Gerald Raymond Conklin, 89, died on April 1,2025 at his home in Pleasant Valley.
Born on September 6, 1935, he was the son of Raymond and Kathryn Doyle Conklin. He was a graduate of Arlington Central School, and Fredonia State College, with further degrees from Siena College and University of Vermont.  He taught music in Eden, NY, Putnam Valley, NY, University of Vermont and Hyde Park, NY.  He performed (trombone) with the Erie, Plattsburg, Hudson Valley and Vermont Symphony Orchestras.  He was the first conductor of both the Pleasant Valley Falcons Marching Band and Mid-Hudson Circus Concert Band.  He served as an Interfaith Choir Conductor for several years.
He was a life -long member of the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church and served as choir director for over forty years. He served several terms on the church Session and was active in the life of the church.

He retired from teaching in 1992 and became a vegetable farmer. He married Alta Marie Studer in 1959, and they enjoyed 66 years together.  He is survived by Alta and their three children: Pamela Owens of Pleasant Valley, Melissa Gilroy (Richard) of Pleasant Valley, and John Conklin of Pine Plains.  Also surviving are four grandsons: Bill Owens III, Dean Gilroy (Julia), Jon Gilroy, and Tyler Owens (Arianya) as well as five great-grandchildren: Billy IV, Matthew, Elizabeth, Adam and Rose.  He is also survived by a nephew, Scott Conklin and a niece Teri Townson, and by their mother, Joy Phebus. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Melvin Conklin.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11th, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home in Pleasant Valley.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church or the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association.