1943-2026
Paul S. Coon, 82, of Penn Yan, passed away February 23, 2026. He was born November 18, 1943, in Penn Yan to Eldred “Pete” and Clara (Petersen) Coon and was the youngest of six children.
Paul began his education in a one-room schoolhouse on Second Milo Road before graduating from Penn Yan Academy in 1961. He continued his studies at Alfred State College, where he was an active member of the Psi Delta Omega fraternity, serving as recording secretary and forming many lifelong friendships. It was also there that he met his future wife, Gay Gemmill. The couple married on September 26, 1964, and shared 52 years together before Gay’s passing in May 2017.
After college, Paul began a varied career, first working as a draftsman at Walkerbilt in Penn Yan. When the company was sold in 1974, he turned his lifelong love of cars — including a 1964 Corvette Stingray and a late ’60s Camaro SS — into a sales position at Jolley Chevrolet, later known as Scott McCredy Chevrolet.
In 1983, Paul became Director of Weights and Measures for Yates County, earning the nickname “Scales Guy.” For 25 years, he traveled throughout the area inspecting and testing commercial scales before retiring in 2008.
The part-time county role allowed him to start his own business, Paul Coon Antiques. When he wasn’t checking scales, he was appraising items, searching for antiques, and selling them at shows, often with Gay by his side helping customers.
Outside of work, Paul stayed active in the community. A former junior varsity and varsity football player, he helped coach the Team Senecas in the Penn Yan Junior Football League, mentoring many young athletes, including players who went on to be part of the Mustangs’ historic 1976 championship team and later compete at the college and professional levels.
His interest in western art led him to work closely with Robert Rockwell of Rockwell Museum in Corning. He developed extensive knowledge in the field, and several of his Frederic Remington prints were included in the reference book “Remington: The Complete Prints.”
Paul was also an avid birder, participating in bird banding through the Audubon Society with his mentor Malcolm Lerch. He once considered studying at Cornell University before choosing Alfred. His love of nature extended to hunting and fishing, though he often said he most enjoyed the peace and companionship of time outdoors.
Later in life, he focused on improving his golf game at Lakeside Country Club. He encouraged Gay to take up the sport as well, leading to many happy years on the course and winter golf trips to warmer destinations.
Paul is survived by his sister, Ethel Acquilano; his daughters, Andrea Effinger and Jennifer Ball; granddaughters Lauren and Erin; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
He was predeceased by his wife, Gay; his parents; and siblings Joyce Sterns, Jeanette Switzer, Eldeen Fox, and Eldred “Pete” Coon. His family imagines a joyful reunion, where scales are balanced, antiques inspire, and birds sing in his honor.
At his request, there will be no formal service. A remembrance gathering will be held at Wagner Restaurant in Penn Yan on Thursday, March 19, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a brief reflection at 3:30 p.m. Friends are invited to bring photos and share stories.
Condolences may be shared through Weldon Funeral Home, which is assisting the family.
