Peter J. Gifford

Mr. Peter J. Gifford, age 88, of State Route 28, Herkimer, NY (Town of Herkimer) passed away Tuesday evening July 14, 2026, at Foltsbrook Center. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 2, 1938, in Ilion NY, a son of the late Lynn and Anna (Stark) Gifford. Peter attended and graduated from Owen D. Young Central School, Class of 1955 where he was the class secretary. Peter joined the National Guard and a few years later he took over the family farm. He established Nearwood Farm and built a herd of registered Holsteins. On May 21, 1960, Peter and Wanda O. Szeflinski were joined in marriage at St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs, NY.

For several years in the late 1960s and 1970s Nearwood Farm was among the top performing milk producers in Herkimer County. Peter sold the farm in 1978 and started his second career as a farm loan officer for Herkimer County Trust. The family had relocated to Richfield Springs in 1978 and have resided in Herkimer since 1986. He was a lifetime member of the OHM Holstein Club. He enjoyed following Holstein news and continued to be active in the local farming community. He became involved with the Highland Rural Cemetery as board member and Treasurer. His greatest times were around family and friends. He was also an avid woodworker.

He is survived by his children Kevin P. Gifford and his wife Kathy of Claremont, NH; Bradley P. Gifford and his wife Susan M. of West Newbury, MA; and Althea F. Noyes and her husband Gary D. of Little Falls; grandchildren Miles O. Gifford, Stephanie M. Gifford, Maia E. Gifford, Tori A. Gifford, and Erin J. Roe and her husband Greg E.; great grandchildren Aubri M. Roe and Dawson D. Roe; nieces, nephews, cousins and many close special friends. Peter also leaves behind Harold and Lisa Chrisman who have been a special part of the family. He will also be missed by his dog Abby, truly a man’s best friend.

Peter will be greatly missed by all of those who were blessed to know him. A special thank you to Sharon Riesel Oldfield and the first floor staff at Foltsbrook for their care and compassion.

He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda O. Gifford in 2014; a brother Frank Gifford In 1974; and a brother-in-law Paul Szeflinski in 2013.

Funeral services will be held on Monday July 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Mohawk Reformed Church 20 South Otsego St. Mohawk, NY with Rev. Brian Engel, Pastor of the Mohawk Reformed Church officiating. Interment will take place in Highland Rural Cemetery, Jordanville, NY. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours prior to the funeral from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the Mohawk Reformed Church.

Peter's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea Family Funeral Home, Herkimer, New York. (315) 866-1011.

An online note of sympathy may be offered on the funeral home website www.eneafamily.com