Gilbert N. Backer

Ava- Gilbert N. Backer, 91, of East Ava Road, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after a brief illness with his loving companion, Anna Owens, by his side.

Affectionately known as Gil, he was born in Ava, on March 4, 1934, a son of Horace and Hattie Fox Backer. Gil grew up in Ava, where he attended a one room school, before moving to Boonville, with his family, where he graduated from Boonville Central School, with the Class of 1953.

On September 19, 1959, Gil married Constance Ross, which later ended in divorce. Together they had three children.

He was employed on his father’s dairy farm, on the East Ava Road, his brother, Willard’s saw mill, at Ava Corners and also at his father’s saw mill. Eventually Mr. Backer assumed operation of both the dairy farm and his own saw mill. In addition to his farm and saw mill operations, for thirty years Gil was employed as a machine operator at Revere Copper & Brass Co. of Rome.

Gil was a member of Ava Hilltop Methodist Church.

Gil will be fondly remembered as a person who was a brilliant and skilled mechanic who could fix, repair and restore any farm machinery and anything mechanical to the status of “running like a well oiled machine.”

He and Anna were avid dancers and card players, especially Pitch. People always commented on how they used to love to watch them dance. He greatly enjoyed his weekly breakfasts and conversations with friends and family at various McDonald’s and at the Milkplant Tavern. Most of all, Gil enjoyed being in the company of his family and friend’s get-togethers, where he could share his many stories. He loved conversations with any and all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Gil was predeceased by brothers, Raymond, Stanley, Willard, Douglas and Warren; sister, Jeanette Malone and their spouses and two step grandchildren, Vanessa Owens and Thomas Giannico.

Gil is survived by his loving companion of 50 years, Anna Owens; his children, Denise (EJ) Youngs, Kelley (Randy) Weiler and Rodney (Eileen) (Gydesen) Backer; one sister, Doris Spinelli; Stepchildren, Barbara (Joel Amidon) Owens, Darlene (Sam) Macri and Gordon (Cleste) Owens; three grandchildren Jeremy (Shawna) Youngs, Bradley (Kristen) Weiler and Jason (Heather) Backer and 8 great grandchildren. Also, step grandchildren, Jake (Erin) Gydesen, Sarah (Chad) Sturdevant, Nick Owens, Dan Goodman, Lance Macri, Jeff Macri, Luke Macri, Jason Owens, Carmen Thomas, Millie Giannico, Dominick Giannico, Michael Giannico, Claire Owens and Cate Owens, Patrick Giannico, Chris Giannico and thirty step great grandchildren.

Gil’s family would like to thank our step sister, Barb for her constant care and support she has provided over the years, and her “setting dad straight!” She has been a blessing.

His Funeral will be Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 12 Noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Pastor Samuel Macri, will officiate. Visitation hours will be Monday, January 19, 2026 from 4-7 P.M., and on Tuesday, from 10:00 A.M. until the services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Ava Cemetery, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Leyden Fire Company, P.O. Box 205, West Leyden, NY 13489.