Gerald F. Wight, Jr.

Cuba– Gerald F. Wight Jr.

Gerald Fredrick Wight, Jr. of Cuba passed away Monday (May 4, 2026) at home surrounded by his loved ones. A longtime coach, teacher, and volunteer in the Cuba area, Gary touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love and respect.

Gary was born July 25, 1949, in Olean, New York to Athelene and Gerald. On June 10, 1978, at St. Barnabus Church in Annandale, Virginia, he married his wife, Anne Nicholson, who continues to live in Cuba.

Gary graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1967, then went to East Carolina University where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in health education. He began teaching at Cuba Central School in 1972 where he would spend the next 42 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. Throughout his tenure, he coached wrestling, track and field, basketball, cross country, and more. He earned many honors including Section V and New York State Coach of the Year, a basketball State Championship title in 1979, a State Final in 1987, numerous county and sectional championships, and induction into the Big 30 and Allegany County Halls of Fame. His proudest accomplishments were his numerous honors centered around sportsmanship and character, as he always emphasized the value of respect both on and off the court.

Gary loved to spend his time surrounded by his family watching sports. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, St. Bonaventure Bonnies, and Boston Red Sox, and he loved arguing with anyone who supported the Yankees. Even after he left Cuba-Rushford School, he served on the Board of Education, volunteered with youth sports, and continued to follow each and every game. He loved to support his many grandchildren in their athletic endeavors, watching first from the stands then from the couch in his final months. He was the first to offer (often unsolicited) advice to his children who continue to coach school sports and carry on his legacy.

Gary is survived by his eight children: Michael Wight, Jennifer (Brian) Whiteman, Daniel (Ahmad) Wight, Patrick (Elise) Wight, Christopher (Brenda) Wight, Aaron (Rachel) Wight, Thomas Wight, and Rob (Adreanna) Wight. He leaves behind a large, loving family full of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, John (Carol), and has five surviving siblings: Dave (Vye) Wight, Mimi (Fred) Shaner, Bob (Val) Wight, Tom (Debbie) Wight, and Scott Wight.

Visitation will be held at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Genesee Pkwy, Cuba on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00pm. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial scholarship at the Cuba-Rushford School.