Eugene Erford Secord, 90, of Hancock, NY, died on Friday, February 1, 2019. The eldest son of Erford Lynn and Iva (Hoagland) Secord, Gene was born in Hancock, NY, on September 13, 1928. After high school, Gene stayed in Hancock working at his family's business, the Star Restaurant, until he was drafted in 1948. He served as a drummer in an Army band and was honorably discharged. He was recalled to active duty as an infantryman during the Korean War where he was injured during combat. Gene returned to Hancock. In 1954 he married Dona Schaeffer Keel, in 1955 his daughter, Suze Arlene, was born. He moved his family to Weedsport, NY and then headed west to Texas, Arizona and finally, California. During his wanderings Gene sold motorcycles, was a milkman and chopped wood in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara. Gene spent his final years back in Hancock mowing lawns, shoveling snow and working for the NY Department of Transportation. He was a hard-working, kind and generous man. He was a son and a brother, a husband and a father. He was a Christian. Gene is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Arlene (Hunter), and his brother, Roger. He is survived by his daughter, Suze Crowley; her husband, Tim; granddaughters Kasia and Nicole Crowley; and his great-granddaughter, Zoe, all of California; and by his niece, Kathy F. Hunter, of Indiana. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11AM , in East Branch Cemetery, East Branch, NY. A gathering to remember, celebrate and honor Gene will follow at the Messenger Hall in Hancock, NY. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. SERVICES Graveside Saturday, May 18, 2019 East Branch Cemetery East Branch, NY