Douglas Owen Gerwitz

LITTLE VALLEY — Douglas Owen Gerwitz passed away unexpectedly Thursday (Oct. 16, 2025).

Born Sept. 12, 1954, Doug was raised on the family’s farm and graduated from Little Valley Central School in 1972.

Doug worked in several local factories as a machine operator then became an over-the-road truck driver before hiring on as local delivery driver before an injury forced him into early retirement.

He was known for his stubborn independence and did his best to cover his kindness and generosity with a sometimes bristly personality. He was fun loving, had a talent for woodworking and was loyal to a fault. Doug stayed busy working on his Harley Davidson motorcycles, cutting firewood and maintaining his home and visiting with his youngest son, Morgan.

Doug is survived by his mother, Nancy (Lloyd) Brown; brothers, Gene (Cece Day)Gerwitz, Chris Gerwitz and Steve Gerwitz; sister, Rhonda (Mike) Burlin; four children, Sean (Jennifer) Bishop, Scot (Jennifer) Gerwitz, Erica Gerwitz and Morgan Gerwitz; and grandchildren, Marley and Evelyn Bishop, Chloe Gerwitz, Issac Bafaro, Gabriella and David Zampogna.

Doug was predeceased by his father, Lester Gerwitz; and two brothers, Christopher Allan and Gary Neal Gerwitz.

Doug’s presence in this world will be sorely missed.

A future Celebration of Life memorial will be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley, where online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.