Obituary of Jeffrey G. Waterman

Jeffrey G. Waterman, age 61, a lifetime resident of Stafford, NY, died with his family by his side August 17, 2023 at Wilmot Cancer Center after a long and valiant battle with cancer.  Jeff was predeceased by his parents Robert E. and Mary (Leanen) Waterman also of Stafford.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years Shelly (Truelson) Waterman; his daughters Audrey Heatherly of Gouverneur, NY and Shelby Waterman of Stafford; the son he never had Austin Heatherly also of Gouverneur; siblings Roger Waterman of Tucson, AZ, Jerry (Betty) Waterman of Panama City, FL and Sandy (Bruce) Lattimer of Spring Hill, FL; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jeff was a 40 year employee of Liberty Pumps where the Cook family, its leadership and his fellow members were exceptionally kind, supportive and generous in so many ways throughout his employment and treatment.  He was also a lifetime member of Godfrey’s Pond (Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Assn.), long time member of Oatka Fish and Game Club and former Director of the Genesee Conservation Foundation.  Jeff was an avid hunter, shooter and fisherman.  In recent years he joined the Hoisington’s New York Rangers, portraying a Private in both The French & Indian War and The Revolutionary War reenactments, often held at Old Fort Niagara where he was also a member.

Jeff was very proud of his heritage, having an ancestor who was a drummer during The Revolutionary War.  His earliest ancestors sailed aboard the Mayflower settling in Marshfield, MA and eventually settling in Stafford, NY.  As military history enthusiasts, Jeff and his brother Roger recently donated to the Genesee County Village & Museum a cherished Civil War era rifle belonging to Martin R. Bowen, a local, who fell at Cold Harbor, VA in 1864.  The rifle and its supporting documents were first on display at the Museum earlier this summer during their Civil War Living History weekend.

Jeff’s family would like to thank Brian Poligone, MD, PhD with Universal Dermatology and his care team at Wilmot Cancer Center, particularly Paul Barr, MD, Louis “Sandy” Constine, MD and Maureen Tremaine, RN, all of whom have been with him since first diagnosed over 15 years ago, for their extraordinary care, treatment, unwavering support and compassion.  Special shout-out to Jeff’s favorite technician at Wilmot, Colin Harris.  Jeff’s treatment this year included numerous blood and platelet infusions.  Jeff’s family would like to encourage those who are able to donate blood, platelets and/or stem cells in his memory. 

There will be no calling hours.  A private interment will be held at Stafford Rural Cemetery.  A casual gathering to share stories, memories and a toast or two will be held Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Oatka Fish and Game Club, 8237 Wilcox Road, LeRoy, NY  14482 commencing at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials in Jeff’s memory can be made to Old Fort Niagara, PO Box 169, Youngstown, NY  14174 www.oldfortniagara.org, Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill  Road, Mumford, NY  14511  www.gcv.org or Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY  14020 www.crossroadshouse.com.