Obituary of Gorden Robert Voorhees

Gorden R. Voorhees, 73, of Eaton, NY, passed away on February 6, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

He was born on January 29, 1952, in LeRoy, NY the son of Robert Leslie Voorhees and Christel Theresa Schreiber.

Gorden was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America which sparked a life-long passion for cooking. He started his career as a chef which opened the doors to a long successful profession in hotel and restaurant management.  He was well-known in the community for his role in the growth and development of new restaurants and hotels through his creative vision and personal touch. Cooking and entertaining was how Gorden best expressed himself and one of the many ways he showed his love. After his retirement, Gorden also served as the treasurer for the Teamsters Local #182/294 retirees.

Gorden’s greatest gift and accomplishment was his family.  He was an amazing Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Papa, Uncle and friend.  Of all the hats he wore, “Papa” was his favorite.

Gorden loved his life on the lake at Bradley Brook.  Fishing was one of his absolute favorite things to do even though his sons always joked that he was terrible at it.  A day on the lake with a line in the water was never wasted even if there was no fish on the other end of it.

Gorden will be remembered for his many talents in life, but he will be most remembered for his sense of humor and ability to make everyone smile. He had an incredible ability to put everyone before himself and was a genuine, kind and caring individual who will be missed by so many.  He truly loved giving whatever he could to others, and he touched countless lives along the way.

Gorden is survived by his beloved wife Tina of 38 years; together with their cherished Jan they raised 4 sons and daughter-in-laws that they were very proud of.  Jeremy and Marie Voorhees of Buffalo, Matt and Brooke Voorhees of Westmoreland,  Ryan and Cassandra Voorhees of Canastota, and Tyler and Kelsey Voorhees of Verona; his adored grandchildren Ben, Carter, Garrett, Daxton, and a much anticipated baby girl due in May; his sister and brother-in-law, Gertrude and Carl Vinci of Reno, NV; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mike and Laurie DeBella of Westmoreland, Maria and Ted Morris of Oriskany Falls, and Vince and Beth DeBella of New Hartford; many nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Go-Go” Bobby, Anthony, Nick, Joey, Nina, and Olivia; his beloved mother and father-in-law Tony and Shirley DeBella ; his precious fur-baby Cooper; and his lifelong friend Jimmy Acchino of Rome. He was predeceased by his father Robert Voorhees; and his mother and stepfather Christel and James Spargo III.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Eldredge, Dr. Mian, Dr. Carillo, Dr. Raja and Dr. Patel along with their staff that granted us with many extra years we wouldn’t have had otherwise. In addition, the dedicated and compassionate ICU nurses at the Wynn Hospital during his final days.

Memorial contributions if desired should go to the Smithfield-Eaton Ambulance Corps. for their dedication and compassion in time of need.

In keeping with Gorden’s wishes, there are no public services. There will be a celebration of life at the lake on a sunny day with his family when the fish are biting.  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton, NY