included playing cards, choir, chimes, puzzles, and attending his grandkid's sporting events.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Heath, parents, Allan and Clara Heath, and sisters Carolyn (Harry) Eddington and Patricia (Whit) Hartshorne. He is survived and will be missed by his sister Marcia Masse, son, Gary (Mavis) Heath, his daughters Susan (Mike) Roemerman and Sandra Shirk/Heath, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Homestead Great Room on August 1st at 1 PM.

Arrangements are being handled by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home.

Gordon was a firm believer in giving back to the community so in lieu of gifts or flowers, memorials can be given to the Salvation Army or your chosen charity.