Jerry Ray Harvey

BUFFALO — Jerry Ray Harvey passed away peacefully Friday (June 5, 2026) in Buffalo, at the age of 74.

Jerry was born April 16, 1952, to Donald Harvey and Mary Harvey (née Dash) in Springville.

He grew up in North Otto alongside his five siblings and graduated from Cattaraugus Central High School in 1970.

Jerry dedicated nearly 30 years of service to the New York State Department of Corrections, where he earned the respect of colleagues and staff alike. He retired in 2010 with the rank of lieutenant.

Jerry will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving father and grandfather with a generous spirit and a quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Each Halloween, neighborhood children looked forward to ringing his doorbell, knowing they would be greeted with generous handfuls of candy and treats. Although he was quite vocal about not being a fan of winter, he delighted in Christmas and especially enjoyed giving gifts to those he cared about.

An outdoorsman at heart, Jerry found peace in the woods. A skilled hunter, he enjoyed the solitude of sitting quietly in a tree stand and cherished time spent deer hunting with his buddies and fishing with his kids. Whether in the woods, on the water, or surrounded by family, Jerry appreciated the moments that mattered most.

He leaves behind his three children, Christin Harvey, Kathryn (Jacob) Pritchard and Jacob (Danielle) Harvey. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Alicia, Paige and George, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Harvey; his siblings, Norma, Neil, Donald Jr. and John; extended family members; and many friends who will miss his kind heart, sense of humor and dependable nature.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (June 13, 2026) at Mentley Funeral Home in Gowanda. Family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Buffalo Hospice and Palliative Care or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.