Paul S. Coon

In loving memory of Paul S. Coon, who was born on November 18, 1943, in Penn Yan, New York, and passed away on February 23, 2026.

Born to Eldred "Pete" and Clara (Petersen) Coon, Paul was the youngest child in a family of six. After starting his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse on Second Milo Road, Paul graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1961 and continued his education at Alfred State College. He was an active member of Psi Delta Omega fraternity, serving as recording secretary and made many lasting memories and friendships. It was at Alfred he met his future wife, Gay Gemmill. They were married September 26, 1964 and shared 52 years together before Gay's passing in May, 2017.

After graduating from college, he started what would become a diverse career, first as a draftsman at Walkerbuilt in Penn Yan. When Walkerbilt was sold in 1974, Paul leveraged his love of cars, having himself owned both a 1964 Corvette Stingray and a late '60s Camaro SS, into a sales position at Jolley Chevrolet, which later became Scott McCredy Chevrolet. 

His next role was as the "Scales Guy" when he became Director of Weights and Measures for Yates County in 1983. He was a familiar sight as he traveled across the area performing his role for the county for 25 years until his retirement in 2008.

The part-time county position gave him the opportunity to start his own business, Paul Coon Antiques. When not checking scales for accuracy, Paul could be found doing appraisals for area residents, searching for antiques and then selling them at antique shows, where his wife, Gay, was at his side assisting with customers.

Paul had many interests outside of work. He played both junior varsity and varsity football in high school which gave him the foundation to help coach team Senecas in the Penn Yan Junior Football League. It was there that he shared his love of the game and was able to work with many young players, some of whom would become part of the Mustangs historic 1976 championship team and even go on to play football in college and professionally.

It was his particular interest in western art that led him to work closely with Robert Rockwell of the Rockwell Museum in Corning. He gained significant knowledge in this field, leading to having some of his Frederic Remington prints included in the book "Remington: The Complete Prints" which has become a valuable reference book for collectors of western art.

As an avid birder, Paul was involved in bird banding with his ornithology mentor, Malcolm Lerch, for the Audubon Society and had considered studying at Cornell University before ultimately choosing Alfred. This love of nature also extended to hunting and fishing, though he confessed he mostly enjoyed hanging out with his friends and the peace and quiet of the woods.

Later on, Paul would pursue improving his golf game, which was also fostered by Mr. Lerch, at the Lakeside Country Club. He talked Gay into learning to golf and becoming a member. This led to many years of enjoyment for both of them and also prompted golf vacations to warmer areas during the long winters.

Paul leaves behind his sister, Ethel Acquilano; two daughters, Andrea Effinger and Jennifer Ball; two granddaughters, Lauren and Erin; many nieces and nephews; friends and neighbors.

He joins his wife, Gay Coon, father, Eldred "Pete" Coon; mother, Clara Coon; and siblings Joyce Sterns, Jeanette Switzer, Eldeen Fox, and Eldred "Pete" Coon, along with numerous old friends, in eternal rest. We can only imagine the happy reunion, where scales are balanced, antiques continue to inspire, and the birds sing in his honor.

Per his wishes, there is no formal service, but his daughters will be hosting a remembrance gathering at the Wagner Restaurant in Penn Yan, on Thursday, March 19th from 2:30-4:30pm with a brief reflection from his girls at 3:30. Please come by with photos and stories of Paul's quiet, yet far reaching time during his long life in Penn Yan.

Remembrances and condolences may be posted in his guestbook at www.WeldonFuneralHome.com.  Weldon Funeral Home is assisting the family.